The Most Epic Family Ice Skating Locations in Canada
Family Ice Skating Locations in Canada
Every family has a favorite sport, hobby, or pastime that they enjoy doing together. Our family loves to ice skate! Whether it’s due to our Canadian roots, or the fact that none of us except Hubby can ski, we love to seek out interesting and unique family ice-skating locations and experiences.
Canada is filled with not just beautiful places to skate, but EPIC family ice skating locations! So whenever we travel in the winter, one of the first activities I research is if there is ice skating available in the area.
Hopefully, our list inspires you to try out a few of these family ice skating experiences. Who knows; maybe you will even be tempted to add a few of these locations to your travel bucket list!
The Best Family Ice Skating Locations in Canada by Province & Territories
With so many unique and wonderful experiences to cover, we figured it would be easiest to break it down separately into each province and territory.
Yukon
Shipyard’s Park
This amazing community trail near the Yukon River is transformed from a roller-blading path to a family ice skating loop in the winter months. Once the snow starts falling, the route is dotted with fire pits and warming huts, and the trees along the loop are decorated with lights for a magical nighttime skate.
Where: 2nd Avenue and Ogilvie Street, Whitehorse
When: November to March – All week, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Windy Arm
If you’re looking for a more rustic family ice skating experience, the Windy Arm on Tagish Lake is the perfect place to explore. Of course, you will need quite a bit of luck in order to scratch this item off your bucket list!
Conditions have to be just perfect; which only happens every couple of years or so. The best time to go in is early winter when the temperature drops for weeks, the lake freezes up, but the snow has not yet fallen.
And if your timing is good, you can skate for miles surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. Since the lake is over 100 kilometres long, there is plenty of room for the family to play.
Where: Off of the Klondike Hwy., Tagish Lake
When: November to March (skating conditions are weather dependent)
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Northwest Territories
Frame Lake
The weather up north, with its abundance of snow and frosty temps, is perfect for a natural outdoor skating rink. This community ice skating spot has lighting, benches, a firepit, washrooms, and a warm-up area for skaters.
So whether you are learning to skate or passing around a puck, you will find Frame Lake to be the perfect family ice skating spot.
Where: 49 Avenue near City Hall, Yellowknife
When: January to April – Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Great Slave Lake
Looking for a more rustic experience? Skating across a gorgeous lake, with stretches of ice as far as the eye can see, is a great way to embrace the Territories’ natural beauty.
As the 10th largest lake in the world, Great Slave Lake is an amazing family ice skating destination. Not only does the lake turns into an expansive natural ice rink for close to six months out of the year, but if you are lucky, it may also offer views of the aurora borealis.
Where: Yellowknife
When: Late November to Late March (skating conditions are weather dependent)
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Nunavut
Although we had a difficult time finding an outdoor family ice skating experience in Nunavut, we did find a couple of rinks worth mentioning. And seeing as how a visit to Nunavut, in itself, would be an epic experience, you really can’t go wrong!
Arctic Winter Games Arena
The Arctic Winter Games Complex is a year-round sports center. It is operated as an ice arena from October to April and as an indoor sports field with artificial turf from May to September.
As the only NHL-sized ice surface in Nunavut, the Arctic Winter Games Arena hosts tournaments, territorial competitions, and skills clinics. Drop-in activities include family and public skating.
Where: Iqaluit, NU
When: October to April
Cost: Unknown
Skate rentals: No
Arnaitok Arena Skating Rink
Arnaitok Arena is located downtown in the Arnaitok Complex below the City Hall. The Arnaitok Arena offers public skating, as well as hosting various community and sports organizations – including figure skating, broomball, and hockey.
Where: Bldg 0H0, 901 Nunavut, Iqaluit, NU
When: October to May
Cost: Unknown
Skate rentals: No
British Columbia
Lake Windermere Whiteway
The Lake Windermere Whiteway is the longest skating trail in the world at about 34 kilometres (21 miles) long. The groomed track runs all the way around the lake and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere.
