Six outdoor ice skating rinks in and around Vancouver to check out this winter

It’s time to lace up those skates!

While Vancouver winters are mild, we still have a few places in and around the city where outdoor ice-skating happens in the chillier months. This year, two new outdoor rinks have opened, adding more options to the winter fun.

Here are six scheduled outdoor ice skating venues to check out this winter.

Robson Square

One of Vancouver’s favourite winter things is free ice skating at Robson Square. Downtown Vancouver’s only outdoor ice skating rink will operate this winter from December through February. Skate rentals are available for $5 a pair, cash only. This season, the rink will be open Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

When: Dec. 1 to Feb. 29, 2020
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson St., Vancouver

Shipyards Commons Skate Plaza (Opening soon!)

The City of North Vancouver's brand new ice rink opens Dec. 19 at noon. Set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Vancouver, the Shipyards Commons 12,000 square foot outdoor skate plaza will be the region’s largest outdoor skating rink. The venue will offer skate rentals ($), free helmets and skate aides. If you have your own skates, you can skate for free!

When: From Dec. 19 at 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. (closed on Christmas Day).
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Grouse Mountain Skating Pond

Ice skating on the 8,000-square-foot pond at Grouse Mountain has begun! You’ll get a true winter experience at the only mountaintop skating rink in the lower mainland. Admission to the rink is included with a Grouse Mountain Alpine Experience ticket, Snow Pass, or Annual Local’s Pass. Skate rentals are available for all ages on site. The ice rink is open from 9 a.m to 10 p.m. It’s advised that you check the Current Conditions before heading to the mountain.

When: Mid-Nov. 2018-April 2019; check current conditions for details
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Tsawwassen Springs

Skate on the fairways outdoors in Tsawwassen for some old fashioned fun. The small rink offers big views of the North Shore Mountains, and a festive atmosphere. There’s no rentals– so bring your own skates. The Outdoor Skating Rink is now open daily until Jan. 6, weather depending. Visitors should call 604.948.4653 or 604.948.1123 to see if the rink will be open. All skaters must wear a helmet and sign a waiver

Where: 5133 Springs Blvd., Delta (Tsawwassen)
When: Dec. 2. To Jan. 6.
Cost: Admission is $5 per skater

Whistler Olympic Plaza

Skate like a champion in the heart of Whistler Village at the seasonal rink in Olympic Plaza. Hit the ice while enjoying the surrounding views of mountains, the Olympic Rings, and holiday lights. The rink open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s free admission and skate rentals are available for $6.

When: Nov. 30 to March 8, 2020, weather dependent
Where: Olympic Plaza – 4144 Village Stroll, Whistler

Starlight Skating Rink

This year you can enjoy ice skating at a new outdoor synthetic ice rink in Harrison Hot Springs, all the while being surrounded by Christmas lights. The ice rink is the newest addition to the city’s Lights by the Lake event. Access to the rink is free but there is a charge for skate rentals, $8 for adults and $5 for children. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

When: Nov. 23 to Feb. 29, 2020
Where: 495 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: Free

— With files from Lindsay William-Ross