Winter in Toronto means skating at neighbourhood rinks and planning ski trips with the kids. Whether you’re buying your child’s first pair of ice skates, upgrading ski gear, or trying to save money with second-hand winter sports equipment, Toronto has plenty of great options.
Here’s our family-tested guide to where to buy skates and skis in Toronto, including new and used gear, big-box stores, and local specialty shops.
Buying New Skates and Skis in Toronto
If you’re looking for brand-new skates or skis, these stores are reliable, easy to access, and carry family-friendly sizes and accessories.
Canadian Tire — Affordable & Convenient for Families
Best for: Kids’ skates, recreational skates, winter accessories, helmets
Canadian Tire is one of the most popular places to buy new ice skates in Toronto, especially for families. Most locations carry hockey skates, figure skates, and recreational skates, along with helmets, gloves, and sharpening accessories. While ski selection varies by season, you can often find ski boots, poles, and winter gear during peak months.
Why families love it:
- Multiple Toronto locations
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Easy returns and seasonal sales
Sport Chek — Brand-Name Skates & Ski Gear
Best for: Hockey skates, skis, boots, winter clothing
Sport Chek is a go-to sporting goods store in Toronto for families wanting new skates and ski equipment from well-known brands. Their winter selection usually includes ice skates, alpine skis, ski boots, helmets, and snow gear, plus warm clothing for the whole family.
Why families love it:
- Trusted brands
- Seasonal promotions
- One-stop shop for winter sports clothing
Specialty Skate & Ski Shops in Toronto
Best for: Proper fitting, expert advice, higher-quality gear
If you want expert help with sizing or performance gear, Toronto has several excellent specialty stores:
- Skiis & Biikes – Skis, boots, bindings, tuning services
- ProSkaters Place – Ice and inline skates with knowledgeable staff
- NorthLine Sports – Popular ski shop with personalized fitting
These shops are ideal if your child is skating or skiing regularly and needs properly fitted equipment.
Where to Buy Second-Hand Skates and Skis in Toronto
Kids grow fast, which is why many Toronto families choose used skates and skis. Buying second-hand is budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Play It Again Sports — Best All-Around Used Option
Best for: Used skates, used skis, kids’ equipment
Play It Again Sports is one of the best places in Toronto to buy second-hand skates and skis. They sell gently used winter sports gear, plus some new items, and you can often trade in gear your kids have outgrown.
Why families love it:
- Huge savings compared to new gear
- Kids’ sizes always rotating
- Multiple GTA locations
Thrift Stores & Online Marketplaces
Best for: Budget finds and short-term use
Many families find great deals at:
- Value Village
- Salvation Army
- Facebook Marketplace
- Kijiji
These options are especially useful for beginner skaters or one-season use, though sizing and condition can vary.
Tips for Buying Skates and Skis for Kids
- Skates should fit snug — usually 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size
- Always budget for helmets and protective gear
- Used skis are fine, but check bindings and boot compatibility
- Ask about sharpening services when buying skates
Final Thoughts: Best Skates and Skis for Toronto Families
Whether you’re shopping at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, or browsing second-hand ski and skate stores in Toronto, there are plenty of options for every budget. For growing families, mixing new accessories with used skates and skis is often the smartest (and most affordable) approach.
Toronto winters are more fun when everyone is properly geared up — and it doesn’t have to break the bank.