Sky-High Stones: 14th-Floor Rooftop Curling Rink Redefines the Sport
December 1, 2025 – When most people think of curling, they picture indoor ice arenas with dedicated sheets carefully maintained at precise temperatures. But Toronto’s Ace Hotel is flipping that script this winter, bringing Canada’s beloved ice sport to an unexpected venue: a 14th-floor rooftop overlooking the city’s glittering skyline.
Starting December 2, the hotel’s rooftop bar Evangeline transforms into a winter wonderland complete with Lot 40, a specially constructed outdoor curling rink that offers free 30-minute sessions to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Running through February 28, 2026, this unique pop-up represents an exciting intersection of urban hospitality and traditional Canadian sport.
Curling Goes Urban
Curling has long been a cornerstone of Canadian winter culture, but it’s typically confined to purpose-built facilities. The Ace Hotel’s initiative brings the sport into a casual, accessible setting that removes many traditional barriers to entry. You don’t need to be a club member or book weeks in advance—just show up, bundle up, and take your turn sliding stones across the ice while Toronto’s skyline provides a backdrop unlike any curling venue in the country.
This democratization of the sport comes at a time when curling continues to gain mainstream appeal, particularly following strong Canadian performances at international competitions. By offering free sessions in a social setting, the Winter Chalet Pop-Up introduces the strategic ice sport to audiences who might never step foot in a traditional curling club.
The Perfect Introduction to the Sport
For curling newcomers, the rooftop rink offers an ideal low-pressure environment to learn the basics. The 30-minute sessions provide enough time to understand the fundamental mechanics—the delivery, the sweep, the strategy of stone placement—without the intimidation factor some beginners feel at competitive facilities.
Experienced curlers, meanwhile, will appreciate the novelty of playing in such an unconventional setting. The outdoor element adds variables that indoor curlers rarely encounter, from wind patterns to temperature fluctuations that can affect ice conditions and stone behavior. It’s curling with an added layer of challenge and spontaneity.
Beyond the Ice
While curling takes center stage, the Winter Chalet Pop-Up surrounds the sport with thoughtful amenities that enhance the experience. The themed menu includes cheese and chocolate fondues ($45 per person), each served with carefully selected accompaniments perfect for sharing after a spirited match on the ice.
Bar manager Aaron Hatchell has crafted seasonally-inspired cocktails and mocktails that complement the alpine atmosphere, including the Mulled Wine Sour and Sweater Weather (both $18). These warming beverages provide the perfect post-curling refreshment as participants gather around fire pits draped in blankets, debriefing their performance and soaking in the “Chamonix meets Toronto” ambiance.
Curling’s Growing Accessibility
This rooftop initiative reflects a broader trend in curling’s evolution. While the sport maintains its competitive traditions, organizers across Canada increasingly recognize the value of making curling accessible, fun, and social. Pop-up rinks, relaxed dress codes, and casual playing opportunities help preserve curling’s future by welcoming new generations of participants.
The Ace Hotel’s approach—combining free curling with food, drinks, and festive atmosphere—positions the sport as entertainment and social activity rather than serious competition. This framing may prove crucial for curling’s continued relevance in urban centers where young adults seek novel experiences.
A Winter Destination
The Winter Chalet Pop-Up at Evangeline runs Sunday through Thursday, with reservations recommended for fondue service. Located at 51 Camden Street, the rooftop venue offers both locals and travelers a distinctly Canadian winter experience elevated—quite literally—above the ordinary.
Whether you’re a curling enthusiast seeking a new challenge or a complete novice curious about Canada’s strategic ice sport, this rooftop rink offers something genuinely special: the chance to throw stones under the stars, then warm up fireside while watching the city lights twinkle below.
Rob Harris
iCurling.com
