Skating

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About Skating

Fun for all abilities and ages, skating is a popular Canadian sport that takes place in all sorts of spaces, from arenas to public rinks to private patches on frozen lakes and ponds. Whether you’re looking for a good ol’ hockey game, planning on dazzling your audience with some fancy moves on figure skates, or simply looking to glide along hand-in-hand with a loved one, there are countless options available to you in the Canadian winter wonderland.

Bambis On Ice

Looking to find your footing on the ice? Whether young or old, skating lessons can easily be arranged with instructors to help you learn the basics or sharpen your skills along with your skates. Tour guides can take you to unique and breathtaking terrains, over rivers and through canals. You’ll be doing jumps and spins in a glistening snowy paradise in no time.

Skating All Season

Don’t let the summer stop you – on a hot, sweaty day, there are plenty of indoor rinks that will allow you to strap on your skates and cool off, escaping to a sense of winter whenever you want. West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America, is home to the Ice Palace, an NHL-sized skating rink that glitters under a glass dome ceiling. The Ice Palace is open to the public but can also be rented out for private events.

Spectator Sport

Prefer to stay off the ice but still want to join in on the fun? No problem – there are plenty of spectator options when it comes to ice skating, including attending a professional hockey game (grab a seat in the stands or book out an exclusive VIP box for your group), watching a figure skating and ice dancing show, or cheering on speed skaters at a high-stakes tournament.

Tours with Skating

Winter In The Alberta Rockies

8 Days

FROM $1519

Winter in the Canadian Rockies is the perfect time to experience your favourite cold weather activities. This unforgettable 8 day, 7 night package is accessible daily.

Build Your Own Skating Tour

Let’s make a trip that’s uniquely yours! You decide how long, what scenery, number of inclusions, everything. Start planning now and make your dream trip a reality.

Staff Picks

Lake Louise

This iconic spot in Alberta was named one of the 10 most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world by CNN Travel and has a heated shelter to warm chilly fingers and toes.

Shipyards Park

Skate in a historic steamboat industrial zone in Whitehorse, YK, which plays host to the territory's Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival in February.

Lake Windermere Whiteway

Head to the BC mountain town of Invermere to glide along the longest ice skating pathway in the world, with over 30 km of trail.

ADVENTURE

Benefits

Lower Body Workout

Skating will help strengthen the muscles of your legs and promote agility.

Balance and Posture

You’ll quickly straighten up and use those core muscles to stay upright on the slippery ice surface.

Heart Healthy

This aerobic activity will improve your cardiovascular fitness and increase your endurance.

Essential Gear and Equipment

Be sure to dress warm in layers and bring mitts, a neck warmer, and toque. You’ll need your skates and safety gear (helmets for everyone, and knee and elbow pads recommended for beginners!). Depending on what activities you choose, additional equipment may be required, like sticks, nets, and a puck for a game of shinny, or a trainer for those on the ice for the first time.

Tips

Anytime you decide to go onto the ice, you should…

Make sure you’ve got the right skates – figure skates have a toe pick on the front end of the blade to help you stop and execute nimble footwork, while hockey skates have a smooth blade that requires you to slide sideways to come to a stop.
Secure your skates – tie them up tight so your ankles are supported and you’ll feel less wobbly. Little ones will likely need someone to tie their skates for them.
Check the weather.
Tell someone where you are going.
Check with the Parks or tourism office for closures and ice updates.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife.

Did You Know?

You can skate like an Olympian in Richmond, BC. Built in 2010 for the Winter Olympics, the Richmond Olympic Oval has two ice hockey rinks available for public use, so you can challenge your friends to a race, speed along, and imagine the cheer of the crowds and the glory of a gold medal.

Have Questions?

Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to someone. Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can create your unique experience.