7 Holiday Skating Spots in Metro Vancouver
Embark on a festive adventure with holiday skating at the forefront! Seeking a timeless winter activity with an added touch of holiday magic? Lace up those skates and glide through an icy winter wonderland, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of friends and family. Experience the joy of holiday skating, a perfect blend of tradition and merriment!
Favourite ice skating events & rinks this holiday season
Shipyards Skating Rink
November 30, 2024 until March 2025, North Vancouver
Situated within Shipyard Commons along the waterfront in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District, the Skate Plaza is an integral part of The Shipyards. This location boasts the largest outdoor skating rink in the region, spanning approximately 8,000 square feet. Admission is typically free for individuals with their own skates. Alternatively, affordable skate rentals are available for those without their own gear.
Where: Shipyards Skating Rink
Address:125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Time: 12pm-8pm daily
Cost: Free is if you bring your own skates, Skate rentals: Adults $7, Kids $5
>>Must See Holiday Performances for Families and Kids
Robson Square
November 29 2024 – February 28 2025 Vancouver
It’s one of Vancouver’s best winter traditions and the perfect way to celebrate the season with your loved ones! Robson Square outdoor skating rink is open from the beginning of December 2024 until the end of February 2025 (winter temperatures permitting). Skate/helmet rentals are cash only, but admission and holiday magic are free! There will be free live entertainment day from December 13 to December 24.
Where: Robson Square
Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver,
Time: 9am-9pm daily
Cost: Free if you bring your own skates, Skate rentals fees
Grouse Mountain Skating
Available now – April 2025, North Vancouver
Nothing beats skating outdoors on an 8,000 square foot mountaintop skating pond, surrounded by snow-capped trees on the top of Grouse Mountain. Open now until early Spring (be sure to check daily weather conditions). Ice skating on the outdoor rink is complimentary with a Mountain Admission Ticket or Annual Pass.
Where: Grouse Mountain
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver,
Time: 10am-8pm
Cost: Free if you bring your own skates, Skate rentals: Adults $10, Kids $6
PNE Winter Fair -Skating at Tim Hortons Ice Rink
December 6-8, 12-23 Vancouver
Delight in the pleasure of skating at the Tim Horton’s Ice Rink. The historic Agrodome undergoes a charming transformation into a timeless Canadian winter pond, inviting guests of all ages to revel in the joy of this iconic holiday pastime alongside friends and family.
Skate rental is available for $7, or you can bring your own skates and skate for free. For guests aged 12 and under, the use of helmets is mandatory. Please note that electric wheelchairs or scooters are not permitted on the ice.
Where: PNE
Address: 2901 E Hastings St., Vancouver
Time: 4pm-10pm
Cost: Free if you bring your own skates, Skate rentals: $8
Winter Ice Palace
December 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025 Cloverdale
The Winter Ice Palace at Cloverdale Arena in Surrey dazzles with lights, decorations, and an old-fashioned pond. Bring your friends and check out the 25th annual Winter Ice Palace.
Where: Cloverdale Arena
Address: 6090 176 Street, Surrey
Time: times vary daily; you can view their calendar here
Cost: $5 admission or free if you have an annual pass, Skate rentals: $3.50 and helmets $1.75
Glide on Ice
December 15, 2024, Vancouver
This annual free community skate at the Kerrisdale Arena is part of the Christmas in Kerrisdale December events. Free Skating Skate Rentals located at the Kerrisdale Arena.
Where: Kerrisdale Arena
Address: 6090 176 Street, Surrey
Time: 530pm-7pm
Cost: Free if you bring your own skates or Skate rental fee
Ugly Christmas Sweater Toonie Skate
December 21, 2024, Burnaby
Show off your moves while sporting your favourite tacky Christmas sweater! Enjoy face painting, reindeer games, and even a visit from Santa and his friends! This one day event takes place at Bill Copeland Sports Centre, Burnaby. Don’t miss out!
Where: Bill Copeland Sports Centre
Address: 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
Time: 1130am-3pm
Cost: Admission is $2 per person and free for children 3 years and under. Skates and helmet are included in the admission fee.
For extra fun on Christmas Day, several ice rinks across the city offer public skates for holiday skating for families, including Hillcrest, Kitsilano, Trout Lake, and West End Community Centre, North Delta,
Originally written by Jeanine Wasik and updated in 2024.
