Melanie MoralesIce skating is a fun and exciting past-time for all ages. Stepping out on the ice may be a bit daunting at first, but as you get used to gliding over it, you’ll look forward to lacing up your skates as soon as the ice rinks open.
Want to experience the true winter spirit here in Edmonton? Come with us and check out the best outdoor skating rinks in the city!
The Top Places to Go Ice Skating in Edmonton
1. Jackie Parker Park Rink
Jackie Parker Park is tucked behind a forested area and rolling hills, so it’s quite secluded. Although it’s not as big as other parks in the city, it has a large open space that is used as an ice skating rink in winter.
Skating outdoors with your group of friends or whole family is solid free entertainment you can enjoy in this rink.
Since it’s one of the local community rinks, the city staff and volunteers maintain and run the place. The park is equipped with fully furnished washrooms and an indoor change area so you can conveniently put on your skates if you decide to go skating.
Aside from the rink, kids can also explore the four adjacent playgrounds with rope bridges, swings, ladders, monkey bars, slides, and more.
Nonetheless, if you just want to relax for a while, you can lounge at one of the picnic tables or picnic sites inside.
Are there skate rentals in Jackie Parker Park Rink?
Skate rentals are not available inside the park. On the other hand, you can bring your own skates and access the skate change area outside the park.
2. Victoria Park Skating Oval and IceWay
Victoria Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, jogging, and biking during summer. This park is a nice place to explore, especially if you want to take in the panoramic views of the Edmonton River Valley.
On the flip side, as the cold weather creeps in and the fresh, smooth ice settles, ice skating and tobogganing bring people to the park.
The outdoor skating rink in Victoria Park is a 400-meter Olympic size oval that features outdoor speed-skating tracks. You can take several laps around the oval and enjoy ice skating at night in the brightly lit and colorful IceWay.
Alternatively, the trails running through Victoria Park become cross-country ski routes during the cold months. That’s why the site is also used by Edmonton Speed Skating Association (ESSA) for their long track season from December to March.
Are there skate rentals in Victoria Park?
There are no skate rentals inside Victoria Park, but you can find rental shops on 99 Street.
3. Castle Downs Outdoor Skating Rink
Sporty people will have a good time in Castle Downs Park because it features a range of recreational areas.
It has a baseball diamond, skatepark, spray park, and sports field. Besides that, it features off-leash areas with an unfenced grass field where you can bring your dog to play.
Alternatively, the main highlight of this park during winter is its outdoor rink. People recommend skating in the morning because the rink can be too crowded early in the afternoon and in the evening.
Are there skate rentals in Castle Downs Park?
Skate rentals are not available in Castle Downs Park. Nonetheless, the park features an outdoor skate change area.
4. Hawrelak Park Ice Rink
Hawrelak Park Ice Rink is open throughout the year, and it’s the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Edmonton. If you’re looking for an expansive rink where you and your whole family can skate, this rink can be your best choice.
What’s nice about this rink is that it has a skate change area, skate rentals, and skate lockers. Moreover, the parking spots are also close to the park, so you can easily access the rink.
Compared to community league rinks, Hawrelak Park Ice Rink has no admission fee and league membership requirements.
After exploring the long skating loops around the lake, you can rest at the pavilion beside the rink or get a hot drink or some sandwiches at the concession.
Are there skate rentals in Hawrelak Park?
Skate rentals are available at Hawrelak Park’s pavilion, but the costs for rentals are not specified.
On the other hand, the park also has washrooms, lockers, a concession area, and a skate change room.
5. Rundle Park IceWay
Rundle Park transforms into an icy wonderland as the cold months approach. Once the park’s pond freezes, visitors can enjoy skating on a smooth ice skating surface that is over 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long.
Another good thing about this rink is that there are a lot of ice skating trails to weave through and a toboggan hill where you can try sledding.
To top it off, Rundle Park IceWay is connected to warming huts, outdoor fireplaces, and picnic shelters, so if you wish to take a break from skating, you can easily find a spot.
If the rink is not too crowded, you can organize a hockey game with your friends. However, if you plan to skate before dusk, don’t forget to bring a headlamp because some spots on the trail are quite dark.
Are there skate rentals in Rundle Park?
There are no active skate rental shops in Rundle Park, so you must bring your own skates.
On the flip side, you can take advantage of the free skate rentals during the celebration of Live Active Day in February. Just note that the skates are limited and are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
6. City Hall Plaza
One of the most notable buildings in Edmonton is the City Hall. Aside from housing the city’s municipal government, it also has a plaza that serves as a community hub throughout the year.
In the summer, people can explore its gardens, outdoor wading pool, and promenade. On the other hand, if it’s winter, visitors can play at its ice rink and warm up at the public fire pits nearby.
During the Ice Grooves festival in January and February, you can also avail yourself of free skate rentals and dance through the DJ’s lively beats and music.
Of course, people of all ages can attend this event, but the schedule is still dependent on the weather conditions.
Are there skate rentals in City Hall Plaza?
There are no skate rental shops in City Hall Plaza.
However, Edmonton Arts Council offers free skate rentals during the Ice Grooves event (January to February).
The skates are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 PM to 9 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM.
