Skating Back in Time at Cedarena

For the novice skater, going for a spin on a city rink these days can become a death-defying adventure. On weekends, popular rinks are crowded with experienced ice-worshippers racing around at heart-stopping speeds. Teenagers jump on and off the ice on a whim and five-year-olds seem to zip around as if they were born with skates on. Fueling the fast and furious skating frenzy is usually the latest chart-topping song being played at eardrum-popping level.

But there’s no need to hang up your skates just yet. There’s an alternative to the hustle ‘n’ bustle of city rinks located just thirty minutes north of Toronto in the city of Markham. It is called Cedarena.

There’s a sense that you’ve taken a step back in time as soon as you begin the short trek down a dirt trail leading to a cottage-like dwelling nestled between trees. The scent of hot chocolate and the warmth of a wood-burning stove, the only heat source in the cottage, greet visitors upon entry. After paying a nominal fee, it’s time to lace-up. No need for lockers here. Just like the old days, shoes are tucked under old, scuffed wood benches and bags are hung on nails around the well-aged walls.

Outside, two steps lead down to the oval hockey-sized rink encircled by boards. Visitors leisurely skate to gentle tunes from the 40′s and 50′s, as well as the occasional waltz. Couples of all ages are seen skating hand-in-hand as if in a romantic trance. Children are left to skate on their own without fear of getting lost or being trampled.

Along with the hot chocolate, a concession sells coffee, donuts and steaming hot apple cider that was made to sip slowly on the large deck facing the rink. Built in the late 1920′s by the hamlet of Cedar Grove, the charming Cedarena provides a glimpse of what skating rinks were like decades ago. It’s a natural rink that is cleaned and re-flooded nightly.

If you’re planning to visit Cedarena bring your own skates as there are no rentals on the premises. Public skating hours are: Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays are reserved for only adults. Admission: $5 for adult (16 and older), $2.50 for children (15 and younger).

Keep in mind that Cedarena is a natural rink, so if the weather is too warm skating will not be permitted. To find out about skating conditions call their hotline number at 905-294-0038.

Getting there: take the 401 East to Markham Road; turn north to Steeles Road; turn east on Steeles to Reesor Road; at Reesor Road, turn left and travel north for one kilometre.  Visit their website for a map.

Story: Anna Rodrigues
Images: Phil Raby

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