Calgary is a world-renowned winter city, and one of the best ways to enjoy the winter wonderland is by skating on one of the many outdoor rinks. There's nothing quite like lacing up your skates and taking a spin under the stars.
You can find rinks scattered all over the city, so there's no excuse not to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. Skating is a great way to spend some time with friends or family, and it's a tradition for many Calgarians.
Whether you're a beginner skater or a seasoned pro, you're bound to fall in love with one of Calgary's outdoor rinks.
The 7 Best Outdoor Skating Rinks in Calgary
- Prairie Winds Park
- Olympic Plaza
- Bowness Park & Lagoon Ice Trail Lagoon
- Thomson Family Park
- Big Marlborough Park
- North Glenmore Park Ice Trail
- Carburn Park
Prairie Winds Park
Prairie Winds Park is a beautiful place to visit in the winter. Snow-covered trees and fields make a picturesque backdrop for two large skating rinks. One is for hockey, and one is for pleasure skating.
Even though this park is all about skating in the winter, there’s still plenty of opportunity for cross-country skiing. Specifically, 16 hectares of opportunity! There are also a few toboggan hills in the park, which are perfect for sledding.
Skate rentals are not available at this rink, but there are washrooms.
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE
When: 5 am - 11 pm
Olympic Plaza
The Olympic Plaza skating rink is a classic option for those who want to skate in the heart of downtown Calgary. Winters can sometimes be long and dull but you’ll feel the city come alive while skating at this Calgary outdoor rink. Festive lights and snow-covered branches surround the rink creating a truly magical atmosphere.
The plaza was built for the Olympic Winter Games in 1988 and has the only refrigerated ice surface in the city. There are stunning views of the Calgary Tower and regular Zamboni runs to ensure the ice is always sleek. It’s no wonder why it always makes the list of best outdoor skating rinks.
Where: 288 8 Ave. SE
When: 10 am - 9 pm
Bowness Park Lagoon and Ice Trail
Looking for the ultimate scenic skating experience? Check out the Bowness Park Lagoon and Ice Trail. This rink is situated on the banks of the Bow River and offers stunning views of the mountains and Calgary’s downtown skyline.
This beloved park turns into a winter wonderland where you can skate on the lagoon or glide along the ice trail. A canopy of twinkling lights hangs over the trails and you can stop to warm up at one of the many fire pits.
Stop by the nearby Tea House for some hot cocoa, and maybe even test out one of the ice bikes!
The rink is open for skating daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and skate rentals are provided by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre for a small fee.
Where: 8900 48 Ave. NW
When: 10 am - 10 pm
Thomson Family Park
Thomson Family Park lives up to its name by being one of the best family-friendly outdoor skating rinks in Calgary. The rink is enclosed and on the smaller side, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the little ones.
This inner-city park provides downtown residents with outdoor recreation opportunities all year round.
There aren’t skate rentals at this rink but you will be downtown so there are tons of restaurants nearby. Don’t worry about working up an appetite on the rink because a warm meal is right around the corner! Head to 17th Avenue for restaurants, cats, and pubs.
Where: 1236 16 Ave. SW
When: 5 am - 11 pm
Big Marlborough Park
Another well-known outdoor skating rink in Calgary is in Big Marlborough Park. This park really is a one-stop-shop for all your favourite winter activities.
Big Marlborough Park is home to some beautiful walking paths, a killer toboggan hill, and two spacious parking lots. As for the skating rink itself, it’s next to bleachers for lacing up and taking a rest when your feet are telling you to slow down. As for warming up? You’ll have a cozy fire ring to keep you toasty.
The rink is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. so you can stop by whenever you want! Just don’t forget to bring your skates since there are no rentals here.
Where: 6033 Madigan Dr. NE
When: 5 am - 11 pm
North Glenmore Park Ice Trail
Does skating through a connected trail in the middle of a forest surrounded by towering trees sound like a dream to you? If so, North Glenmore Park Ice Trail is going to be your favourite outdoor rink in Calgary!
North Glenmore Park has a 730-meter skating trail that winds its way through the park. When night falls, the magical twinkling lights appear overhead creating the most romantic wonderland to skate through.
