Winter in Niagara Falls transforms the region into a sparkling wonderland. Frost-dusted trees, crisp air, and the occasional glint of sunlight on frozen surfaces create the perfect backdrop for outdoor skating. Visitors can explore a variety of rinks, from community-run spaces to luxurious hotel gardens, each offering a unique way to enjoy the season.
Niagara Falls: Community Outdoor Rinks
The City of Niagara Falls hosts a network of outdoor rinks that showcase the charm of Canadian winter. These natural ice surfaces are maintained by local volunteers, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. Skating here allows for an authentic, community-focused experience, whether practicing hockey skills or enjoying a leisurely glide.
Rink Locations & Hours
Open daily from dawn to dusk, these rinks provide easy access across neighborhoods:
- John N Allan Park 6980 Kalar Road
- Maple Street Park 5100 Maple Street
- Mount Carmel Park 7806 Mt Carmel Blvd
- Preakness Park 7857 Preakness Street
- Fernwood Park 9260 Hendershot Blvd
- Robert F. Keighan Park 8030 Beaverton Blvd
- Chippawa West Park 9327 Emerald Ave
These local rinks offer a charming, no-frills skating experience perfect for families, hockey enthusiasts, or anyone looking to embrace the crisp winter air.
Safety & Guidelines
- Rinks are unsupervised, so ice conditions should be checked before skating.
- Helmets and protective gear are strongly recommended, particularly for children.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Food, drinks, glass, pets, smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.
- Report any hazards or maintenance needs via Niagara Falls park concerns
These community rinks highlight local engagement and provide a charming, casual skating experience for visitors seeking a more authentic connection to the area.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Pillar and Post Ice Rink
526 Regent St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
The Pillar and Post Inn and Spa offers an ice rink set amidst carefully landscaped gardens, creating a cozy, scenic retreat for winter recreation. Visitors can skate against a backdrop of winter greenery, enjoy warm beverages from The OutPost, and take part in seasonal events that blend leisure and entertainment.
Hours (subject to weather conditions):
- Monday–Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Skate Rentals & Safety
- Skate rentals are available for $5 at The OutPost; supply is limited.
- Helmets are required for skaters under 12, with free helmet rentals available.
Special Event: Silent Disco on Ice
Fridays in January 2026 (2, 16, 23, 30) from 6:00–9:00 p.m., skaters can enjoy a 45-minute disco session on ice with a live DJ, wireless headphones, and seasonal treats from The OutPost. This event combines music, movement, and winter charm in a unique, interactive experience. Advance booking is required.
Book Silent Disco on Ice
The Great One’s Backyard Rink – Wayne Gretzky Estates
1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
This rink offers a premium winter experience in a private, scenic backyard setting. Skaters enjoy a sense of Canadiana while warming up at the heated Whisky Bar Patio or indulging in Chef Maurice’s winter-inspired menu. The rink blends social, recreational, and community-focused experiences for visitors of all ages.
Season & Hours
- Open: Early December – Early March, weather permitting
- Updates: Instagram @GretzkyEstates
Admission & Rentals
- $5 per guest; children 12 and under skate free
- Wine Club members receive discounted access
- Limited rental skates available ($10/$5 for members); sanitized before and after use
- Guests are encouraged to bring their own skates for best availability
Events
- Project Share Skate Days: Skate free with a nonperishable food donation
- Community Skate Days: Proceeds support local Niagara charities
- Valentine’s Day DJ Night: February 14, 3:00–7:00 PM, DJ spinning from the Club Lounge Balcony
This rink combines picturesque scenery with seasonal entertainment, offering a memorable winter experience that emphasizes family, community, and Canadian traditions.
St. Catharines: Volunteer-Run Outdoor Rinks
St. Catharines hosts several volunteer-managed outdoor rinks that offer skating in a friendly, small-town environment. Ice conditions vary with weather, and updates are shared through local social media channels.
Locations
- Port Weller Community Rink – Bogart Street Park (Facebook)
- Walkers Creek Outdoor Rink – Walker’s Creek Park (Instagram)
Skating & Hours
- Family Skate: Morning and afternoon sessions
- Hockey: Midday and evening sessions
- Ice is maintained regularly, improving over time for smooth surfaces
These volunteer-driven rinks provide authentic, community-focused skating experiences, ideal for families, local residents, and visitors looking for a quieter winter outing.
Lincoln and Grimsby
- Hilary Bald Park — A cozy outdoor rink ideal for families, located at 4485 Garden Gate Terrace in Beamsville.
- Grimsby Frieze Box — A favorite community rink in Grimsby at 160 Livingston Avenue, offering a delightful family atmosphere.
Planning Your Winter Skating Adventure
- Dress warmly and wear helmets and protective gear.
- Check weather and ice conditions before visiting.
- Respect each rink’s rules to ensure safety and enjoyment.
- Bring personal skates when possible to guarantee availability.
Outdoor skating in Niagara Falls and surrounding towns offers a blend of recreational fun, seasonal scenery, and community connection. From casual community rinks to curated hotel gardens, these experiences provide memorable ways to enjoy winter in one of Canada’s most iconic regions.
Quick Rink Reference Table
| Rink / Location | City | Hours (Weather Dependent) | Skate Rentals | Special Notes / Events | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John N. Allan Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained, unsupervised | Map & Info |
| Maple Street Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Mount Carmel Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Preakness Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Fernwood Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Robert F. Keighan Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Chippawa West Park | Niagara Falls | Dawn – Dusk | N/A | Volunteer-maintained | Map & Info |
| Pillar and Post Ice Rink | Niagara-on-the-Lake | Mon–Thu: 12–8 PM, Fri–Sat: 12–9 PM, Sun: 11–6 PM | $5 at The OutPost | Silent Disco on Ice Fridays in Jan 2026; helmets under 12 | Website |
| Wayne Gretzky Estates Backyard Rink | Niagara-on-the-Lake | Early Dec – Early Mar, see Instagram @GretzkyEstates | $10 ($5 Wine Club), limited; sanitized | Project Share Skate Days, Community Skate Days, Valentine’s DJ Night; children 12 & under free | Website |
| Port Weller Community Rink | St. Catharines | Check Facebook | N/A | Volunteer-maintained, family & hockey sessions | |
| Walkers Creek Outdoor Rink | St. Catharines | Check Instagram | N/A | Volunteer-maintained, family & hockey sessions |
Pair Your Day with Clifton Hill Fun
After your skating adventure, head to Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls’ entertainment district. Just a short drive from local rinks, this vibrant hub offers plenty of options to warm up and wind down:
- Niagara SkyWheel: Experience breathtaking winter views of the frozen Falls from the comfort of a heated gondola.
- Dine with a View: Enjoy hearty Canadian fare at Kelsey’s Clifton Hill, complete with cozy seating.
- Family Entertainment: Explore arcades, mini-golf, or the Movieland Wax Museum for a fun-filled evening.