You’ve heard of walking trails, snowmobile trails, 4×4 trails, and many others. But have you ever heard of ice skating trails?
Yes, ice skating trails. In Canada, they’re a thing. Whether you’re skating across the surface of a frozen lake or river, or on carefully groomed bike paths turned to ice in the winter, outdoor skating is a new take on Canada’s favorite pastime.
In recent years, there’s been a shift toward getting out of the arena and into nature, and many communities have built ice skating loops and trails.
Here are some of the most popular ice skating trails in the Great Frozen North, listed by province
Alberta
The IceWay in Edmonton is only in its second year of existence. While it was originally envisioned by its designer to be a commuting trail, the city made this 3-kilometer trail, which extends through the forest of Victoria Park, as a recreational one.
British Columbia
Lake Windermere Whiteway is a 34-kilometer track that runs around the lake and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere. The track is divided into sections for skating, skate-skiing, and cross-country skiing.
Manitoba
Red River Mutual Trail is 5 kilometers of trails along the Assiniboine and Red Rivers in Winnipeg. It has multiple access points and warming huts, which you’ll need given Winnipeg’s famously frigid winter temperatures. Better yet, it’s smoothed by a Zamboni for optimal skating experience.
Ontario
Arrowhead Provincial Park Ice Skating Trail in Huntsville, Ontario, was created in 2012, and it’s become one of the most popular winter attractions in the province. It’s about 1.3 kilometers long and winds through the park’s forest.
MacGregor Point Ice Skating Loop, located in Port Elgin, is only about 400 meters long, but it’s set in beautiful MacGregor Point Provincial Park, on the edge of Lake Huron. The shortness of the trail makes it good for families with young kids.
Rideau Canal Skateway is the most famous skating trail in Canada. This year marks its 47th season. The trail runs through Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and its 7.8 kilometers take commuters and recreational skaters from Dow’s Lake to downtown.
Quebec
Magog Skating Trail is about 2.5 kilometers long and winds along the edge of Lake Mephrémagog, a glacial lake that borders the town of Magog in Quebec and Newport, Vermont, in the U.S. It has warming huts at either end, so if you get chilly, there’s a heated reward in wait.
Skateway on the Rivière l’Assomption, located in Joliette, is said to be the longest river skateway in North America. Its 9 kilometers of trail features a double track so that more people can easily use it, and includes a walking trail along the edge.
Yukon
Shipyards Skating Loop, located in Whitehorse, is a rollerblading and bike trail that becomes a skating loop in the wintertime. Warming huts are available on site, and you’ll need them!
To learn more about these trails, see photos of them, and find out where you can get information on ice conditions, visit this Treehugger.com slideshow.
Photo: Rideau Canal Skateway, CC-BY-NC-ND National Capital Commission