The Whiteway is not only an ice skating trail but also has tracks for classic cross-country and skate skiing. It offers 2 access points: one at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere and one at Windermere Beach.
Kinsmen Beach is one of the main starting points for the Whiteway. This spot also has a small skating rink with benches and a firepit.
The other two entry points are at the Invermere Bay Condos and at Windermere Beach. Each entry point has a large timber-frame sign providing user information, maps, and a donation box.
The Whiteway is kept in world-class shape by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.
Where: Lake Windermere, Invermere, BC
When: November to March
Cost: $5
Skate rentals: No
Robson Square Ice Rink
The Robson Square Ice Rink is located in the heart of Vancouver and is the only outdoor ice rink in the city. Revitalized for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the popular skating rink is now protected with a glass dome, so you can lace up your skates rain or shine.
Enjoy an evening skate at Robson Square under the glow of the surrounding high-rise buildings and the wintery blue lighting over the rink. It really does make for a wonderful experience in the city.
Where: 800 Robson St., Vancouver
When: December to February – Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free for admission, $5 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Grouse Mountain Ice Rink
A truly unique place to go ice skating is on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000 square foot mountain top ice skating pond. The only one of its kind on the West Coast, this outdoor skating rink will wow you with its breathtaking views.
Enjoy the gondola ride up. Your access to the skating pond is included in your Grouse Mountain ticket/pass.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC
When: Mid-November to April – All week, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $56 per person for admission (mountain access), $8 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Olympic Plaza Rink
Whistler Olympic Plaza is home to a wonderful family-friendly outdoor skating rink. Imagine ice skating in the heart of Whistler Village with views of the surrounding mountains, the Olympic Rings, and thousands of twinkling, festive lights.
Where: 4144 Village Stroll, Whistler
When: November 26, 2021, until late March 2022 (weather dependent) – Daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $2 per person for admission, $6 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Outdoor Oval
Originally designed for speed skaters to race around the track, this 400-meter outdoor oval also welcomes regular skaters. The glassy surface of the natural ice makes for a pleasant and smooth skate.
Where: 4249 18 Ave., Prince George
When: Late November to March – Daily from 11 a.m. (12 p.m. on Saturday) to 8:30 p.m. (6 p.m. on Wednesday)
Cost: $2 per person for admission, $5 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes, only on weekends
Alberta
Olympic Plaza Rink
Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, this plaza is home to the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. Enjoy the festive holiday lights as you twirl under the stars in downtown Calgary.
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
When: Mid-November to Mid-March 2022 – Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free for admission, $12 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Lake Louise
Named one of the 10 most beautiful skating rinks in the world by CNN Travel, Lake Louise enables skaters to glide over the ice against a dramatic backdrop of the Victoria Glacier and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains.
The ice surface is maintained daily by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. And a heated shelter nearby is a perfect place to warm up between laps.
And if the views aren’t perfect enough already, visit Lake Louise in January during their SnowDays, when the Fairmont Hotel team builds a majestic ice castle sculpture right on the lake.
Skate all day, or have the rink pretty much to yourself in the evening. Floodlights illuminate the rink until 11 pm. But be forewarned, it gets pretty chilly when the sun goes down!
Because Lake Louise is an epic family skating experience, it really should be on everyone’s winter bucket list!
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr., Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise
When: Mid-December to mid-April – Daily until 11:00 pm
Cost: Free for admission, $15 to $25 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Carburn Park Rink
Located in Carburn Park, this ice skating rink is nestled along the Bow River. Surrounded by lush trees, this hidden gem is not only scenic and peaceful but the perfect place to take the family ice skating.
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE, Calgary
When: Mid-December through February – Daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
The Ice Palace – West Edmonton Mall
Although this rink is indoors, we would still consider it epic! After all, how many times can you say that you have had the opportunity to ice skate inside a mall!
