Illustration of a ice skating scene (The Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post)
Other Christmas Activities

The Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post

Visitors can skate on a 120-by-60-foot outdoor ice rink set within scenic landscaped grounds. Outdoor seating and fire pits are stationed throughout the garden for warming up off the ice. The on-site café, The OutPost, offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.

What to Expect

Free outdoor skating on a 120-by-60-foot rink in the gardens.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Vintage Hotels

Food & Drink

The OutPost serves snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages; outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and community skaters

Vibe

Relaxed and wintry

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

The Gardens at Pillar and Post
48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0, Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: There is no cost to use the rink for hotel guests and the general public. Skate rentals are $5.00. Helmet rentals are free.
  • Parking: Complimentary parking is available at the rink, in the lot adjacent to The Gardens at Pillar and Post.
  • Pets: Pets are not permitted in The Gardens or at the ice rink.

Tips & Advice

  • Bring your own skates, because rentals are limited and mostly in children's sizes, with only a few adult pairs available at The OutPost.
  • Make sure skaters under 12 wear a helmet, since it's required, and borrow one free at the rink if you don't have your own.
  • Look at the rink's Facebook page on the day you plan to skate, because ice conditions and weather can close the rink.
  • Go on a weekday around midday for a quieter skate, since weekends are busy from open to close and weekday evenings fill up again.
  • Plan around a break for ice cleaning, as the rink closes for about half an hour in the afternoon depending on ice and weather.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors bring their own food and beverages?

No, outside food and drink is prohibited because The Gardens is a private, licensed space.

Are hockey sticks and pucks permitted on the ice?

No hockey sticks, pucks, or balls are allowed on the rink. Visitors may bring their own children's skating aids.

Can pets visit the ice rink?

No, pets are not allowed in The Gardens or at the ice rink.

Can skating time slots be reserved in advance?

No, reservations are not accepted for community skating.

Is there a time limit once on the ice?

There are no time limits for skating.

Tags

ice skatingice rinkfamily friendlyfree eventseasonal activitieswinter activitiescommunity celebrationholiday seasonfestive atmospherelive music

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team