Register–
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Welcome to Roller Express

Back by popular demand, experience Union’s free roller skating experience in the TD West Carriageway.

Hours

Sun - Fri 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sat (all ages) 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat (19+) 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
New Years Eve 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
New Years Day 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Union Winter rink is closed on December 24, 25, and 26, 2024.

Roller Express Programming

We are keeping the good times rolling all season long!
Check out our programs below:

Roller Express Programming–

Register before you roll

All guests must pre-register for the Roller Express. Pre-registration is available for 2-hour timeslots within the hours of operation:
11:00 AM–1:00 PM, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM (Sat 9:00 PM-11:00 PM)

  1. Register

    Pre-register online for any one of the available time slots during operating hours.

  2. Check-in

    Bring your registration confirmation QR code to Roller Express.

  3. Rent

    Grab your free skate rentals! You’ll need a physical piece of government issued photo ID and a pair of socks.

  4. Have fun!

    Don’t forget to be nice to staff and fellow skaters.

See Registration Requirements–

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GENERAL FAQs–

Where is the Roller Express?

The Roller Express is in the TD West Carriageway, located on the north west side of Union Station, one level below the Great Hall. It is beside the restaurant Amano, and close to the Union Station Security Office.

Here’s a handy map for you!

What are the Roller Express operating hours?

The Roller Express is open from Nov 28 2024 to Feb 2 2025.

Hours

  • Sun-Fri: 11:00 AM – 8:30PM
  • Sat: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM all ages, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM 19+
  • Union Winter rink is closed on December 24, 25, and 26, 2024.
  • New Years Eve hours: 1:30 PM –8:30 PM
  • New Years Day hours: 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM

All guests must pre-register for the Roller Express. Pre-registration is available for 2-hour timeslots within the hours of operation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Sat 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

How do I register for a time slot to skate?

All guests are required to pre-register for the Roller Express. Pre-registration is available for 2-hour timeslots within the hours of operation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Sat 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Learn more about pre-registration here.

Click here to register.

Do I have to purchase tickets?

The Roller Express is a FREE ticketed experience!

For regular hours, there is no charge for entry, skate rentals, protective equipment rentals, or rink time, however all guests are required to pre-register for the Roller Express for all time slots. Pre-registration is available for 2-hour timeslots within the hours of operation. Learn more about pre-registration here.

Please note that to participate in the free skate and protective equipment rental, you must provide a physical piece of government-issued ID which will be held until you return your skates.

Is there an age limit?

The Roller Express is open to guests of all ages!

Guests 17 and under require a parent/guardian to sign the participation waiver on their behalf and should have a physical piece of government-issued ID, such as a Health Card or Passport, for their skate rentals.

Children 12 and under will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian, who can also provide their physical ID to rent skates on behalf of the child.

There will be special events on Saturday nights, our 19+ Winter Mixers, from 6:30 PM -11:00 PM that will be for guests 19+ only.

Do I need to sign a waiver?

All skaters must agree to a digital participation waiver during the ticket booking process, for entry to the Roller Express. Guests 17 and under must have parent or guardian book tickets on their behalf.

The waiver is included as part of the ticketing process as a condition of booking the time slot. If you would like to see the contents of the waiver click here.

Is there a limit to how long I can skate for?

Yes. You will have a 2-hour time slot, starting at the beginning of the time slot you registered for. For example, if your time slot is 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, you will be permitted entry at 11am, and will need to leave the space by 1pm. Please take into account the time required to rent, put on, remove and return skates within the 2 hr time slot.

What do I need to bring to be allowed into the Roller Express?

To enter the Roller Express, you must bring:

  • Email confirmation for your reserved timeslot
  • Physical piece of government-issued ID
  • Socks

Why do I need to bring a physical piece of government-issued ID?

To rent skates and protective equipment, you must provide staff with a physical piece of government-issued ID which will be held until you return your skates.

Parents/guardians can provide their physical ID to rent skates on behalf of their child.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

Non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted on the rink surface. Please remove salt or dirt from the wheels prior to accessing the skate surface.

For other accessibility devices, guests should speak to staff members onsite about whether they require any accommodations at the rink, including before use of any assistive devices so that staff can monitor and assist where possible.

Support persons will be allowed on the rink only if they are wearing skates. Service animals are not permitted on the skate surface for the safety of the animal and other patrons using the rink.

Is there parking?

There are a few nearby parking lots but the best way to access the Roller Express at Union Station is by transit! Guests can use the TTC and arrive to Union station, take any number of GO Transit trains and buses, or take the UP express to the Station!

This is my first-time roller-skating; can I still come?

Absolutely! In addition to the incredible, 300’ long rink path, we have a designated “Learn to Skate” area for those who are new to roller-skating. We also have free skating lessons on Tuesdays at 4:30pm or Sundays at 11:30am where you can learn the basics. Please register for the timeslot that your desired lesson falls within to access skate lessons.

