Skates and the City

Looking to get your blade on? Check out three great rinks around Vancouver

Looking to show out-of-town guests or kids on holiday break a wintery good time without hefty prices? Nothing beats good old-fashioned ice skating. Here’s where to get your blade on in Vancouver.


 

GE Ice Plaza at Robson Square

After nearly 10 years of dormancy, the 27-year-old outdoor ice rink at Robson Square was recently reopened, with a slightly larger ice area, and rechristened the GE Ice Plaza (pictured left, on a recent busy evening). Once again, Vancouver joins the big-city league of downtown, open-air (albeit underground) skating. 

Admission is free from now through Games-time, and skate rental is $3. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Robson and Howe St. (map)


 

Grouse Mountain’s Ice Skating Pond

The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink at the peak of Grouse Mountain offers the only old-fashioned pond skating in the city. And it includes a gondola ride, access to many peak activities, including sleigh rides, and is just steps away from the Peak Chalet should you require a hot chocolate—stat!

Access to the ice pond is included in your ticket or pass. Skate rental is available. Be sure to check the Mountain Report for weather conditions before you head up. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver (map).


 

Trout Lake Rink

The Olympic renovations of the Trout Lake Community Centre has given us a new state-of-the-art, aerodynamically designed Trout Lake Rink. Designed to converse energy and water use, it’s a sustainable model for future rinks. And with its lovely arched wood ceiling (made from salvaged Stanley Park windfall), it looks great, too.

Test the ice while you still can, as the rink will be closed to accommodate practicing Games athletes starting January 15, 2010, and will re-open for public skating in early March. Check the website for ice time. 3350 Victoria Dr. (map)


 

Vancouver's 7 other rinks...

Check out public skating schedules for the City of Vancouver’s seven other rinks located throughout the city. Be sure to confirm holiday hours.