Photo via Eli Unger/Shutterstock
With Olympic Plaza undergoing renovations for the upcoming Arts Commons Transformation Project, we are down one of our most beloved outdoor skating rinks in Calgary this winter.
Not to fear, though. Calgarians have a lot of opinions about where to skate, and there are more than a few good options.
As a former speed skater who moved to Calgary to train at the Olympic Oval development program, I can confirm that the ice in these spots is pretty good. And definitely fast.
But don’t take it from me. This advice comes straight from Calgarians who posed the question to city residents on a recent Reddit post.
Here are all the best places in the city to skate, according to Calgary locals.
“The university district has an outdoor rink that is probably the most comparable to Olympic Plaza in terms of groomed ice,” said one person on Reddit.
The rink is located in the newly opened University District, and is Calgary’s only refrigerated outdoor skating surface, which helps the ice maintain consistent conditions from December to late March (weather permitting).
There are outdoor fire pits, seating areas and holiday seasonal lights to add some spark to your outdoor skate.
While helmets are mandatory, hockey sticks, pucks, nets, sleds and toboggans are not permitted on the ice.
For a safe, accessible and scenic leisurely skate with some great ice to boot, University District might take the cake.
Where: Central Commons Park — Thirsk Street NW
“Bowness Park is excellent,” said one person in a comment. “Lots of fire pits and hot chocolate kiosks” make this a primary pick for plenty of local residents.
There were other Calgarians who agreed. “Bowness Park for sure,” said another person. “Giant pond and skating track… IMO much nicer than Olympic Plaza,”
Olympic Plaza’s views of the city make it pretty tough to beat, but in terms of beauty, Bowness Park might come out on top.
Free outdoor skating is offered at the Bowness Lagoon, and you can even rent skates on site.
This is a better spot for more advanced skaters, as helmets are not mandatory to access the ice.
You can also rent ice bikes here, which look like a whole lot of slip and slide fun, or find your stride on the 1.6 km ice track that runs along the Bow River.
For medium-level to advanced skaters, this is a local paradise!
Where: Bow River Pathway
“Prince Island is probably my favourite,” said one reviewer. “But Bowness Park is also excellent and in some ways much more pleasant given the fire pits scattered around both the staging area and along the edge of the lagoon.”
That’s another vote for Bowness Park, but Prince’s Island is a lesser-known gem that offers seasonal skating.
You can skate on the lagoon at Prince’s Island Park and take in the views of downtown Calgary and the adjacent Bow River while you find your edge.
This is a popular spot for figure skaters, with crisp, hole-free ice and a glacial-like ice surface.
For an outdoor, natural experience, Prince’s Island Park gives a Central Park energy in the heart of downtown Calgary.
It’s best experienced by medium-level to advanced skaters who don’t have to worry about falling.
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW
“Not sure I should reveal this, as I don’t want it to become crowded as it lacks parking — but our favourite skating place is Carburn Park (the Bowness park of the SE),” said one commenter on Reddit.
Carburn Park is definitely a hidden gem. Located within the Riverbend community, it has a well-maintained skating rink and ice track that takes you around the lagoon.
For picture-ready skates, there’s no better place than Carburn Park.
You’ll find skaters of all levels here, though the wide loop makes it perfect for speed or power skating.
You might even spot a white-tailed deer poking its head out of the bramble, as they spend all winter in the park.
For a hint of Christmas magic, Carburn Park is it!
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE
If you hit the ice in these choice spots this Christmas, let us know how it goes. Have a happy skate!
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