One of our favourite ways to get outdoors during the winter months is by checking out one of Edmonton’s many ice skating spots! With expertly maintained rinks spread all across the city, there’s no better way to experience all the beauty of Edmonton’s winters.
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1. ICE District
Located in the heart of downtown, the ICE District Skating Rink is the newest addition to Edmonton’s skating roster. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, this conveniently located rink is perfect for a relaxing lap around the ice after a stressful day at the office. Although skate rentals are not available at the time of publication, the ICE District team hopes to offer them soon, so stay tuned for further details!
Amenities: The best feature of this spot is its proximity to all of the ICE District’s top tier businesses. After you skate circles around the competition, grab a bite at the newly opened Canadian Icehouse or try your luck at the Grand Villa Casino. You can also pick up some iconic Oilers merchandise at ICE District Authentics.
2. Hawrelak Park
This spot is a favourite among Edmontonians and it’s easy to see why! Boasting a five-hectare lake, Hawrelak Park is one of the largest skating rinks in Edmonton. Plus, it’s also suitable for a variety of skill levels, making it a perfect activity for the whole family. Hawrelak Park is also home to the Silver Skate Festival, Edmonton’s longest running winter festival. Read more about this event on page xx.
Amenities: Skate rentals, fire pits, concession: you name it, Hawrelak Park has got it! Make sure to check out the Community League Plaza, located on the southeast side of the lake. This public amenity was launched in 2021 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues and provides the perfect place to rest between laps! The pavilion features a gas fireplace, artwork, and educational info about the Edmonton Community League movement.
3. Victoria Park Oval & IceWay
Everyone’s favourite Instagram spot, the Victoria Park IceWay is arguably the most picturesque spot on our list. This dreamy path snakes through the park’s trees, with colourful lights projected onto the ice surface. Warm up your skating skills with a couple laps on The Oval, a large and expertly maintained rink that is suitable for all ages and skill levels. But make sure to check the rink’s opening hours before heading out! Since the Oval is also utilized by the Edmonton Speed Skating Association, it is unavailable to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Amenities: Stay warm with the on-site heated pavilion equipped with washrooms, lockers, and a useful spot to fill up your water bottle. There’s also speakers surrounding the ice (which are often playing festive tunes and a couple small fire pits to warm your hands.
4. Rundle Park IceWay
Located in the northeast part of Edmonton’s River Valley, Rundle Park is home to some of the best activity facilities in the city! While this park is bustling with activity in the warmer months, there’s still tons of fun to discover as temperatures start to drop. Their popular IceWay spans almost 2 kilometres and is accompanied by a shinny pond and a smaller rink for family use.
Amenities: Washrooms and a changing area are located in the Rundle Family Centre. Skate rentals are also available. For a true day of winter fun, make sure to bring your toboggan to test out the Park’s several hills!
This is only the tip of the iceberg! Find more skating rinks and stay up to date on ice conditions here. Let us know what we missed @WhereEdmonton!
