Embrace the winter weather with the best outdoor public skating rinks in Calgary. Skating on an outdoor rink is as Canadian as it gets. Not to mention it’s a safe and fun activity you can enjoy with friends and family in the city. City of Calgary outdoor skating rinks are free to use and open from around December to February each year. Remember that hockey sticks and nets are not permitted and helmets are encouraged for all participants. Now, get ready for some family friendly fun skating in the great outdoors. For even more outdoor skating, you can check out over 35 volunteer-run rinks throughout the city.
Outdoor Public Skating Rinks in Calgary
Best Outdoor Skating Rinks
Outdoor Public Skating Rinks in Calgary
Outdoor Skating Rinks in North Calgary
University District Central Commons Park
University District is ready to welcome you to a 3-acre space to play and enjoy the great outdoors this winter. Warm up by the fire pits and take a lap around the outdoor refrigerated ice rink with plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants nearby to the Central Commons Park. Free 3 hour underground parking is available.
Location: 4410 University Ave NW
Big Marlborough Park
Popular in the neighbouring Marlborough Park community, Big Marlborough Park is home to a large outdoor skating rink each winter. Parking is available on the west side of the park along with bleachers to tie your skates and fire rings to keep warm. Bring your toboggan and take a slide down the dedicated toboggan hill before or after your day at the outdoor rink for the ultimate winter adventure.
Location: 6033 Madigan Dr. N.E.
Prairie Winds Park
Two rinks at Prairie Winds Park makes this a great place for an outdoor skate this winter. The north rink is open for pleasure skating, while the south rink is the perfect spot for a game of shinny hockey or a recreational skate. Year-round portable washrooms are available onsite along with a toboggan hill with a lookout at the top.
Location: 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
Bowness Park Lagoon
Bowness Park Lagoon has become a true family favourite in Calgary for its majestic outdoor skating rink surrounded by trees along the banks of the lagoon at the park’s southern edge. Rent skates and helmets or get your skates sharpened at the Skate Shop, operated by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre. Lace up your skates on a 1.6 kilometre track or try out ice bikes, available for rent for both adults and children. You can even cross-country ski along groomed trails if you’re looking for more outdoor fun. Finish your day with a brunch, lunch, or dinner right in the park at the Seasons of Bowness Park restaurant.
Location: 8900 48 Ave. N.W.
Warm up by the fire after skating the loop at Bowness Lagoon (photo credit: Colin Way)
Try Ice Biking at Bowness Park Lagoon (photo credit: Colin Way)
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in South Calgary
Carburn Park
One acre of outdoor skating makes Carburn Park a must-try outdoor skating experience. Carburn Park is easily accessible through the community of Riverbend and home to 135 acres of deciduous forest and wildlife. Washroom facilities are open year-round and there are plenty of park benches to relax and enjoy a hot chocolate after your day on the rink.
Location: 67 Riverview Dr. S.E.
Glenmore Ice Trail
The Glenmore Ice Trail launched in North Glenmore Park in winter 2020. Now, you can skate over 730 metres of connected track with an attached skating rink in the centre. Tie your skates on the benches provided and enjoy a snack at the picnic sites. Portable washrooms are also available on site.
Location: 7305 Crowchild Tr. S.W.
Thompson Family Park
Thompson Family Park is a new inner-city green space in the Beltline neighbourhood with its very own ice rink. Home to playgrounds and the Calgary Lawn Bowling Club in the summer, the park transforms with an outdoor skating rink each winter. Take a photo op with ‘The Readiness is All’ public artwork along the back wall of the park. Walking distance to restaurants and shops along 17th Ave, the Thompson Family Park is a fun destination for a beautiful winter day in the city.
Location: 1236 16 Ave. S.W.
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Downtown Calgary
Olympic Plaza
Built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Plaza is home to an outdoor rink right in the heart of downtown Calgary. It’s also the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. The Skate Hut offers onsite skate, helmet, and skating aid rentals, along with skate sharpening. Remember to bring cash for Skate Hut services. Skating starts in mid-November until mid-March and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 228 8 Ave. S.E.
Prince's Island Park
After being closed for construction for several years, the Prince’s Island lagoon is open again for public skating! This natural skating rink gives downtown residents and visitors an amazing place to skate in one of Calgary's most iconic parks, right on the Bow River. Skating starts in mid-November until mid-March and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location: 4 St. and 1 Ave. S.W.
Skating in the heart of downtown Calgary at Olympic Plaza (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Roth & Ramberg).
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