Friday Night Skate
The City's best skate – every Friday night!
Wanna have some fun while seeing the sights, lights, and excitement of Toronto on a Friday night? Then come on out for one of the most enjoyable skates in the City, with some of the nicest, friendliest skaters you'll ever meet.

We group-up on the north-west corner of Yonge & Bloor (between 9:45 and 10:00 pm) and depart at 10:00 pm.

So please pass this message on to all your blading buddies to come join us every Friday, weather permitting (we don't skate if the pavement's wet). These skates are a regular Friday night event from the beginning of June until the end of September. The routes vary depending upon what is happening that night.

Please note that this is a street skate and not meant for beginners or those uncomfortable with skating on the street. This is a leisure skate and not a speed skate. There are regular group-up stops so people can skate at whatever pace they like without getting lost or left behind. The routes are through the downtown so you can leave at any point and hop on the TTC. We ask that you let us know when you are leaving, because we keep count of the skaters at the group-ups. If you can't make it to the start, but want to join us enroute, you can reach me on my cell phone at (647) 987-5523, and I can tell you where we're at.

We look forward to seeing you Friday.

- Gord Simbrow

What is FNS?
An informal group of inline skaters meets every Friday night in downtown Toronto, at the north west corner of Yonge & Bloor at 9:45 PM. Generally everyone agrees on the route before we set out (we have a few favourites), and it usually ends up being between 10-20km depending on conditions and how everyone is feeling. It's a great time, so I hope everyone will come out.
Where do you guys skate?
Route 1 - Starts up with a little warmup out to the Danforth, then we cut through down town to the waterfront. On the way back we do a loop through the entertainment district, head up Bay, and do another loop through Yorkville.

Route 2 - This route goes through Bloor Village, Mirvish Village, Little Italy, China Town, Kensington Market, Queen West, Nathan Phillips Square, the club district, Dundas Square, the gay village and has the option to be extended through Yorkville at the end. Mike's Favorite!

More routes coming!

Map it Pronto is a cool tool for sharing maps. If anyone wants to send in their favorite route, just create your route on this site and email me the link!
Who should come to FNS?
Everyone is encouraged to come and participate and no membership is required. The pace of the skate is not too fast, but participants will need to be able to stop easily, avoid common obstacles (cars, pedestrians, sewer grates) and be comfortable skating downtown. We stop for breaks reasonably frequently to make sure the group stays together, give eachother high 5's, and just to make sure we haven't lost anyone.
I like blading, but are you sure this is a good idea?
Exercise, downtown, cool summer air, you can't go wrong! Also, don't be intimidated if you're not up for the full length of the skate - skaters will often cut the skate short if they're tired or if they're in a hurry to hit the pub with their friends. Our only requirement is that you inform other group members so that we don't send out the search parties.
What should I bring?
Items you will see other people with:
  • Water Bottle
  • Protective equipment (Wrist Guards, Helmet etc)
  • Lights (eg this or this)
  • Cell Phone
  • Cash for a snack / drink
  • Allen Key (to tighten any loose wheels)
How can one communicate with the group?
You can sign up for updates and contact other skaters at Yahoo Group Toronto Blading

Eventually, I'll update this site with a forum and put up some pictures.

- Mike Edmonds