This family-friendly ice rink has benches, washrooms, and rental facilities. Skate inside a climate-controlled area, then head out into the mall for some shopping and dining!
West Edmonton Mall is the whole package!
Where: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton
When: All year – Daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (times vary depending on the day)
Cost: $15 admission, $ for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
The IceWay Skating Trail
The IceWay Skating Trail begins at Victoria Park‘s skating oval, where you enter the lush forest. The trail creates a large loop with views of the Ledge and the scenic river valley.
This is an ideal destination during the day when the peaceful park makes you feel as though you have left the bustling city behind. At night, a colourful mosaic of lights floods the path, creating a pretty unique skating experience.
Where: Off of River Valley Rd. NW, Victoria Park, Edmonton
When: December to February – Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Saskatchewan
Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink
In downtown Saskatoon, skate under the holiday lights at Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink, along the shores of the South Saskatchewan River. This family-friendly skating rink is located in Kiwanis Park near the historic Delta Bessborough Hotel.
In addition to the amazing views, the rink features twinkle lights, a fire pit, a warm-up shelter, and washrooms. This popular spot in Saskatoon gets about 500 visitors per day!
Where: Spadina Cresent East, PotashCorp Plaza, Saskatoon
When: mid-December to mid-March, dependent on weather – Wednesday to Sunday, 1 pm – 8 pm
Cost: Free for admission, by donation for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Manitoba
Rink Under the Canopy
Located in the Arctic Glacier Winter Park at The Forks Market, this quaint rink is covered by a canopy that shelters the skaters. It’s a great place to get back into skating before the Red River Mutual Trail opens or to get your groove on during Soul on Ice nights.
Where: 1 Forks Market Rd, Arctic Glacier Winter Park, Winnipeg
When: Late November to March – Daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free for admission, $5 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
The Centennial River Trail
The Centennial River Trail runs along the Assiniboine River and the Red River. This family-friendly ice skating trail runs through the heart of Winnipeg, offering ice skaters amazing cityscape views.
The Centennial River Trail is made even more popular by its designer warming huts. Every year, architects from around the world compete to design the most innovative warming hut.
The best of these amazing, yet practical, works of art are placed along the River Trail for everyone to enjoy.
Where: 1 Forks Market Rd, Arctic Glacier Winter Park, Winnipeg
When: January to March – Anytime
Cost: Free for admission, $5 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Clear Lake
Although you can usually ice skate on this lake each winter, it’s only every five to 10 years, that the lake has the ideal conditions to freeze crystal clear! Imagine ice skating on a lake where you can see all the way to the bottom!
Amazing right!? Even when the ideal conditions aren’t met, the lake still delivers on a scenic and wonderful place to have a family ice skating experience.
Where: Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming
When: December to February – Anytime
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Ontario
Rideau Canal Skateway
The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes skating the 7.8km (4.8 mile) stretch extra special. Not only is the Skateway open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but thanks to its universally accessible facilities like access ramps, heated change rooms, and washrooms, it’s a great place for families to visit.
Not to mention, all along the Skateway you can find food and drink kiosks, traditional BeaverTail treats, as well as skate and accessory rentals. As one of Canada’s most iconic skateways, this should definitely be on your family ice skating experience bucket list!
Where: Ottawa
When: January to early March – 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Cost: Free for admission, $15 to $20+ for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Rink of Dreams
Located in front of Ottawa City Hall in Ottawa’s downtown core, the Rink of Dreams is a convenient spot to skate. Enjoy the sound of music over the speakers, and visit after sundown to see the rink lit up in multiple colors.
This rink is less crowded than the Rideau Skateway and has a warming station available on evenings and weekends, which is perfect for families. A BeaverTails kiosk is also open on weekends for a post-skating treat.
Where: 110 Laurier Ave. W, City Hall, Ottawa
When: December to mid-March, seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
Skate rentals: Yes
Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto’s largest and most iconic skating rink is a festive way to spend a winter day. Of course, lacing up your skates at night when the rink is illuminated with warm lights and glistening star ornaments, is also pretty incredible!
