Photo: Grouse Mountain
Winters in Vancouver are fairly mild, so it isn’t usually safe to skate on frozen ponds. But you can still skate outdoors on four different ice rinks that pop up each winter. Here’s where to skate outdoors in winter 2023/24.
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 $6-10.
Dates: Late November 2023 to April 2024.
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: December 1, 2023, to late February 2024.
Hours and More Info: 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: Early December 2023 to late February 2024.
Hours and More Info: Robson Square
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography
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 24, 2023, until mid-March 2024.
Hours and More Info: Tourism Whistler
Ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