There are plenty of seating areas and picnic benches, a set of bleachers, and fire pits for warming up. Parts of the trail have small hills, so prepare for a little excitement to accompany the serenity.
The rink is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has washrooms available.
Where: 7305 Crowchild Tr. SW
When: 11 am - 10 pm
Carburn Park
Carburn Park has a lovely outdoor rink on a man-made pond in the middle of a city-preserved wildlife habitat. By day the sun shines across the ice making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with family. By night, the glow from downtown Calgary cascades across the ice illuminating the park.
If you’re seeking a peaceful outdoor skate, this rink spans one acre and has fire pits for keeping warm. There are plenty of picnic benches spread out among the trees, and brightly coloured benches for lacing up.
The rink is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has washrooms available.
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE
When: 5 am - 11 pm
The best outdoor rink in Alberta
Lake Louise! An iconic place to lace up, the jaw dropping rocky mountain background attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and is rated as one of the most beautiful skating rinks in the world. The frozen lake is maintained by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise daily who also provides rental skates and hosts ice festivals which feature competitions with giant ice carvings, and unveilings of the ice castle.
There's plenty of spots to grab refreshments o
When: Typically this rink is open in mid December and stays open until April.
Cost: Free!
Time: Open 24/7 but the lights only stay on until 11pm.
Outdoor Rinks in Downtown Calgary
Whether you live downtown and don’t want to travel far for a skate, or you’re looking to plan a day of fun in the city’s core, the good news is you’ve got options.
Why is skating in downtown Calgary so great? The views of the city skyline are unbeatable! It’s always a unique experience being in the heart of all the action. Since most of the rinks are maintained by the city or a community association, they’re well-kept and the ice is always smooth. The atmosphere downtown is always extra festive during the holidays and there’s always something going on.
If you’re looking for a convenient place to skate outdoors in Calgary, you can’t go wrong with any of the rinks downtown.
Here are our top picks for Calgary skating rinks in and around the downtown core:
1. Olympic Plaza
2. Barb Scott Park
3. Thomson Family Park
4. Renfrew Community Skating Rink
5. Rosedale Community Association
6. Elboya Heights Community Association
Outdoor Hockey Rinks in Calgary
Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports, especially in Canada. If you're a hockey fan, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of outdoor hockey rinks in Calgary.
As a skater who probably craves excitement, you’ll be itching to satisfy your need for speed on one of Calgary's hockey rinks. Plus, engaging in a team sport is a great way to stay active and social during the winter months!
Here are our top picks for outdoor hockey rinks in Calgary:
1. Deer Ridge Outdoor Hockey Rink
2. Hidden Valley Community Association Rink
3. Sandstone Outdoor Rink
4. Richmond Community Outdoor Rink
5. Shawnessy Outdoor Rink
Reasons to Visit An Outdoor Rink in Calgary this Winter
Fresh air is invigorating and great for your health, mood, and energy levels. Skating makes a great date, night out with friends, or family-friendly afternoon. You’ll be getting exercise and improving your balance all while having fun. It’s a classic and picturesque way to enjoy the winter weather.
You'll be supporting your local community and connecting with others.
Calgary Public Skating Rink FAQS
How many rinks are there in Calgary?
There are over 60 outdoor rinks in Calgary.
what time of year do rinks open in calgary typically?
Rinks are open from late November to early March.
Outdoor skating rinks are free to use.
What are the hours of public rinks?
Hours typically range from 6 am to 10 pm.
Other good things to know about calgary's public skating rinks
Some rinks have fire pits for keeping toasty.
Skate rentals are available at select rinks.
If you're looking for a great way to enjoy the winter weather, why not visit one of Calgary's many outdoor rinks ? Ice skating is the perfect winter recreation activity! Create memories with family, friends, and new connections.
After a long day of skating, you’ll probably want to warm up and chill out with a hot drink. Check out one of these amazing coffee shops in Calgary , we promise you won’t be disappointed.
What is your go-to rink for outdoor skating in Calgary? Let us know in the comments below!
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