Take your picture in front of the Toronto sign, listen to the music, and have a great time skating with the family. The rink is also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to create that perfect holiday tradition!
Where: 100 Queen St. W, Toronto
When: December 4th, 2021 – March 21st, 2022 – Every day from 12 pm – 7:45 pm
Cost: Free admission, $10 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Harbourfront Centre Rink
Located at Queen’s Quay, along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario, Harbourfront Centre’s rink is one of Toronto’s most scenic winter attractions. With views of Lake Ontario and the CN Tower, this unique location is a treat for visitors and tourists alike.
Where: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
When: Friday, November 19, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022 – Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm
Cost: Free for admission, $13 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail
Arrowhead Provincial Park is an awesome place to visit if you are looking for a unique family ice skating experience. The 1.3km ice trail loop winds gently through the evergreen forest, making it quite scenic, especially after a fresh snowfall!
It’s also quite convenient for families with younger children, in that the ice trail leads directly to a seating area, complete with cubbies for storing your shoes, and a fire pit for warming up.
If you are lucky enough to be in the park on a Fire and Ice Night, the trail is lit with hundreds of Tiki Torches. Amazing!
Where: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
When: Late December or early January to early March – Daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free for admission, $12.25 per car for admission to the park, $15.00 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Quebec
Lac-des-Loups Skateway
Located about 45 minutes from Ottawa, this lovely family ice skating experience will make you feel like you are in a winter wonderland. This 3 km trail is tucked inside the Gatineau Hills and weaves its way through the forest.
Enjoy the brisk winter air while skating under the snow-topped evergreen trees. There is also a small cottage to warm up and have a seat in.
Where: 9 Montée Beausoleil, Lac-des-Loups
When: Mid-December to late February – Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. until sunset
Cost: $18 for admission, $10 for skate rentals (cash only)
Skate rentals: Yes
Old Port Skating Rink
Located in Montreal’s charming Old Port, this expansive skating rink is perfect for a family ice skating experience. With its whimsical pink lighting and amazing views of Montreal, this rink makes the magic of winter come alive.
And skating is not the only thing you have to look forward to at the Old Port Skating Rink. Enjoy special-themed nights with DJs, Karaoke, family-friendly performances, and skate dancing.
Where: Rue de la Commune O, Montreal
When: December 11, 2021, to March 6, 2022 – Daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and until 10 pm Thursday to Sunday
Cost: $8.05 for admission, $10.45 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Beaver Lake Ice Skating Rink
This bustling skating oval is located in Mount Royal Park, in the heart of Montreal. Perfect for a daytime skate with the kids, or even an evening skate under the stars.
Music-loving skaters can glide around the rink to various musical genres from the 90s, or perhaps to the sounds of Quebec’s traditional tunes. And after a few laps around the oval, hot chocolate and other treats await at the Pavilion’s restaurant.
Where: Mount Royal Park, Montreal
When: December 2021 to March 2022 – Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free. $10 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
La Domaine De La Foret Perdue
This is another forested skating path, perfect for a family ice skating experience. The 15 kilometres of trails will take you approximately 2 hours to skate it entirely.
But why rush? Enjoy the gorgeous pine forests, loaded with freshly fallen snow. Breathe in the wonderful winter air while you glide along the fully maintained paths.
And if this experience isn’t magical enough, La Domaine De La Foret Perdue has now introduced a night skate as well! Nearly 2/3 of the trail has been lit with twinkle lights, truly turning the trails into a winter wonderland.
Where: 1180 Rang Saint Félix E, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel
When: Mid-December 2021 until March 2022 – Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $22 for admission, $10 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
Place D’Youville Skating Rink
Located just outside the wall, you can enjoy the charm of Old Quebec City while gliding around the rink. You could almost imagine that you are in a small European city, with old stone walls and cobblestone streets.