SKATE & EQUIPMENT RENTALS –

How do I rent roller skates?

Please note that there are limited rentals available and that rentals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

To participate in our free skate and protective gear rental program, patrons will be asked to provide a government issued identification card as a deposit at skate pickup. Your identification will be returned when the skates and/or protective gear are returned. Credit cards, student ID, phones etc. are not an acceptable form of ID.

We offer quad skates ranging in sizes 7 Youth to US Men’s size 13. Children 12 and under are required wear full protective gear (helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards) which is available to rent free of charge.

All skate and helmet rentals are sanitized between use. Roller skates and/or gear must remain on the Union Winter grounds at all times. For hygienic reasons, please make sure to bring a pair of socks!

Is there protective gear to rent?

Yes! We have helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads available to rent for free.

We strongly recommend new skaters use protective gear, especially helmets.

Children 12 and under are required to wear all 4 pieces of protective gear.

What’s the cost to rent?

All roller skate and gear rentals are free!

Please note that to rent skates and protective equipment, you must provide a physical piece of government-issued ID which will be held until you return your skates.

BRING YOUR OWN SKATES

Can I bring my own skates?

Yes! If you have a favourite pair of roller skates, inline skates, or rollerblades, we invite you to wear them onsite; just make sure your wheels are clean and free of any debris. Please note that micro, mini, glass, or fibreglass wheels will not be allowed. Skaters must abide by our rules and regulations for safe enjoyment of the rink for everyone!

What about rollerblades?

You can bring your rollerblades; just make sure your wheels are clean and free of any debris ! You will need to check your wheels- Please note that micro, mini, glass, or fibreglass wheels will not be allowed.

Do I need special wheels?

Please check your wheels! We do not allow micro, mini or fibreglass wheels. Your roller skate must be able to roll over 3 quarters without the quarters hitting your trucks. No bolts sticking out of the wheels. If your plate has a spot for a toe stop, you must have a toe stop or plug.

KIDS

Is this a kid-friendly rink?

Absolutely! This is a rink for the whole family.

Guests 17 and under must have their safety waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The waiver is included as part of the registration process.

Children 12 and under must be supervised by a parent/guardian, who must be present at the rink while their child is skating.

The rink will not be open to those under the age of 19 on Saturday Nights from 6:30pm – 11pm, when we host our 19+ Winter Mixer events.

Do kids need to wear protective gear?

Yes, children 12 and under must wear full protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. These are available to rent for free!

Helmets are strongly recommended for all skaters 12 and up.

Do I need to skate with my child?

We recommend that young children skate in the Learn to Skate area until they are comfortable on their skates. This allows for better parental supervision since the rink is smaller. For parents of children 12 and under, if you are on the rink surface, you must be on skates.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

What is the 19+ Winter Mixer event?

Winter Mixer is our dedicated 19+ skate session on Saturday nights from 6:30pm- 11pm. Join us for live DJ’s, themed nights, and quench your thirst with a free drink compliments of Muskoka Brewery! Registration for our Winter Mixer is through our registration system and is a free ticket. Skate rentals are free, and you will also be provided with a voucher for 1 free drink, courtesy of Muskoka. Please bring your ID to present at the door to verify your age. You will be wrist-banded upon entry and there will be no in/out privileges.

Will there be free roller-skating lessons?

We have a separate skating surface dedicated to learning how to skate. This is available during all operational hours.

We will also have free scheduled lessons with instructors Tuesday at 4:30 PM and Sundays at 11:30 AM. To participate, please ensure that you register online for either the Tuesday 4-6pm time slot or the Sunday 11-12 time slot to enter the Roller Rink. Lesson registration will be in-person onsite, starting 15 min prior to the lesson on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited spots available.

When are Union Beats Skate Nights?

Union Beats Skate Nights are on Fridays from 4:00-8:30pm. Get groovy with the hottest DJ’s in town spinning live rink side.

Is there food onsite?

We currently don’t have any food/drinks available in the TD West Carriageway but we invite you explore all the food & drink options at the station! We recommend you fill your waterbottle at a bottle filling station (the closest is in the York Concourse) before entering the space to ensure you stay hydrated!

Can I book the rink for my holiday party?

We do not currently do bookings for groups. Pre-registration for a specific time slot is required to enter the Roller Express. Guests can pre-register up to 1 adult ticket and 3 child tickets at a time. This is to ensure that individuals agree to the waiver as part of the registration only on behalf of themselves.

To ensure the rink is open and accessible to all who want to enjoy this special event, we will not be booking private parties.

