The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without hitting the ice at least once or twice. So we’ve rounded up all your options when it comes to ice skating rinks around Vancouver – both in the city and surrounding areas. Some outdoors, some indoors – all worth visiting whether you’re a beginner or an avid skater. Let’s get into it!
Robson Square Ice Rink
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We’ll start with the obvious. The ice rink at Robson Square is a staple for a reason – for just $5 per skate rental, you really can’t go wrong. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.
When: Friday, December 1st to February 29, 2024
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
The Shipyards Skate Plaza
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Starting Friday, December 1st, you can head over to the Shipyards, rent some skates for $7 a pop ($5 for kids) and skate to your heart’s content at the largest outdoor skating rink in Metro Van. Enjoy some stunning waterfront views as you skate, and even pop into the nearby Polygon Gallery to make a day of it.
When: Now open
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
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Drop-in skating & hockey at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
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As long as you reserve a spot online for the public drop-in of your choice, a skate sesh at Doug Mitchell is definitely in the cards this winter. Skate some laps during their public or figure skating sessions, drop in for family hockey, and more. In terms of rink and ice quality, it’s hard to compete with this one.
Note that entry is first-come, first-serve and subject to capacity limits.
When: Friday, December 1st to February 29th, 2024
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $7 for adult public skating (free for UBC students)
Mountaintop ice skating at Grouse
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The Peak of Christmas has transformed the top of Grouse Mountain into a winter wonderland, which comes with a mountaintop ice skating pond. While you’re up there, be sure to take advantage of the holiday light walk and even meet Santa at his workshop! Access to the Peak of Christmas is available through a Mountain Admission Ticket, and those who have a season pass to Grouse Mountain can enjoy it all free of charge.
When: Friday, November 24th to December 25th
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $36-$69, or $119 for a family of four
Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler
If you’re heading to Whistler for the weekend, a stop at the outdoor rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza is practically mandatory. As of November 24th, visitors can skate to their hearts’ content surrounded by mountain views and twinkling lights.
Note that The Snow Zone will open as soon as snow conditions permit, and guests are encouraged to bring their own skates. Admission is $2 per person without skate rentals, and $9 with skate rentals.
When: Open until mid-March, 2024
Where: 4365 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Cost: $2 to $9 admission
City of Vancouver rinks
Now we arrive at the many indoor rinks provided by the City of Vancouver. Admission for all of the following rinks is $6.66 per adult and $3.33 to $4.66 for children (+ $3.36 for public skate rentals).
- Brittania Rink – 1661 Napier Street
- Hillcrest Skating Rink – 4575 Clancy Loranger Way
- Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena – 5670 East Boulevard
- Killarney Rink – 6260 Killarney Street
- Kitsilano Rink – 2690 Larch Street
- Trout Lake Rink – 3350 Victoria Drive
- West End Rink – 870 Denman Street
And that’s a wrap on ice skating rinks around Vancouver. We hope this list inspires you to lace up your skates and do some laps this season.