Add in the grand brick buildings trimmed with Christmas lights, and you have the perfect ambiance for a night skate! This rink is very family-friendly, with places to sit indoors as well as washrooms.
Where: Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
When: November to March – Monday to Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free for admission, $8 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
New Brunswick
Roulston Lake
When frozen, Roulston Lake can fit up to 20 separate skating rinks. This massive area, divided into separate quadrants, is like none you have ever seen before!
Perfect for individual hockey games or a more private skating venture, it’s definitely going to be a unique experience. In February, Roulston Lake hosts an international pond hockey competition, but during the rest of the winter months, it is open to the public.
Where: 157 Main St, Plaster Rock, NB
When: January to March – Anytime
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Centennial Park
One of the great things about having a lake inside Moncton’s favourite park is having the perfect place to go ice skating once the winter sets in. Add to this, the fact that the rink is lit with an array of colourful lights every night, and you have the makings of a magical family skating experience.
Where: 811 St George Blvd, Moncton
When: January to March – All week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Officers’ Square
This historical site in downtown Fredericton becomes a quaint community skating rink during the winter months. Surrounded by a variety of local shops along Queen Street, as well as the Fredericton Region Museum, it is definitely a favourite place for locals.
Where: 575 Queen St, Fredericton
When: November to March – Anytime
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Newfoundland & Labrador
Humber River
The Humber River is definitely the spot to be for ice skaters looking to surround themselves with the natural beauty of Newfoundland. And the community of Deer Lake knows how to do winter right!
Be sure to take advantage of the other winter activities offered by this scenic location, like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or even ice fishing. And the wildlife spotting in this area is top-notch as well!
Where: Deer Lake
When: January to March (skating conditions are weather dependent) – Anytime
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
The Loop
The Loop is an outdoor ice skating trail that has put Bannerman Park back on the map during the winter months. Perfect for families with children, young adults, and seniors alike, the community comes together to enjoy the free ice skating opportunity.
Fully lit with lanterns and spotlights at night, this quaint ice loop makes for an excellent family ice skating experience.
Where: Bannerman Park, St. John’s
When: Late December to March – Daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Prince Edward Island
Queen Elizabeth Ball Park
The beautiful seaside community of Summerside has a must-visit skating oval in Queen Elizabeth Ball Park. As the go-to rink for the locals, you are sure to have a wonderful family ice skating experience, surrounded by east-coast hospitality.
Where: Summerside, PEI
When: Late December to mid-March – Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Founders Hall
Located on the lawn of Founders Hall in downtown Charlottetown, this popular skating rink is loaded with charm, and surrounded by old-fashioned brick buildings.
Where: Lower Prince Street, Charlottetown
When: November to March – Anytime
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Nova Scotia
Civic Square
Located in Civic Square, this quaint little skating rink has been a welcome addition to the Truro community. Although the rink is smaller in size, it boasts tons of character thanks to the small-town vibes and warmth of the locals.
Where: 740 Prince St, Truro
When: Mid-December to Late-March – 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Cost: Free for admission and skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes, but at the Douglas Street Recreation Centre
Emera Oval
Built specially for the 2011 Canada Games, the 55,000-square-foot Emera Oval is the size of three NHL hockey rinks. As one of the East Coast’s largest outdoor, machine-chilled surfaces, it is a definite favourite among the locals.
Not only can families enjoy a day of casual skating, but the oval is also open daily for free public programs, such as learn-to-skate lessons and speed skating 101. Take part in one of their weekly themed events for a unique family ice skating experience.
Where: 5775 Cogswell St., Halifax
When: Late December to mid-March – Time varies.
Cost: Free for admission
Skate rentals: Yes
Final Thoughts on the Best Family Ice Skating Locations in Canada
Hopefully, our suggestions for awesome family ice skating experiences have inspired you to plan your own getaway. With so many epic places to choose from, you are sure to find one that is bucket-list-worthy for your family!
Do you have a favourite ice skating experience in Canada? We would love to hear all about it!
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