After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a break and join us for a day in nature, followed by some fun and exercise skating at one of Toronto's most iconic rinks. We'll begin with a scenic hike and then enjoy ice skating at Nathan Phillips Rink, where you can rent all the necessary equipment.

We will all meet at Eglinton West and then walk along the Beltline (a slice of nature in the city) and to Mount Pleasant cemetery before looping around to the TTC at St Clair. After we join the TTC anyone who wishes can continue their adventure to Queen Station and then strap on some skates and slide around the rink.

This trip is perfect for both beginners and experienced skaters alike, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those muscles after a few days of food and celebration.

It costs $15 to rent skates at Nathan Phillips Ice Rink, if you bring your own skates then use of the rink is free.

The hike is a super easy 10.6km journey followed by ice skating, just dress according to the weather.

9.50: Meet at Eglinton West station

10:00 - 15:00: Hike along the Beltline and through Mount Pleasant Cemetery

15:00 - 16:00: Catch the TTC from St Clair to Queen station

16:00 - 18:00: Ice Skating

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• If you own ice skates you can bring them.
• There's a short stretch in the Don Valley so hiking boots (or at least something you don't mind getting dirty) are encouraged
• Pack ice spikes if there's likely to be snow on the trails. N.B. we won't be supplying them for this adventure.
• Money if you wish to have dinner and drinks
• Dress for the weather

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We will be stopping for lunch along the way, however you can also purchase your own food and hot drinks at Nathan Phillips Ice Skating Rink.

When at the Nathan Phillips Ice Skating rink a 2 hour skate rental is $15 while the rink is free to use if you bring your own skates.

Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.

Cold exposure - Ensure that you've brought the clothing outlined above so you're comfortable.

Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone. If you do find your lost, stay where you are until you've been located. There should be cell phone reception where we're going.

Ice Skating - You're stongly recommended to wear a helmet, these are available for free with rentals

We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. You can use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas.

Toronto has a particularly long and varied indigenous history, groups who maintain connections to the land include:

1. The Anishinaabe: This includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Algonquin peoples. They have lived in the region for centuries and continue to have a presence in the area.
2. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy: This includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations. They have historical connections to the land around Toronto.
3. The Huron-Wendat: They were once the primary inhabitants of the Toronto area before being displaced by European colonization and other Indigenous groups. The Huron-Wendat nation now resides in Wendake, Quebec, but maintains a historical connection to Toronto.
4. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation: This is a Mississauga Ojibwe First Nation located near Brantford, Ontario. They have treaty rights and historical connections to the land that is now the city of Toronto.
5. The Métis: The Métis people, who are of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, also have connections to the region