Winter is officially here and the holiday season is upon us! It’s time to engage in leisurely winter activities and spend time with your friends and family. Ice skating is one of the most popular old-fashioned winter sports and we found out which are the most popular outdoors rinks right in the middle of the city.
Robson Square
The one and only ice skating rink with free admission traditionally open on December 1st like every year. Come to Robson Square to enjoy some old-fashioned winter fun with your close ones in the heart of downtown. Skates are available for rent, but remember to bring cash.
When: Dec 1th until Feb 28th
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver Grouse Mountain
Where else would you have more unique ice skating experience than at the top of the Grouse Mountain just above the city? 8,000-square-foot ice skating pond is one of its kind in the lower mainland, so grab your skates and go for a glide! It’s a perfect way to spend a romantic evening for couples or fun-filled day for the families. Admission to the rink is included with a Grouse Mountain Alpine Experience ticket, Snow Pass, or Annual Local’s Pass. If you get cold, you can warm up in the Peak Chalet, only a few steps from the pond.
When: November 7 to April, weather permitting
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Aurora Winter Festival
Aurora celebrates its first year in Vancouver luring people to enjoy a number of exciting attractions and rides. Frozen River is one of them so lace up your skates and make your way through magical Christmas light installation into the enchanting light dome. Rental skates are available for $7.
When: Nov 23th until Dec 30th
Where: Concord Pacific Place, 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Trout Lake (John Hendry Park)
For the first time in 20 years, Parks Board allowed ice skating on the Trout Lake in January 2017. The City of Vancouver is serious about the conditions permit and allows ice skating on the lake only when the ice is 12” thick. Watch out for updates during the colder days this winter!
Where: John Hendry Park – 3300 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Garry Point Park
Same as The Trout Lake, the waterways in Richmond must meet strict criteria to allow safe ice skating. Just stay tuned as the pond at Garry Point Park sometimes meets the requirements. If you’re in luck, you can hit the ice at this beautiful park near Steveston!
Where: 12011 Seventh Avenue, Richmond
Como Lake Park & Lafarge Lake
Coquitlam’s Como Lake Park and Lafarge Lake open for skating when conditions permit. Check out Winter Wise section on Coquitlam’s website that covers current conditions and safety information. You’ll find updates here on the current situation if Como Lake and Lafarge Lake is safe for ice skating. Where: 700 Gatensbury St, Coquitlam
