Drop in to a skating rink near you. Visit Skating, Figure Skating and Hockey Lessons for information on registered programs.
Most indoor rinks (arenas) open for fall/winter and close in late March to late April. Outdoor artificial ice rinks typically open in late November and close for the season in March.
Everyone on the ice must wear skates.
Check the map or the outdoor rink status page to see if an outdoor artificial ice rink is open. Depending on the weather, rinks may be closed.
After any heavy snowfall, the artificial ice rinks will close due to cleanup. The City operates more than 50 outdoor rink locations in a typical season and crews work as quickly as they can to clean the ice and re-open the rink after a snowfall.
Sometimes on warm days, the City has to close some rinks temporarily until the weather cools down. This is due to the size and type of a rink’s refrigeration system and its ability to keep ice hard and smooth when temperatures rise above zero degrees Celsius. To check if a rink is open on a warm day, check the rink status or call 311.
Rinks are maintained by being flooded on a regular basis but schedules are adjusted daily to accommodate inclement weather, staffing issues, equipment breakdowns, permits/programs and heavy traffic conditions.
For Indoor Rinks (Arenas) and Outdoor Artificial Ice Rinks:
Skate rentals are available at Nathan Phillips Square during the winter season only.
In partnership with Desjardins Financial Group, City staff will be offering a free Skate Lending Library at select locations across the city where you can borrow:
The program is free for all and no reservations are needed.
Pick up a free pair of gently used skates at a Skate Exchange. First come, first served. Sizes and quantities vary.
Some Skate Exchanges may include activities like face painting, crafts and free hot chocolate, no skates or skating required.
Donations are also accepted at select recreation centres.
Most programs require skaters to wear a helmet. Visit the Helmet Requirements section for specific information.
Designated drop-in skate for figure skaters six years and older. No private or commercial training is permitted. Participants must be mindful of their speed due to the ice being shared by multiple levels of skaters. Pair skating is not permitted.
Open skate for all ages. Shinny hockey, figure skating and speed-skating are not permitted during leisure skate.
Programs are supervised unless otherwise noted. Leisure skate types include:
Ringette is similar to hockey but is played with a rubber ring and straight stick. The sport encourages sharing amongst team mates, as two passes need to be made before scoring on the net.
Residents six years and older are welcome to try this non-contact activity. Search for your nearest location using the map and review the schedule. No registration is required.
Shinny is an informal game of hockey played on ice. Full equipment is not required but it is recommended that participants wear their own hockey gloves and a neck guard.
Players must bring their own skates, sticks and pucks.
Other rules:
Programs are supervised unless otherwise noted. Shinny types include:
For 18 years and older, this is a designated skate for long blade speed skating. All skaters must wear long blade skates. Shinny hockey or figure skating not permitted during this time.
| Skate Activity | Age | Helmet Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Figure Skating | Six years | Required. CSA-approved helmet that covers the back and sides of the head.
Recommended: CSA-approved hockey helmet. |
| Figure Skating | Seven years and older | Recommended. CSA-approved hockey helmet. |
| Leisure Skate | Six years and under | Required. CSA-approved helmet that covers the back and sides of the head.
Recommended: CSA-approved hockey helmet. |
| Leisure Skate | Seven years and older | Recommended. CSA-approved hockey helmet. |
| Ringette | Six years and older | Required. CSA-approved hockey helmet with visor or full cage. |
| Shinny | 18 years and younger | Required. CSA-approved hockey helmet with visor or full cage. |
| Shinny | 19 years and older | Required. CSA-approved hockey helmet.
Recommended: CSA-approved hockey helmet with visor or full cage helmet. |
| Speed Skating: Long Blade | 18 years and older | Recommended. CSA-approved helmet. |
Sledges are available through Adapted and Inclusive Services. Visit the skating section of Accessible Recreation Facilities and Equipment to learn more and request access.
Skate aids are available at locations on a first-come, first-served basis, based on availability. Check with on-site staff if you require a skate aid.
Wheelchairs, both manual and powered, are allowed on the ice during leisure skate. Check with on-site staff on accessing the ice.
Strollers are allowed on the ice during supervised public and leisure skate times at rinks. Once at the rink, contact City staff for guidance before accessing the ice. Children are required to be properly secured in the stroller before entering the rink. Strollers should not be used as a skate aid.
Help us keep the ice clean and safe. If you are using a wheelchair, sledge, stroller or approved skate aid, please ensure they do not track salt or dirt onto the ice surface.
Natural ice rinks in parkland are built by community volunteers each year. Availability and ice conditions can vary throughout the winter based on weather, snowfall and volunteer maintenance. Use at your own risk. We encourage all skaters to wear a helmet for safety.
Skating on lagoons, the inner harbour and other open bodies of water is not allowed. Temperature changes, salt run-off and other factors can make the ice dangerous.