GENERAL FAQs–
Where is the Union Winter Roller Express rink?
Located on the middle level of Toronto’s Union Station, you will find the Roller Express rink in the TD West Carriageway. It is easiest to find the entrance near Amano restaurant, across from Union Chicken and Wvrst restaurants. Here’s a handy map for you!
What are your operating hours?
The Union Winter Roller Express is open from Dec 1 2023 to Feb 4 2023.
Hours of Operation
- Sun-Wed: 11am-8pm
- Thu-Fri:11am-10pm
- Sat: 11am-11pm*
*closed between 6-7pm to prepare for our Beats & Boogie 19+ Nights (7-11pm)
The rink will be closed December 24, 25, & 26.
On all dates, the last skaters will be admitted to the event 45min before closing.
New Years Eve – Sunday, Dec 31st
- The rink is open to the general public from 1PM – 8PM. * Closed from 8PM – 9PM*
- Open for All-Ages NYE party: 9PM – 12:45AM
New Years Day – Monday, January 1st
- The rink is opening later to the general public from 1PM – 8PM
Do I need to reserve a spot?
No need! You can walk into the rink and enjoy. We recommend filling out the digital participation waiver online ahead of your arrival to get you on the rink faster!
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
The rink is a FREE experience! There is no charge for entry, rentals, or rink time. We have some awesome food and drink that will be available for purchase in the TD West Carriageway.
Is there an age limit?
The rink is open to guests of all ages! Children 12 and under will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian. All guests 18 and under require a parent/guardian to sign the participation waiver on their children’s behalf and should have ID, such as a Health Card or Passport for their skate rentals. Parents can sign on their children’s behalf in advance by using the digital waiver.
There will be special events on Saturday nights from 7pm -11pm that will be for guests 19+ only. ID’s will need to be provided for entry.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
All skaters must sign a digital participation waiver upon entry to the rink. Guests 18 and under must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian. You can sign the digital waiver here in advance of your arrival to speed up your check in! Parents can sign on their children’s behalf in advance by using this digital waiver. You will need to show proof of waiver at the door (you will get a confirmation email after signing). This does not guarantee skip the line/express entry.
For walk-up guests, there will be a QR code to scan to fill out the digital waiver on your device, and an iPad available if your phone is not compatible.
Is there a limit to how long I can skate for?
We recommend that you enjoy the rink for one hour because after all, there are other cool things to check out around Union Station! You can enjoy a snack, a drink, a skating lesson or perhaps catch a free giveaway during the Holiday season. Please be mindful, that during busy times, we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the rink so please do not linger if you are done skating.
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!
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 required to sign a waiver during registration and 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, kneed pads, elbow pads and wrist pads available to rent. These are free to rent with your skates.
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?
You heard it -all skate and gear rentals are free!
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.
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! Please note that no micro, mini, glass, or fibreglass wheels will be allowed, and make sure your wheels are clean and free of any debris. Skaters must abide by our rules and regulations for safe enjoyment of the rink for everyone!
What about rollerblades?
You can bring your rollerblades! You will need to check your wheels- Please note that no micro, mini, glass, or fibreglass wheels will be allowed, and make sure your wheels are clean and free of any debris.
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.
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, when we host our Beats & Boogie Event.
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 Beats & Boogie event?
Beats & Boogie is our dedicated 19+ skate session on Saturday nights from 7pm- 11pm. Join us for live DJ’s, themed nights, and quench your thirst with an alcoholic bevvy available for purchase! Please bring your ID to present at the door. Entry is free – You will be wrist-banded upon entry and there will be no in/out privileges.
Will there be free roller-skating lessons?
Yes! We have a separate skating surface dedicated to learning how to skate. This is available during all operational hours. We will also have scheduled lessons with instructors Sunday: 3pm – 5pm/Tuesday: 6pm – 8pm where you can drop in on a first-come, first-serve and learn from a professional instructor. If you would like to participate in the lessons, you will need to sign an additional waiver, which will be available onsite.
When are Union Beats Skate Nights?
Union Beats Skate Nights are on Fridays from 5-9pm. Get groovy with the hottest DJ’s in town spinning live rink side. Entry is free!
What other fun activities are planned?
Join us at the Roller Express to “rink” in the new year! From 9PM – 12:45AM on New Years Eve, come skate away 2023 with a free celebration in the TD West Carriageway filled with live music, fun activities, good eats, and special prize giveaways. Get Ready to roll into 2024!
Limited pre-registration spots are available—remaining walk-up spots will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis dependent on capacity. All ages welcome. Entry is free – There will be no in-out privileges for this event.
Is there food onsite?
Yes! There we have a Snack Bar onsite with food available for purchase by Amano, Union Chicken and Wvrst. If you are in the mood for something else, there are over 40 retailers and restaurants at Union Station where you can grab a snack or a meal. All food must be consumed within the cafe area and cannot be brought onto the rink surface.
Can I book the rink for my holiday party?
The rink is open to the public at any time, and you are welcome to come with a group of pals for the perfect afternoon or evening skate! If you have a large group coming, we request that you reach out to us at info@torontounion.ca so that we can ensure we can accommodate the skate sizing.
To ensure the rink is open and accessible to all who want to enjoy this special event, we will not be booking private holiday parties.