Toronto 
If you want to skate on one of the most picturesque locations on the shores of Lake Ontario, head to Hamilton.
Cootes Paradise stretches over 600 hectares, and it includes a 320-hectare river-mouth marsh, 16 creeks and 25 kilometres of shoreline.
The recent cold weather has frozen the marsh in some areas, and those sections are open for skating. When frozen completely, the marsh provides acres of exhilarating and unique skating experience across one of the largest wetlands at the western end of Lake Ontario.
Royal Botanical Gardens staff has opened the Princess Point area of the marsh for public skating so that you can glide across the ice while enjoying the natural beauty of the marsh.
As Cootes Paradise Marsh is an extension of Lake Ontario, it is important to remember that due to constant water flow, the ice conditions can change quickly. You should follow all warnings/signage and skate only in the designated area.
Credit: RBG
Cootes Paradise Marsh is also a significant migratory bird stopover. While here, stay from shoreline banks along the wetland edge as Belted Kingfishers and Bank Swallows nest each summer, and walking can destroy these edges.
Cootes Paradise Marsh Ice Skating
Credit: RBG
What to Know: Ice conditions are updated every Friday and posted on-site and online. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so ice conditions may differ upon arrival. Exercise caution, check signage upon arrival, and adhere to posted guidelines for safety.
When: Winter Season. Check ice conditions as detailed at the onsite signage.
Where: Access Through Princess Point, Dundas, Hamilton
Parking for Princess Point is available in the lot at 335 Longwood Road, Hamilton
Additional parking is available at Coronation Arena, located at 81 Macklin St N.
Admission:
Free
$3 per hour; parking is a flat rate. Parking is FREE to RBG members displaying their parking pass.
