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9 Ice Skating Spots in Canada Where You Can Glide Into a Spectacular Winter Wonderland Experience
Winter in Canada goes hand-in-hand with ice skating. As soon as the temperature starts dropping in mid-December, canals, and lakes freeze up and form natural skating rinks, surrounded by beautiful views.
This is why it’s one of my favourite things to do in the country during winter with my family because it gets us in the holiday spirit—plus, it’s just a fun activity for people of all ages. It also helps that the country already has countless existing rinks open throughout the year.
So, allow me to be your self-proclaimed ice-skating advocate for the day, and let me guide you through our favourite rinks in the country. Whether you’re a beginner or have the finesse of a figure skater, you’ll find something below that’s worth checking out, so read on!
Rideau Canal Skateway – Ottawa
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Address: 34 Beckwith Street South
Contact details: +1 613 239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates (Equipment rental):
- Skates: CAD33
- Helmets: CAD10
- Ice trikes: CAD53
- Sleighs: CAD49
- Kicksleds: CAD41
The Rideau Canal is one of the most famous attractions in Ottawa during the winter because it freezes over and becomes one of the longest naturally-formed skating rinks in the country. With this, expect lots of people if you’re visiting during these times.
Don’t worry, though, as the canal is spacious enough for you to practice your skating moves without bumping into other ice skaters. Also, it’s better to take it slow here, as you’ll miss out on the beautiful sight of Ottawa blanketed by thick white snow.
Come nighttime, the rink will be lit with beautiful lights, creating a scene that looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie. On a side note, be sure to rent a helmet if you’re going to zip through the rink so your experience doesn’t turn into a horror flick!
Pro tip:
While you’re here, you MUST stop by ByWard Market and get your hands on beavertails. It’s a uniquely shaped pastry topped with various sweet fix-ins, exclusively offered by the iconic Canadian restaurant of the same name.
Lake Louise – Alberta
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Address: 201 Village Rd
Contact details (local): 403-762-8421
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates (National Park entrance):
- Adults: CAD11
- Seniors: CAD9.50
- Youths 17 and under: Free
For us, Lake Louise is why Canada is one of the perfect ice skating destinations in the world. This massive lake turns into a vast skating rink surrounded by picturesque icy mountains—describing it doesn’t do it justice! Once you’re there, you’ll see that we’re not biased.
It’s one of those magical things you MUST experience in Canada at least once, and it’s largely because of its jaw-dropping views. This is also why it’s one of the go-to proposal spots for couples from around the world—I mean, who would say no in a place like this?
And, oh, if you’re feeling competitive, you can bring a pair of hockey sticks and a puck to experience the most scenic game of hockey you’ve ever played.
Pro tip:
You can also visit Lake Louise during the Summer and Spring (June to October), where you can enjoy a peaceful canoe ride instead of ice skating.
Nathan Phillips Square – Toronto
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Address: 100 Queen St W
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates:
- Adults: CAD15
- Children (12 years and below): CAD10
- Skate-sharpening: CAD10
- Helmets: CAD5
- Hats and mitts: CAD10
Nathan Phillips Square should be on your itinerary in Toronto, regardless if you want to go ice skating because it’s among the most famous tourist spots in the country. It’s where you’ll find the huge and vibrant TORONTO sign, which tourists simply must take photos with to complete their trip.
Also, it helps that Nathan Phillips Square is home to one of Canada’s biggest and liveliest outdoor ice skating rinks. Skating underneath the night sky, surrounded by beautiful city lights while jolly music is playing is a one-of-a-kind experience.
This place has also been a staple in Toronto for more than 60 years, not only as an ice skating rink but also as an outdoor theatre featuring multiple iconic “on-ice” shows.
Pro tip:
Check out Nathan Phillips Square’s event page to see all their upcoming festivals, like the annual Mayor’s Ice Skating Party! You can also see the dates when the square will be undergoing maintenance here.
Emera Oval – Halifax
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Address: 5775 Cogswell St
Contact details: +1 902-490-2347
Operating hours
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Rates: Free
Website
If you’re on a budget but still want to experience a magical winter, then Emera Oval should be on your radar! It offers free entrance fees and free rental of its equipment, from helmets to skates, assisting tools, and more.
It may not offer much in terms of views aside from the distant city lights, but it is a vast skating rink that will let you move freely without the fear of bumping into other skaters.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on saving money by commuting, the best thing you can do is take the bus and depart at the Robie St. bus stop, as it will drop you off directly at Emera Oval.
