Free Skating–

Join us for an incredible free skating experience at Union Station.

As of Jan 2nd, Union Winter will be walk-in event only.

Welcome to Union Winter presented by TD!

We are so excited to bring back our extended outdoor skating rink along with free skate rentals from Nov 28 – January 29, 2023.

The Programming and Special Events Team at Union Station are proud to share this special outdoor skating experience in the heart of the city.  Our hope is to create moments of joy with this truly Canadian winter activity as we strive to foster connectedness amongst communities and bring Toronto together. 

Rink-goers can immerse themselves in an environment that welcomes all levels of skaters and fun. Whether you are an avid skater or someone lacing up a pair of skates for the first time, we know that this rink will brighten up your day.  If you don’t own skates, no problem – we have a free skate rental program open to all.  To ensure your safety and the safety of others, we ask that you please follow all the rules posted.  There will be DJ skate nights on Fridays and Saturdays as well as weekly free skating lessons on Tuesdays.  

For all the shopping enthusiasts, we invite you to explore our unique indoor retail and dining options.  Throughout the month of December, Union will host a number of pop-up musical performances  inside the station that will certainly put you in a good mood

So what are you waiting for?  

Union Winter would not be possible without all our incredible staff, sponsors and – most of all – you.

What days will the rink be open?

The rink is open every day from November 28th to January 29th, except on Christmas Day, December 25th and Boxing Day, December 26th. The rink will close early at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve, December 24th

What are the hours of operation for the skating rink?

  • Sunday – Wednesday – 11:00 am.to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday – Saturday – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • The rink will close early at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve, December 24th

Is registration required?

Please note that as of January 2nd, 2023, Union Winter will be a walk-up event only and pre-registration requirements will end. Participants will still be required to sign a waiver upon arrival at the rink, but no advanced registration will be needed!

Walk-in spots are available for each of our hourly skating slots on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes! As of January 2nd, 2023 Union Winter will be walk-in event only. Walk-in spots are available for each of our hourly skating slots on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival at the the rink.

What are the COVID protocols?

To ensure the safety of our patrons, Union Winter will be enforcing COVID-19 protocols that strictly adhere to Ontario Public Health guidelines. While face coverings and proof of vaccination are no longer required, we encourage everyone to participate in any way they feel most comfortable.
To provide for social distancing and a safe skating experience without overcrowding, Union Winter will be operating at a capacity of 50 people on the rink.

Skating slots have been programmed with 15min between groups in order to provide time for sanitization onsite and to encourage social distancing during the turnover. All skate rentals are sanitized between use.

Upon arrival at Union Winter, you will be asked to provide a contact name and phone number and complete a waiver.

How do the free skate rentals work?

Ice skates and helmets are available for free at Union Winter. Please note that there are limited rentals available and that rentals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

To participate in our free skate/helmet rental program, patrons will be asked to provide a government issued identification card as a deposit at skate/helmet pickup. Your identification will be returned when the ice skates and/or helmet are returned.

We have 20 youth sized helmets and 5 adult sized helmets available for rent. Helmets are highly encouraged on the rink and are required for children under the age of 6.

All skate and helmet rentals are sanitized between use. Ice skates and/or helmets must remain on the Union Holiday grounds at all times .

Can I bring my own skates?

You are welcome to bring your own skates to the rink!

Will there be free skating lessons?

Yes! We are offering free skating lessons by Skate Canada certified coaches every Tuesday in December and January from 1-2pm. Additionally, we have added free lessons on Sundays January 8, 22 and 29 from 11am-12pm. To participate in the skating lessons, please arrive at the rink about 15min prior to the lesson to secure a walk-in spot for the lesson.  Participants will be required to sign an additional waiver onsite. Skating lessons are capped at 16 participants for everyone’s safety on the ice and slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The rink will still be open for regular skaters not participating in the lessons through walk-ins.

When are Union Beats Skate Nights?

Union Beats Skate Nights- Sponsored by TD are on Friday and Saturdays from 4-9 p.m. DJ’s will be mixing live from rinkside to amplify your skating experience. Click here to see our DJ lineup!

Does Union Winter accept school bookings?

We love to see teachers/administrators looking for enriching activities for their students! If you are looking to plan a free skating experience for your class, please reach out to events@torontounion.ca at least 2 weeks in advance of your planned trip. Please note that our rink capacity is max 50 people and skating slots are for 45min of ice time. Although Union does offer free skate & helmet rentals, we do encourage those who have skates to bring them to ensure our inventory can accommodate your group.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

Guests should indicate during registration whether they require any accommodations at the rink. Please check in with ice rink staff before use of any assistive devices so that staff can monitor and assist where possible.

Please note: only non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted on the ice. Support persons will be allowed on the ice only if they are wearing skates. A separate registration is required for each support person. If you are using a wheelchair, please remove salt or dirt from the wheels prior to accessing the ice. Service animals are not permitted on the ice for the safety of the animal and other patrons using the rink.

House Rules of Conduct–

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

  1. 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 an rapid antigen or home based self-testing kit in the past 10 days, have received a COVID Alert exposure notification in the past 10 day, have or live with someone who has travelled outside of Canada and has been advised to quarantine in the past 14 days, live with someone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and/or is waiting for test results after experiencing symptoms.
  2. To ensure the safety of our patrons, Union Holiday will be enforcing COVID-19 protocols that strictly adhere to Ontario Public Health guidelines. We strongly recommend that all patrons be vaccinated.
  3. We ask all persons on the ice to skate in a counter-clockwise direction.
  4. No figure skating maneuvers, erratic/speed skating or skating backwards.
  5. Absolutely no bullying, pushing, tripping, horseplay or interfering with other skaters.
  6. Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian who is on the ice at all times.
  7. Patrons are NOT permitted to carry children or animals on the ice – including baby carriers/slings.
  8. The following are NOT permitted on the ice
    • Food & drinks
    • Bags/luggage
    • Hockey sticks, pucks or other sticks
    • Sleds, toboggans, strollers, skating aids
    • Animals
  9. Pack light and keep your personal belongings on you at all times. Lockers are not available. Osmington (Union Station) Inc., The Toronto-Dominion Bank and The City of Toronto do not accept responsibility for lost or stolen items.
  10. Please leave the Union Holiday grounds immediately following your allotted ice time.
  11. Do not leave garbage on the ice.
  12. No smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption or loitering. Any persons showing intoxication will not be permitted on ice.
  13. Ice skates must be worn at all times on the ice.
  14. It is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA approved helmet while on the ice. Children under the age of 6 are required to wear a CSA approved helmet while on the ice.
  15. Patrons are NOT permitted to access the rink outside of approved operating times, while ice resurfacing is in effect or during inclement weather.
  16. Report all accidents, injuries and misconduct to staff immediately.
  17. 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.

Assumption of Risk

  1. PATRONS USING THE RINK DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ICE SKATING AND RINK USAGE; THESE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
    1. INJURIES FROM COLLISIONS OR CONTACT WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THE ICE 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 skating facility or travel  beyond the 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. By participating in this activity, you consent to providing your name and contact information during the registration and check-in process. You also agree to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Personal information belonging to you will only be disclosed as required by law.