Our favourite ice skating events & rinks this holiday season
Looking for a classic winter activity with some extra holiday magic? Lace up those skates and zip around an icy winter wonderland with your friends and family in tow!
Favourite ice skating events & rinks this holiday season
Shipyards Skating Rink
Open throughout the winter months North Vancouver
There’s a new rink in town! Located where the summer water park splash zone was setup and covered by a retractable roof so during sunny days you can skate in the sunshine and have more of an outdoor skating rink experience.
Robson Square
December 1 2019 – February 29 2020 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 2019 until the end of February 2020 (winter temperatures permitting). Skate/helmet rentals are cash only, but admission and holiday magic are free!
Grouse Mountain Skating
November 22 2019 – April 2020 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).
Aurora Festival
Now until December 31, 2019 Vancouver
Dust off your skates (or rent them there for $6) and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink at Aurora. Of course once you’re there, you’ll want to do some tubing and check out the rest of the sprawling ode to Canadian winter exhibition.
Winterfest Holiday Rink
December 16 to January 1 2020 Burnaby
Sparkling Christmas lights, live Christmas trees, and a Dickens Village make the Winterfest Holiday Rink a special holiday experience. Runs until New Year’s Day at Canlan Ice Sports Burnaby 8 Rinks.
>> Winterfest
Winter Ice Palace
December 21, 2019 – January 6, 2020 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 20th annual Winter Ice Palace from
Skate with Santa
December 15, 2019 Coquitlam
Take a spin with the man in red! Also take pictures in Santa’s sleigh. Enjoy on-ice activities, colouring, plus free hot chocolate (while supplies last).
Glide on Ice
December 15, 2019
This annual free community skate at the Kerrisdale Arena is part of the Christmas in Kerrisdale December events.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Toonie Skate
December 21 2019 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!
>> Ugly Christmas Sweater Toonie Skate
Skate and helmet rentals are available at each facility, but bring your own gloves, waterproof pants, and a cozy coat for little ones.
For extra fun on Christmas Day, several ice rinks across the city offer public skates for families, including Hillcrest, Kitsilano, Trout Lake, and West End Community Centre.
Originally written by Jeanine Wasik and updated in 2019.