In-Kind Donations

Roller Express Rules & Regulations

Roller Express Rules & Regulations

For the safety and enjoyment of all patrons and skaters please respect the following rules:

Skating

  1. We ask all persons on the roller rink to skate in a counter-clockwise direction.
  2. Yield to faster roller skaters. If you’re a beginner or skating at a slower pace, be aware of faster skaters approaching from behind. Move to the side or into the centre of the rink to allow them to pass safely. Avoid sudden stops or changes in direction that could potentially cause accidents.
  3. No fast or reckless roller skating, weaving in and out, skating backwards, playing tag, pushing, or skating in any manner that will jeopardise others. No stopping, sitting, or lying on the roller rink floor.
  4. When exiting the roller skating surface, look for an opening and exit very carefully!
  5. Absolutely no bullying, pushing, tripping, horseplay or interfering with other roller skaters.
  6. If you have never roller skated before and are unsure, please use the “Learn to Skate” area until you feel comfortable on the large rink.We ask all persons on the rink to skate in a counter-clockwise direction.
  7. The following are NOT permitted on the roller rink surface:
    1. Food & drinks, including chewing gum
    2. Bags/luggage
    3. Strollers
    4. Animals
    5. Headphones
    6. Heelies
  8. Do not leave garbage on the roller rink surface.

Children

  1. Children 12 years and under must be supervised by a parent or guardian. All children 12 years and under must wear full protective gear, including a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads, which are available to rent for free, or skaters can bring their own gear.
  2. Patrons are NOT permitted to carry children or animals on the roller rink surface, including baby carriers/slings.

Personal Belongings

  1. If you have your phone, camera or other device on you while you are roller skating, we are not responsible for any damage or destruction of the item that may result while roller skating. Like when driving, texting or listening to music with earphones or headphones while roller skating can distract you from other skaters around you and prevent you from hearing session announcements, which can be a safety hazard to you and other skaters.
  2. Pack light. There are limited cubbies available to store your belongings. There is no luggage or locker storage at Roller Express. Osmington (Union Station) Inc., The Toronto-Dominion Bank and The City of Toronto do not accept responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Skates & Skate Rentals

  1. Roller skates must be worn at all times on the rink surface. Rental skates cannot be taken out of the TD West Carriageway.
  2. Outside roller skates and roller blades are allowed on the rink but are subject to inspection by Roller Express staff upon entering the TD West Carriageway.
    1. No micro, mini or fibreglass wheels. Your roller skate must be able to roll over 3 quarters without the quarters hitting your trucks. No bolts sticking out of the wheels. If your plate has a spot for a toe stop, you must have a toe stop or plug.
  3. Socks must be worn with use of rental roller skates.

Safety

  1. It is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA-approved helmet while on the roller rink. Helmets can be rented for free at the skate rental booth, or guests can bring their own.
  2. Patrons are NOT permitted to access the roller rink outside of approved operating times.
  3. Any persons showing intoxication will not be permitted on the roller rink, including but not limited to intoxication from alcohol and cannabis.
  4. Report all accidents, injuries and misconduct to staff immediately.
  5. Please respect, listen to and follow instructions from staff at all times. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who is abusive or disrespectful towards staff.
  6. Any person not complying with the roller rink rules will be asked to leave.
No smoking, vaping, or loitering

Notice – “Assumption of Risk”

  1. PATRONS USING THE ROLLER SKATING RINK DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ROLLER SKATING AND RINK USAGE; THESE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
    1. INJURIES FROM COLLISIONS OR CONTACT WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THE ROLLER RINK SURFACE
    2. INJURIES FROM FALLS;
    3. RISK OF TRANSMISSION AND ACQUISITION OF COVID-19.
  2. Osmington (Union Station) Inc., The Toronto-Dominion Bank and The City of Toronto do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, expense, illness or injury including death from the patrons use of or presence on the roller skating facility or travel beyond the roller skating area boundary, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, INCLUDING ANY DUTY OF CARE UNDER THE OCCUPIERS’ LIABILITY ACT, RSO1990, c.02
  3. Osmington (Union Station) Inc., The Toronto-Dominion Bank and The City of Toronto do not accept responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any personal belongings left unattended on these premises.
  4. Do not attend if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever and/or chills, cough or barking cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, fatigue, lethargy and/or muscle aches/joint pain, nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea); have been advised to isolate by a physician, health care provider or public health unit; have been identified or live with someone who has been identified as a “close contact” of someone with COVID-19 in the past 10 days; have tested positive on a rapid antigen or home based self-testing kit in the past 10 days; have or live with someone who has travelled outside of Canada and has been advised to quarantine in the past 14 days; or live with someone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and/or is waiting for test results after experiencing symptoms.
    1. To ensure the safety of our patrons, Union Station will be following COVID-19 protocols as outlined by the Ontario Public Health guidelines.
  5. Roller skating is not recommended for guests with asthma, epilepsy, seizure disorders, if pregnant or if you suffer from brittle bones, high blood pressure, heart problems, joint injuries, back or neck problems, ankle or knee weakness, or any other condition that could be aggravated by this activity. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
  6. By participating in this activity, you consent to providing your name and contact information during the registration process. Personal information belonging to you will only be disclosed as required by law.