Four hands holding mugs of hot chocolate

Habitual Chocolate | Woodstock

The best places to enjoy hot chocolate and skating in Ontario

Four hands holding mugs of hot chocolate

Habitual Chocolate | Woodstock

Unwind and connect with family and friends at these cozy cafes and restaurants serving the best hot chocolate, warm beverages and tasty treats near ice skating rinks across Ontario.

Note: Always check the hours of the ice rinks and cafes before you visit.

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Rooster Coffee House

Skate at Riverdale Park as you take in the city views. Then walk to Rooster Coffee House for hot chocolate with marshmallows. This cozy cafe also serves almond lattes, loose-leaf tea and baked goods.

Rooster Coffee House, 479 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

Riverdale Park East Skating Rink, 610 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

Hello Coffee

After skating laps at the Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink in Christie Pits Park, take a short walk to Bloor Street West, where you’ll see Hello Coffee’s vibrant blue exterior. The inside of the cafe matches its bright and cheerful external decor. This charming spot features muffins, pastries, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Milk alternatives include almond, soy, oat and macadamia.

Locations: 

Hello Coffee, 800 Bloor Street West, Toronto 

Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink, 777 Crawford Street, Toronto

Demetres Bramalea

A short drive from Chinguacousy Park Winter Skate Trail, Demetres offers a delicious dessert menu. Seasonal selections include waffles, crepes, cakes and ice cream made in-house. Pair with a Belgian chocolate macchiato, or a hot cocoa topped with a torched artisan marshmallow.

Locations: 

Demetres, 50 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton

Chinguacousy Park Winter Skate Trail, 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton

Niagara

Il Gelato di Carlotta

Located on the historic Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Il Gelato di Carlotta is known for its delicious gelato treats. You can enjoy lattes, delightful Italian donuts, bombolini and rich hot chocolate. This charming shop is a great place to visit after skating at The Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post 

Locations:

Il Gelato di Carlotta, 59 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Gardens at Pillar and Post, 526 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Harrison Park Inn Restaurant

Harrison Park Inn Restaurant is conveniently located within Harrison Park, a gorgeous, 40-hectare urban playground in Owen Sound. This restaurant boasts scenic dining with extensive menu options that covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and hot drinks (including hot chocolate).

Public skating is available at Good Cheer Rink in Harrison Park on even-numbered days. 

Locations: 

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

Harrison Park Good Cheer Rink, 75 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

York, Durham and Headwaters

Close-up of a person's hands in warm mittens holding a cup of hot chocolate.
Old Firehall Confectionery | Central Counties

Old Firehall Confectionery

One of Ontario's best hot chocolate spots, the Old Firehall Confectionery in downtown Unionville is always a treat to visit.

From simple hot chocolate to rich and creamy Belgian dark hot 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 hot chocolate bombs that release a creamy cocoa mix with hot milk. Old Firehall Confectionery is a short drive from Markham Civic Centre Skating Rink.

Locations: 

Old Firehall Confectionery, 170 Main Street, Unionville 

Markham Civic Centre Skating Rink, 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham

Cork & Bean

Enjoy quality hot drinks, such as hot chocolate, drip coffee and a matcha latte at the Cork & Bean, a rustic cafe in the heart of Oshawa. There’s no better way to warm up after skating at the Donevan Recreation Complex Arena.

Locations:

Cork & Bean, 8 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa

Donevan Recreation Complex Arena, 171 Harmony Road South, Oshawa

Kawarthas and Northumberland

The Pink Cafe

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

Locations:  

The Pink Cafe, 205 3rd Street, 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 cafe bistro that specializes in hot drinks and treats and celebrates community and culture. It’s a short drive from the public skating at 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

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. Plus, it’s a short drive from 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 Café

Known for its award-winning gelato and heartwarming love story, Stella Luna Gelato Café is also a great place to visit for gourmet hot chocolate after skating along the Rideau Canal. The world-famous outdoor ice skating rink is close to the cafe. Skate rentals are available under the Mackenzie King Bridge.

Locations: 

Stella Luna Gelato Café, 1103 Bank Street, Ottawa

Rideau Canal

CACAO 70 Eatery

Originally a drinking chocolate 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 spot for sipping hot chocolate is steps away from Marché Way from the Lansdowne Park Skating Court.

Locations: 

CACAO 70 Eatery, 225 Marché Way #109, Ottawa 

Lansdowne Park Skating Court, 1525 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 fuelled by musical guests, a curated art gallery and delicious food and drinks. Visit for the best hot cocoa and stay longer for the inviting community spirit after ice skating at nearby Market Square Rink.

Locations:

Red Brick Café, 8 Douglas Street, Guelph 

Market Square Rink, 62-2 Carden Street, Guelph

Southwestern Ontario

Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

Make your way directly to this award-winning bakery cafe for a fancy hot chocolate and delicious sweet treat, just a few blocks from the outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park.

Locations:

Black Walnut Bakery Café, 724 Richmond Street, London

Victoria Park Ice Rink, 580 Clarence Street, London

Habitual Chocolate

After skating a few laps at the Woodstock Civic Centre Arena, treat yourself to a piping hot chocolate at this hot chocolate shop. 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 across the street from Kingston’s Springer Market Square Rink, Kingston Coffee House is an easy trek for a chocolate beverage after ice skating.

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

Locations: 

Kingston Coffee House, 322 King Street East, Kingston 

Springer Market Square Rink, 216 Ontario Street, Kingston

Last updated: December 21, 2024

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