The first lasting snowfall of the season has finally arrived, which means it's time to lace up those skates and hit the rinks! Outdoor shinny is one of the greatest ways to stay active over the long, cold winter, and with over 50 outdoor rinks in Toronto, there is ample opportunity to play shinny all over the city.

Below are some places to play shinny in Toronto. Some of these are personal favourites while others come recommended by fellow shinny-lover friends. For a full list of rinks offering shinny this winter, visit City Rinks Toronto or the City of Toronto website.

TORONTO NORTH

Otter Creek
Located south-east of Lawrence and Avenue Road, Otter Creek offers two ice pads, an on-site zamboni, and a busy rink house. Due to its convenient distance from Lawrence Parke Collegiate Institute, many students frequent the ice after school hours. Open December 3, 2011 until February 26, 2012, shinny runs Wednesday through Saturday. Child, Youth, and Adult shinny are available.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Wednesday: 8:45-10pm
Thursday: 8:45-10pm
Friday: 8:30-10pm
Saturday: 10:15-11:30am & 4:30-5:45pm & 6:30-7:30pm

North Toronto Memorial Rink
Located north-east of Eglinton and Avenue Road, North Toronto Memorial Rink is equipped with two rinks in spectacular condition. The change-room may be out of the way, but the rink maintenance is second to none. Open December 3, 2011 until February 26, 2012, shinny runs every day of the week. Child, Youth, Adult, and Women's shinny are available.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday - Friday: 9:30am-3:30pm

TORONTO CENTRAL

Alexandra Park
Located at Bathurst and Dundas, Alexandra Park offers two rinks, a rink house (with a window to the rink, for spectators), and an on-site zamboni. Running from December 3, 2011 until February 26, 2012, all-ages shinny is available every day of the week, and child, youth, and adult shinny is also available.

Hours (All-Ages Shinny):
Monday-Friday, Sunday: 10am-3pm
Saturday: 12-6pm

Rosedale Park
Located north-east of Bloor and Mt. Pleasant, Rosedale Park hosts one ice pad and separate men's and women's change-rooms. Open December 7, 2011 until February 26, 2012, shinny runs every day of the week. Child, Youth, Adult, and Women's shinny are available.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday: 1:30-3pm & 9-10pm
Tuesday: 8-10pm
Wednesday: 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am-1:30pm
Friday: 1:30-3pm & 8-10pm
Saturday: 8-10am & 8-10pm
Sunday: 9-11am

Ramsden Park
Located a stone's throw from the Rosedale subway station, the location of this two-pad rink can't be beat. Running from December 10, 2011 until February 26, 2012, Adult shinny is available Thursday through Sunday. Child, Youth, and Women's shinny are also offered.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Thursday: 7-8:45pm
Friday: 8:15-10pm
Saturday: 10am-12pm & 1:30-3:45pm & 6:15-8pm
Sunday: 10am-12pm & 7:45-10pm

TORONTO EAST

Greenwood Park
Located at Greenwood and Dundas, Greenwood Park features two outdoor rinks, and a large rink house. Running from December 3, 2011 until February 26, 2012, adult shinny is available every day of the week, with spots also open for Child, Youth, and Women's shinny.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday: 1-4pm & 6-8pm
Tuesday: 1-4pm
Wednesday: 1-4pm & 6-8pm
Thursday: 1-4pm
Friday: 1-4pm
Saturday: 7-10pm
Sunday: 11am-2pm

Monarch Park
Located south-east of the Danforth and Coxwell, Monarch Park offers two ice pads and a bright rink house with lockers. Running from December 10, 2011 until February 26, 2012, adult shinny is available every day of the week. Child, Youth, and Women's shinny is also offered.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday: 8-9pm
Tuesday: 1-3:30pm
Wednesday: 8-10pm
Thursday: 1-3:30pm & 8-10pm
Friday: 8-10pm
Saturday: 9-11am & 8-10pm
Sunday: 10am-12pm

TORONTO WEST

Dufferin Grove
Located south of Bloor on Dufferin, Dufferin Grove is equipped with two rinks, a clubhouse, a wood stove, and a snack bar. The ice is maintained at regular intervals and adult shinny is offered from Monday to Saturday, running from November 19, 2011 until March 11, 2012. Child, Youth, and Women's shinny is also available.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday - Saturday: 7:15-8:55pm

High Park
Located near High Park subway station, High Park features two ice pads,change-rooms, and an on-site zamboni. Running from December 3, 2011 until February 26, 2012, adult shinny is available from Monday to Saturday. Child and Youth shinny are also offered.

Hours (Adult Shinny):
Monday - Friday: 9-11am & 11:30am-3:30pm
Saturday: 8:30-10am

Writing by Mel Brown. Photo by Nick Kozak in the blogTO Flickr pool.