Pyramid Lake – Alberta
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Address: Jasper National Park
Contact details: +1 780-852-6176
Operating hours
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Rates (Rental):
- Snowshoes: CAD20 per hour
- Ice skates: CAD20 per hour
- Fat bikes: CAD25 per hour
Pyramid Lake is another breathtaking ice skating rink that freezes over in Alberta during the winter. It’s a massive skating rink, well-maintained by the lodge, but its size only comes second to the real reason you should visit this place—its surrounding mountain range!
It’s rare to experience ice skating where your surrounding views are made up of breathtaking snowy peaks and towering trees. Even better, this skating spot is in Jasper National Park, which features other fun activities, like hiking and skiing!
Before or after your winter skating experience, you can explore the charming mountain farm and check out its beautiful selection of Indigenous art pieces.
Pro tip:
If you can’t get enough of Pyramid Lake or Jasper National Park, in general, we recommend staying at the Pyramid Lake Lodge! It offers the same rocky mountain views and offers over 80 guest rooms that are cosy and complete with essential amenities.
The Shipyards Skate Plaza – North Vancouver
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Address: 125 Victory Ship Way
Contact details: +1 604-982-8383
Operating hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Rates (Rental):
- Adults: CAD7
- Children: CAD5
If your trip takes you to North Vancouver during the winter, then the Shipyards Skate Plaza should be on your itinerary. For starters, it’s the largest outdoor skating rink in the region, so you’ll have plentiful space to either skate leisurely or rip through the ice at extreme speeds.
We also love ice skating here because of its cheap rates. Rentals cost less than CAD10 for both adults and children, and they’ll even provide you with a free helmet and other skating aides.
The views are a bit obstructed, but you can see glimpses of the glistening waterfront and the awe-inspiring North Shore mountains!
Pro tip:
After an hour (or more) of skating, you can replenish your energy with good food at JOEY Shipyards. This spot is located across the skate plaza, offering regional and international dishes while providing views of the waterfront.
Lily Lake – New Brunswick
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Address: 10 Fisher Lakes Dr, Saint John
Contact details: +1 506-658-2883
Operating hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Rates: Free
Website
Lily Lake is a staple among hockey lovers because once that temperature dips, it transforms into an outdoor arena. Instead of fans screaming in the stands, players will be surrounded by endless towering trees, and dare we say, it’s a much better sight!
However, don’t let this fool you into thinking that casual skaters can’t enjoy here as well! In fact, it’s one of the most accessible outdoor skating rinks in the country because it doesn’t charge anything—just be sure to bring your own pair of skates!
Also, the lake is only the tip of the iceberg, as this rink is located in Rockwood Park! This 89-hectare expanse of untapped nature consists of tree-covered hills and caves, and it’s home to beautiful wildlife.
Pro tip:
You can also check out Rockwood Park during the spring when you can find ducks roaming around! Keep in mind that feeding them isn’t allowed, as they can become dependent on humans.
Bannerman Park Rink – St. John’s
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Address: 15 Bannerman Rd
Contact details: +1 709-576-2309
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Rates: Free
Website
Bannerman Park is home to The Loop, which is St. John’s famous free ice skating rink in the winter. During the weekends, you can expect this place to be jampacked with skaters, but don’t worry because there’s plenty of space for everyone!
As the name suggests, this rink will have you going in circles, which is more fun than it sounds! What makes it special is its beautiful Christmas lights that cover the lamp posts and the beautiful thick snow that covers the loop—surely something to not miss for the season!
Pro tip:
After freezing your butts off in the cold loop, you can cross the street to The Parlour Gelato + Coffee and get your favourite warm cup of joe. Or if you’re like me and love the cold, you can get their coffee-flavoured gelato!
Kiwanis Memorial Park – Saskatoon
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Address: 500 Spadina Crescent E
Contact details: +1 306-975-3300
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates: Free
Website
Kiwanis Memorial Park holds a special place in a lot of Canadians’ hearts because it pays tribute to the Veterans who perished during the Second World War. However, the ice skating rink is just the cherry on top!
Skating here will provide you with beautiful views of the snow-covered park as well as distant city lights. Furthermore, some pine trees here are wrapped with colourful Christmas lights during the holidays.
After ice skating, you can go on a relaxing stroll along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and take in even more stunning views.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, pin Precise Parklink West as your destination on your navigation app. It will take you directly to the nearest parkade in the park, which rarely runs out of available spots.
