Categories: Things To Do

Here’s where to lace up your skates and hit the ice in and around Vancouver

Photo via @theshipyardscnv/Instagram

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 indoors and outdoors. Perfect for a rainy day, a Christmas market visit, or a fun weekday excursion.

Here’s where you can lace up your skates in and around Vancouver.

Robson Square Ice Rink

The ice rink at Robson Square is a staple for a reason. For just $5 per skate rental, you really can’t go wrong, especially given its central location! Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special skate session before or after your next dinner date.

When: Now open daily until Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 800 Robson St.
Cost: $5 for skate rentals

The Shipyards Skate Plaza

This festive outdoor rink is officially open for the season, and it’s decked out in holiday decor. Head over to the Shipyards and rent a couple of skates for $8 a pop ($5.50 for kids), and skate to heart’s content.

When: Now open daily until March 29, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $5.50 to $8 for skate rentals

Drop-in skating at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

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.

When: Now open
Time: Drop-in sessions
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Blvd.
Cost: $7 for public skating (free for UBC students)

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).

Peak of Christmas – Vancouver’s North Pole

This one’s a bit pricey, but you get to skate at Vancouver’s own North Pole. Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas tradition has officially kicked off, complete with a transformed holiday light walk through the forest, Santa’s workshop, and a mountaintop skating pond. 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: Nov. 21 to Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $99 to $155 per person, plus $6 to $10 per person for skate rentals

Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler

Finally, we come to the iconic ice skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza, where you can glide through the heart of Whistler Village. Take in the mountain views, the Olympic Rings, and the thousands of twinkling holiday lights around you.

When: Open until mid-March, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 4365 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Cost: $2 for admission, $9 for skate rentals

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