5 Places to Ice Skate Outdoors Around Vancouver in Winter 2022/23

Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Our winters in Vancouver never get that cold, so it isn’t usually safe to skate on frozen ponds. But you can still skate outdoors on five different ice rinks that pop up each winter. Here’s where to skate outdoors in winter 2022/23.

Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver

Head up to Grouse Mountain to skate on a mountain-top pond. It’s especially beautiful when it’s snowing or at night when it’s lit up with twinkling lights.

Location: At the top of the Grouse Mountain Skyride, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver.

Admission and Rentals: Skating is free with your Mountain Admission ticket. Skate rentals are $5-8.

Dates: Late November 2022 to April 2023.

Hours and More Info: Grouse Mountain

Skating at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Shipyard Skate Plaza, North Vancouver

North Vancouver’s Shipyard Commons, next to the Lonsdale Quay, is home to one of the region’s newest outdoor ice rinks. And at 20,000 square feet, it’s also the largest.

Location: Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver.

Admission and Rentals: Free admission. Skate rentals are $5-7.

Dates: Early December 2022 to late February 2023.

Hours and More Info: City of North Vancouver

Shipyards Skate Plaza. Photo: City of North Vancouver

Robson Square, Vancouver

Skating at downtown Vancouver’s Robson Square rink is a Vancouver tradition. It’s got a covered glass dome, which means you can skate in all kinds of weather.

Location: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver.

Admission and Rentals: Free admission. Skate rentals are $5.

Dates: December 2, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

Hours and More Info: Robson Square

Skating at Robson Square. Photo: Robon Square Ice Rink

Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler

Each winter Whistler’s Olympic Plaza transforms into an outdoor ice rink. With twinkly lights added to the snowy scene, it’s a real winter wonderland.

Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza, 4365 Blackcomb Way, Whistler

Admission and Rentals: Admission is $2. Rentals are $9 and include admission.

Dates: November 25, 2022 until late March 2023.

Hours and More Info: Tourism Whistler

Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Starlight Skating Rink, Harrison Hot Springs

Glide around the ice at Harrison Hot Springs’ popular Lights by the Lake winter festival. Their rink uses a unique synthetic ice surface that is unaffected by weather so you can skate no matter the temperature.

Location: 495 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs

Admission and Rentals: Free admission. Skate rentals are $5-8.

Dates: November 10, 2022 to February 20, 2023.

Hours and More Info: Harrison Hot Springs

Skating at the Starlight Rink. Photo: Tourism Harrison