If you enjoy ice skating but don’t want to be confined to an indoor rink this season, now is the ideal time to hit the ice at these beautiful outdoor skating rinks. From mountaintop ponds to festive city rinks, here are 7 places to enjoy outdoor skating in BC this winter.
Mountaintop Skating Pond – Grouse Mountain
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Mountaintop skating is set to return to the top of Grouse Mountain this season, so get ready to hit the ice on an 8,000-square-foot ice skating pond. Note that skate rentals are available for all ages, and ice skating is complimentary with a Mountain Admission Ticket or Annual Pass.
When: Now open for the season
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $75 for Mountain Admission
Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler
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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
Shipyards Skate Plaza
If you love hitting the ice every holiday season, the Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver is a must-visit every year. After all, it’s not only the largest outdoor ice skating surface in the region, but nearby a ton of festive amenities.
Starting Friday, December 1st, you can head over and rent some skates for $7 a pop ($5 for kids) and skate to your heart’s content. And if you bring your own, this is a free activity to enjoy!
When: Opens Friday, December 1st
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
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Robson Square Ice Rink
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The city’s popular Robson Square Ice Rink is also set to open for the season this Friday, so get ready to lace up your skates and partake in some classic holiday fun.
When: Friday, December 1 to February 29, 2024
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Stuart Park Outdoor Rink, Kelowna
Open every day from 6 am to 11 pm to drop-in skaters (except on Mondays, when it opens at 8 am), this outdoor skating rink is situated in the picturesque waterfront Stuart Park in downtown Kelowna. Before you head out, be sure to check ice conditions and crowd levels using the live cam on their website.
Where: 1430 Water Street, Kelowna
Cost: $6 to $7 for skate rentals
Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval
Skating enthusiasts flock to Prince George to enjoy skating across the city’s beloved Outdoor Ice Oval, and this year is no exception. Open daily, skaters can visit all season long for $25 per person, or $60 for family season passes.
Where: 4249 18th Avenue, Prince George
Starlight Skating Rink, Harrison Hot Springs
Not only can you check out Harrison Hot Springs’ popular Lights by the Lake winter festival, but you can hit the ice at its outdoor rink, which features synthetic ice that remains unaffected by any weather or low temperature.
When: TBA in early December
Where: 495 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs
