Where to enjoy ice skating and hot chocolate in Ontario

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Le Gourmand Bakery

A short drive from Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail, Le Gourmand Bakery takes pride in their hand-made artisanal baked goods, including their famous chocolate chip cookies in Toronto’s Lake Shore Village neighbourhood. There are also vegan and gluten-free options.

Hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies is the perfect way to end a day of ice skating.

Locations: 
Le Gourmand Bakery, 2897 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke

Cocoalatte

A peppermint cocoa, hot apple cider or hot cocoa from this family cafe in Toronto’s St. Clair West neighbourhood will warm you up.

Just a short drive south of Cedarvale Park Outdoor Skating, the cafe offers a wide assortment of speciality and espresso bar drinks.
   
Locations:
Cocoalatte, 671 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Cedarvale Park, 443 Arlington Avenue, York

Hello Coffee

After skating laps at the ice rink in Christie Pits Park, look across Bloor Street West to spot Hello Coffee’s vibrant blue exterior. The inside of the cafe matches its bright and cheerful external decor.

Menu items include muffins, pastries, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Milk alternatives include almond, soy, oat and macadamia.

Locations:
Hello Coffee, 800 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Saving Gigi Cafe

Saving Gigi Cafe is another great option for after skating snacks. It’s located west of Christie Pits Park, close to Ossington Subway Station and serves all-day breakfast, freshly baked treats and hot drinks.

Location: 859 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Demetres Bramalea

Slide into a comfortable booth at Demetres after a day at Chinguacousy Park Skate Trail and savour something from the dessert menu along with a gourmet beverage.

Seasonal selections include waffles, crepes, cakes and house-made ice creams. Pair with a Belgian chocolate macchiato or a Hot Couture, a hot cocoa topped with a torched artisan marshmallow.

Locations:
Demetres, 50 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton
Chinguacousy Park, 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Harrison Park Inn Restaurant

Harrrison Park Inn Restaurant is conveniently located within Harrison Park, a gorgeous, 40 hectare urban playground in Owen Sound. The Restaurants caters to guests of the park with scenic dining and an extensive menu that covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and hot drinks.

In additions to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing, The Harrison Park Good Cheer Outdoor Rink is a great spot to lace up and skate. Just check the “HOSE” rule; hockey on odd-numbered days and skating on even-numbered ones.

Locations:
Harrison Park Inn Restaurant, 137 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
Harrison Park: 75 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

York, Durham and Headwaters

Goldie’s Cafe + Eatery

Warm up with flavoured lattes, cappuccinos or a hot chocolate at Goldie’s cafe after a fun skate at the Pat Bayly Square rink in downtown Ajax.

Locations:
Goldie’s Café, 75 Bayly Street West, Ajax, Durham Region
Pat Bayly Square, 420 Harwood Ave South, Ajax

Old Firehall Confectionery

Visiting the Old Firehall Confectionery in downtown Unionville is always a treat.

From simple hot chocolate to rich and creamy Belgian dark chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed chocolate shavings, the Hot Chocolate Bar has something for all chocolate lovers. 

Check out the delicious assortment of magical chocolate bombs that release a delicious and creamy cocoa mix with hot milk. It’s the perfect end to a fun day of ice skating at the Markham Civic Centre Skating Rink.

Locations:
Old Firehall Confectionery, 170 Main Street, Unionville
Markham Civic Centre Skating Rink, 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham

Kawarthas and Northumberland

The Pink Cafe

Celebrating the colour pink in its decor and the items on the menu such as “pink dog” and “pink loaf”, this whimsical café in Cobourg offers a wide variety of hot drinks and is just a short drive from the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Skating Rink.

Locations: 
The Pink Café, 73 King Street West Unit 6, Cobourg
Rotary Harbourfront Rink: 35 Albert Street, Cobourg

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

SYNONYM Shop

Located on Hamilton’s popular James Street, SYNONYM is a café bistro that specializes in hot drinks and treats and celebrates community and culture.

Make SYNONYM Shop your destination to warm and get cozy after skating at the Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink at Pier 8.

Locations:
SYNONYM Shop, 328 James Street North, Hamilton
Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink - Pier 8, 47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton

Mulberry Coffeehouse

A local venue for art and music, Mulberry Coffee House another great option to warm up with a hot beverage after your ice skating adventure at Pier 8.

Location: 193 James Street North, Hamilton

Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House

This charming cafe in downtown Burlington’s Village Square serves homemade pastries and other delightful treats to enjoy with hot chocolate after ice skating at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park.

Locations:
Lola Choco Bar, 423 Elizabeth Street, Unit 13, Burlington
Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, 1340 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Ottawa

Stella Luna Gelato Cafe

Known for its sublime award-wining gelato and heart-warming love story, Stella Luna Gelato Cafe is also great place to visit for a hot cup of chocolate after skating along the Rideau Canal, the world famous outdoor ice skating rink. Skate rentals are available under the McKenzie King Bridge.

Locations: 1103 Bank Street, Ottawa

Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe

Just a few blocks from Stella Luna, Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe redefines ways of enjoying oatmeal and great conversations over a cup of hot cocoa.

Location: 1154 Bank Street, Ottawa

CACAO 70 Eatery

Originally a chocolate drinking bar, CACAO 70 Eatery has expanded to offer a variety of delicious variations of chocolate treats from milkshakes to fondues and even pizza! 

This popular chocolate hot spot is located close to Lansdowne Park Skating Court.

Locations:
CACAO 70 Eatery, Unit 109, 225 Marché Way, Ottawa
Lansdowne Park Skating Court, Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Red Brick Café

Housed in a red brick heritage building, the warm, engaging atmosphere at Red Brick Café is fueled by musical guests, a curated art gallery and delicious food and drinks.

Visit for a hot cocoa and stay longer for the inviting community spirit after ice skating at the downtown Market Square Rink.

Locations:
Red Brick Café, 8 Douglas Street, Guelph
Market Square Rink, 1 Carden Street, Guelph

Southwestern Ontario

Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

Make your way directly to this award-winning bakery café for a hot chocolate and delicious sweet treat close to the outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park.

Locations:
Black Walnut Bakery Café, 724 Richmond Street, London
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence Street, London

Habitual Chocolate

Treat yourselves to a piping hot chocolate at this local gem after skating a few laps at the Woodstock Civic Centre Arena. Both milk and vegan options are available.

Locations:
Habitual Chocolate, 389 Dundas Street, Woodstock
Civic Centre Arena, 895 Nellis Street, Woodstock

Southeastern Ontario

Kingston Coffee House

Conveniently located near downtown Kingston’s Springer Market, Kingston Coffee House is an easy trek for hot chocolate after ice skating.

Inside, large windows provide excellent views of the market square and make for a cozy atmosphere while you sip lattes, mochas, cappuccinos or hot chocolates. Vegan and gluten-free treats are available, including daily fresh-baked goods.

Locations:
Kingston Coffee House, 322 King Street East, Kingston
Springer Market: 216 Ontario Street, Kingston

Northeastern Ontario

Nourish Cafe

Reishi Hot Cocoa at Nourish Cafe is a healthy way to round out a day of skating on the Ramsey Lake Skating Path Trail near Science North in downtown Sudbury.

Locations:
Nourish Café, 146 Durham Street, Greater Sudbury
Ramsey Lake Skating Path Trail, Elizabeth Street and McNaughton Terrace