Ice skating is a popular activity perfect for anyone looking from a break from the indoors during the long Canadian winters. What could be more fun than gliding across the ice with friends and family or playing an impromptu game of hockey or shinny?
If you happen to be in Calgary, you’ll be pleased to know that it is one of the best places to find places for ice skating. Perhaps best known for its famous Stampede and proximity to the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Calgary has a great selection of ice rinks - making skating there an exciting experience.
This article is all about finding great places to go skating in Calgary for beginner skaters. We will list the top rinks and offer tips for those starting to skate for the first time.
Learn how to do ice skating for beginners in Vancouver.
The Best Public Skating Calgary
Olympic Plaza
Location: Downtown Calgary
Located in the heart of Calgary downtown, Olympic Plaza is a refrigerated, outdoor rink open daily during the winter. Skate rentals are provided.
Olympic Plaza boasts festive lighting and features public art, so you’ll be sure to have a great time. As part of downtown, you’ll also be able to enjoy local city walks and downtown amenities when you are ready to hang your skates up.
Learn more about ice skating lessons in Toronto.
Bowness Park Lagoon
Location: Northwest Quadrant
If you prefer to spend time in a natural environment, check out Bowness Park Lagoon. Yes, this rink is a real lagoon that becomes a natural rink during the winter, so weather may impact the conditions of the ice.
You’ll also be able to rent skates if you don’t have a pair of your own and grab hot drinks at the tea house on site. Enjoy a perfect skating day among the trees with your favorite people.
Carburn Park
Location: Southeast Calgary
Carburn Park is pretty pond that makes a classic day of ice skating in its natural glory. You’ll be surrounded by local fauna and be steps away from scenic trails, so be sure to bring snacks and water for an active day.
Keep in mind that this rink does not offer skate rentals, so bring a pair of your own or simply take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Olympic Oval
Location: University of Calgary
Albertans know that the weather can be severe and fickle, so it’s good to know your local indoor rink. Unlike most indoor rinks, however, the Olympic Oval a step above offering “the Fastest Ice in the World,” so you can expect to see some amazing skaters here.
The Olympic Oval offers skate rentals and hosts various events, so be sure to check in advance to see if it is open to the public.
Prince’s Island Park
Location: Downtown Calgary
Prince’s Island Park is a natural oasis tucked in the heart of Calgary’s urban centre. In the park is a lagoon that is a wonderful place to skate when the water freezes over. The park is open daily from 5am-11pm. Be sure to bring your own skates.
Read about the different types of ice rinks.
What about Indoor Skating?
Canadians love ice hockey - and training goes all year round - so you'll find plenty of options for indoor rinks around Calgary. However, be sure to check if public skating is available since many hockey and figure skating clubs book out the ice long in advance.
What Makes Skating in Calgary so Special?
Though Calgary has boomed in economic development and population in recent years, it still very much has the vibe of a small Canadian city but with world-class shopping and dining. While downtown Calgary boasts multiple skyscrapers and slick hotels, the ubiquitous Bow river and sprawling parks quickly remind you that you are in a Prairie city.
Skating in Calgary means enjoying the best the Canadian midwest has to offer: picture frozen ponds, gently falling snow, impromptu games of shinny, and the warmth and kindness of the local community!
A Beginners Guide to Ice Skating in Calgary
Do you want to have some fun with ice skating in Calgary but are wondering if there are some essential things you should know first? Ice skating is an excellent winter activity; it is exciting, fun, and a great sport, but also demanding and requires the proper knowledge before visiting the rinks.
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Tips for Outdoor Skating in Calgary
Before committing to spending a day skating outdoors, make sure you are prepared to handle the conditions, especially during winter in Calgary!
Popular rinks or rinks in universities or arenas may be closed at certain times for maintenance or special events.
Busy downtown areas may have limited parking, or you may have to walk from a parking lot to get to the rink. This is important to consider if you are carrying a lot of skating equipment.
Most Calgary rinks are natural, which means that if the temperature warms up a bit it may not be safe to skate. Check ice conditions at the rink you are considering to ensure it is open to skaters.
What to Wear and Take to the Ice Skating Rink
Whether you are skating indoors or outdoors, you should dress for the conditions and activity. In addition, if you plan to have a fun-filled time, there are certain items you should take along when going to the rinks, so here are the details of outfits and items needed for ice skating.
See how to have fun while ice skating for beginners in Canada.
Wear Warm Layers
Layering is a great way to ensure you have adequate warmth and flexibility when skating for long periods of time.
A sweatshirt is one of the most comfortable things you can ever wear when ice skating, the fabrics are usually soothing to the skin and offer warmth and adequate protection from cold temperatures. Wear wool or cotton to help you control or manage body heat and sweat.
Furthermore, choose very comfortable pants like leggings or fleece - the last thing you want is to experience discomfort when you are moving and active. If you wear denim, make sure you have a warm, thermal layer underneath.
Protective Gear
A helmet is an important item for beginners on the ice, especially children. The last thing you want to do is hit your head on the hard ice. You’ll also still need to protect your knees and elbows from injuries on the ice, so you should consider wearing protective gear like knee pads, shin guards to minimize injury from falling.
Outerwear
Gloves or mittens are also needed when ice skating to keep your hands warm because ice rinks are always cold, and gloves will protect your hands if you fall on the ice. Another good way to keep your head, face, and ears warm during ice skating is by wearing a hat or scarf.
Healthy Snack or Drink
You may get hungry you can get when ice skating, so if you are going to be ice skating for a long time, especially when you go with family and friends, you should take some snacks and drinks to keep the trip fun.
Some rinks may have snack bars, but it is good to bring snacks to save money or feed picky eaters.
Personal Ice Skates
Your ice skates are the most important among many other attires and gear for ice skating. Many rinks offer rental ice skates, so if you do not want to buy or cannot afford a pair of your own, you can just rent a pair at the ice rink.
However, ice skates are relatively inexpensive in Calgary, especially if you are buying used skates. If you feel the need to buy your own skates, make sure they are of good quality and do your research before buying.
The Best Ice Skating Classes in Calgary
Ice skating takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged if you feel like your first time on the ice you are barely moving. To get your skating legs fast, consider taking ice skating lessons.
Group skating lessons can be tough to find even for kids, so consider hiring a private skating tour to help you build your skills quickly. The most convenient option is to find a private skating coach on Superprof Canada.
On Superprof, you can find a teacher that will help you learn the proper techniques for ice skating. They can work with your schedule, so you don’t have to change your life to make class times.
Find a private skating tutor on Superprof today!
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