One of the best ways to enjoy Edmonton’s beautiful winters is by taking to the ice! All around Edmonton, you’ll find unique and exciting venues for ice skating, whether you’re looking for a relaxing path through snowy woods or a dance party downtown. Ready for an icy adventure? Read on!
1) Hawrelak Park
Hawrelak Park is one of Edmonton’s biggest and most popular spots for skating. The 5-hectare lake boasts plenty of room for you to get your laps in, surrounded by the natural splendor of the River Valley. Skate rentals are available, so no need to worry about bringing your own! Warm up in between bouts on the ice with hot meals and drinks from the concession. This rink is also home to the annual Silver Skate Festival (Feb. 11–Feb. 20), where outdoor enthusiasts take to the ice for skating races, figure skating demonstrations, and more.
2) City Hall Plaza
This rink in front of City Hall is perfect for stopping by for a quick skate after work or with the family during a trip downtown. The City Hall Plaza rink is open for skating at any time of day, with a skate change room and free rentals available at select times during the week. On Fridays and Saturdays evenings, enjoy Ice Grooves, featuring live DJs spinning different genres every week.
3) West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace
Shopping and skating—how’s that for a killer combo? The Ice Palace is located on the first floor of the West Edmonton Mall; enjoy year-round skating under a beautiful glass roof. Special skating events like senior skates are offered throughout the week. Lockers are available to rent so you can stow your stuff while you’re out on the ice. Check the West Edmonton Mall website for hours and upcoming events.
4) Rundle Park IceWay
Every winter, Rundle Park becomes the home of an almost 2 km-long IceWay. The route takes skaters past picnic sites, a skate change area, and warming shelters, as well as past stunning views of Rundle Park and the North Saskatchewan River. Other skating surfaces in the park include a shinny rink and a family skating rink, perfect for a wintery family outing.
5) Victoria Park Skating Oval and IceWay
Located just a short drive from downtown, Victoria Park offers plenty of skating fun for skaters of all ages and ability levels. The Skating Oval is sheltered from the wind, offering a beginner-friendly and family-friendly skating experience. The Oval is also home to the Edmonton Speed Skating Association, who use the rink on weekday evenings. The Victoria Park IceWay is accessible from the main parking lot and offers skaters a trip through serene, sheltered forest. Skate the IceWay at night to see beautiful colours and patterns projected onto the ice.
This is only the tip of the iceberg! Find more skating rinks and stay up to date on ice conditions by visiting the City of Edmonton’s Outdoor Skating web page. Got a favourite skating spot you want to shout out? Let us know @WhereEdmonton!
