SKATE at Nathan Phillips Square

The last time I went skating was while I still living in London back in 2013 at Somerset House. It was a superb day out. And just like that day four years ago I was unsure on my skates, feeling that same trepidation as I laced up my skates. But once on the ice I remembered "I'm Canadian! Skating should be second nature to us, and like riding a bike, you never really forget (no matter how rusty you are)." I mean, I will never be Tessa Virtue but I didn't fall either, so I consider that a win.

I often tout about the importance of being a hometown tourist, doing the things in your neighbourhood that are usually enjoyed by foreign visitors and not so much the locals. Skating at Nathan Phillips Square has been on my to do list for an embarrassingly long time, so I finally decided to listen to myself and head down to Toronto City Hall and strap on those skates.

Organizers have been freezing over this fountain and allowing public pleasure skates during the winter months for decades now. Apparently, P. K. Subban even practiced skating here as a child!

Recently (I believe it's in its second year) There is a Holiday Fair and carnival to go along with the magical winter atmosphere of the skate rink and Canada's tallest Christmas tree*. The fair runs from December 1st-23rd (closed Mondays) and have various craft vendors, food stalls and--my favourite--a fire pit lounge. I missed out on the mulled wine when I was there, but I was very pleased to see it for sale.

*so says their website, but I have a feeling this might not be entirely accurate.

If you bring your own skates, you can skate for free! Otherwise they do have skate rentals; $10 for adults and $5 for kids and that's for a two hour rental. Not a bad price at all for Toronto!

Weather permitting, the pleasure skate is open November until March 19th, 10am-10pm everyday.

It really is a fantastic setting to get your skate on. I went during dinner time on a weekday so it wasn't at all busy, but there can be line ups for the skate rental and locker facilities is VERY small.

Part of the architectural design and lighting are three concrete arches that span above the surface. In 1989 they were dedicated as Freedom Arches to commemorate those to fought and defend freedom. A piece of the Berlin Wall was placed at the southern base of the middle arch.

Since I don't have any real travel plans booked for 2018 (the wish list is always there and growing) maybe this will be the year that I practice what I preach and fully become a hometown tourist! Maybe you'll even want to come for a visit ;)

Where's your favourite outdoor pleasure skating rink?

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SKATE at Somerset House

Back in 2004 I was finishing up my semester abroad in London and my parents had come to visit for December. I took them to all my local haunts and to the most amazing sights and buildings I had come across during my time there. Somerset House was one of these sights and as we looked around we saw the skating rink that had been set up. This amazing building had instantly become magical to me and I often thought back to that first time I saw people skating in the courtyard of Somerset House. 

This year I knew I'd actually be getting my butt out there and do some skating myself (eek! It's been years!). 

There are a handful of locations around London: 

Natural History Museum,

Eyeskate,

Hampton Court Palace,

Tower of London,

Broadgate Exchange Square,

Canary Wharf,

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.

I was tempted by them all, but for my first skate I had to go back to where the magic started at Somerset House. Generally, you should book your time in advance online so that you aren't disappointed, but we were going early enough in the day and on a weekday that we were able to join the very next session. Be warned though, the price increases as the day goes on.

I was slightly concerned that the hour long skate would be too long, but the time flew by and since I didn't fall on my ass, I had a great time.  Of course we finished our winter day with a festive Starbucks coffee where I inadvertently played the Starbucks game. 

{Deren out and about}

Fun travels!