With winter’s chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to lace up your skates and enjoy some of the city’s most scenic and enjoyable outdoor rinks. From bustling downtown spots to serene Park settings, Calgary’s array of Skating rinks offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends, these rinks provide the ideal place for making winter memories. Let’s glide through the list of top Outdoor Skating destinations and we will highlight the perks of each one.
Olympic Plaza
Big Marlborough Park
Bowness Park Lagoon
Thompson Family Park
Carburn Park
Prairie Winds Park
Rosedale Community Rink
Deer Ridge Outdoor Rinks
Barb Scott Park Skating Rink
North Glenmore Park Ice Rink and Skating Trail
Rosemont Rinks at Confederation Park
Central Commons Park
Let’s take a look at each one.
Olympic Plaza:
Olympic Plaza’s outdoor skating rink is a popular spot in downtown Calgary. Built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, it’s known for its refrigerated ice surface, which is one of the few in the city. This rink is surrounded by Christmas lights and trees, creating a festive atmosphere.
It’s conveniently located at 228 8 Ave SE and is open from 6 AM to 11 PM. The plaza also offers skate rentals, making it easy for anyone to enjoy ice skating. This spot is not only a favorite for locals but also attracts visitors looking for a unique outdoor skating experience in the heart of Calgary.
Big Marlborough Park:
Big Marlborough Park, located at 6033 Madigan Dr. NE in Calgary, is a versatile outdoor space offering a variety of winter activities. Its skating rink is complemented by walking paths, a toboggan hill, and bleachers.
Notably, the park features a fireplace for visitors to warm up during their visit. The rink is maintained by the city, ensuring a quality skating surface. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, this park does not offer skate rentals, so visitors need to bring their own equipment. Its central location and ample parking make it a convenient and enjoyable destination for outdoor skating.
Bowness Park Lagoon:
Bowness Park Lagoon, located at 8900 48 Ave NW, is a scenic spot for outdoor skating in Calgary. Set beside the beautiful Bow River, it offers a unique experience with its charming lagoon and a dedicated skating trail. The park lights up with twinkly lights in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere for skating.
Skates are available for rent, making it convenient for everyone to enjoy the ice. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, Bowness Park Lagoon is not just a skating venue but a picturesque escape in the city, ideal for both day and evening outings.
Thompson Family Park:
Thompson Family Park, located at 1236 16 Ave SW in Calgary, is a quaint and quiet spot perfect for family skating. It offers a more intimate setting, which is especially suitable for those with children or for people looking for a peaceful skating experience.
The park is conveniently located just minutes away from the restaurants on 17th Avenue, adding to its appeal as a destination. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, Thompson Family Park does not have skate rentals, so visitors need to bring their own skates. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a relaxed skating outing.
Carburn Park:
Carburn Park, situated at 67 Riverview Dr. SE in Calgary, is a beautiful location for outdoor skating. This park offers a natural setting near the Bow River, making it an ideal spot for skating under the sun or stars. While it doesn’t provide skate rentals, the park is equipped with year-round washrooms and is surrounded by scenic views.
Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, Carburn Park’s serene environment is perfect for those seeking a peaceful skating experience in a natural setting, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Prairie Winds Park:
Prairie Winds Park, located at 223 Castleridge Blvd NE in Calgary, is an inviting outdoor skating venue. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, this rink is well-suited for those looking to practice skating or simply glide peacefully on the ice. It’s important to note that skate rentals are not available at Prairie Winds Park, so visitors should bring their own skates.
The park’s setup excludes hockey activities, focusing on providing a relaxed and gentle skating experience. This makes it a great choice for families or individuals seeking a leisurely skate in a comfortable and undemanding environment.
Rosedale Community Rink:
Rosedale Community Rink, located at 901 – 11 Ave NW in Calgary, offers a unique and flexible skating experience. This rink is accessible 24 hours a day, equipped with floodlights for evening and night skating. It’s a community-managed facility, providing a space where locals can enjoy skating at any time.
While skate rentals are not available, the rink’s round-the-clock access and well-maintained ice make it a popular choice for those who prefer skating outside of regular park hours. The rink’s welcoming atmosphere is ideal for both spontaneous outings and planned skating sessions.
Deer Ridge Outdoor Rinks:
Deer Ridge Outdoor Rinks, situated at 155 Deermont Way SE in Calgary, is a neighborhood-friendly skating destination. It’s a great spot for community members to enjoy outdoor ice skating in a suburban setting. Open from 8 AM, the rink provides a welcoming and accessible space for skaters of all ages.
While it does not offer skate rentals, its convenient location and community-oriented atmosphere make it a favored choice for local residents. Deer Ridge Outdoor Rinks represents a simple, yet enjoyable, outdoor skating experience, perfect for those living in or visiting the area.
Barb Scott Park Skating Rink:
Barb Scott Park Skating Rink, located at 12 Ave & 9 St SW in Calgary, is a charming inner-city skating option. This park features a well-maintained ice rink, benches, and tables, making it a comfortable spot for skating enthusiasts.
A highlight of the park is the Chinook Arc, an illuminated art installation that adds a unique cultural touch to the skating experience. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM daily, Barb Scott Park offers a delightful skating opportunity right in the heart of the city, combining outdoor activity with artistic ambiance.
North Glenmore Park Ice Rink and Skating Trail:
North Glenmore Park Ice Rink and Skating Trail, located at 7305 Crowchild Trail S.W. in Calgary, offers a distinctive skating experience with its 730-meter long trail. This venue is suitable for both skating and hockey, enhanced by twinkling lights and cozy fire pits.
Open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily, it provides an enchanting environment for skaters. While skate rentals are available on weekends, this park’s vast area, complete with picnic spots and playgrounds, makes it an ideal location for a full day of winter activities, surrounded by the picturesque views of the Glenmore Reservoir.
Rosemont Rinks at Confederation Park:
Rosemont Rinks at Confederation Park, located at 2807 10 St NW in Calgary, is a community-driven skating area known for its quality and charm. The rinks, maintained by dedicated volunteers, include separate spaces for general skating and hockey.
Open from mid-December to February, weather permitting, these rinks offer a delightful winter experience. The park also features a sledding hill for additional fun. Special attention is given to safety, with specific rules like keeping sleds and strollers off the hockey rink. The rinks’ proximity to the Lions’ Festival of Lights during December adds to the festive atmosphere of the area.
Central Commons Park:
Central Commons Park, situated in the University District at 4019 University Ave NW in Calgary, is a relatively new addition, having opened in December 2022. The park features a charming ice rink set amidst a vibrant community atmosphere, enhanced by nearby eateries.
It’s a delightful spot for both casual skating and enjoying local treats. The rink is illuminated by a giant moose installation, adding a unique visual element to the skating experience. Open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily, Central Commons Park offers a modern, cozy setting for skaters, perfect for both residents and visitors of the University District.
As we wrap up our tour of Calgary’s finest outdoor skating rinks, it’s clear that the city offers a diverse range of options for ice skating enthusiasts. From the magical lights of Olympic Plaza to the natural beauty of Bowness Park Lagoon and the community charm of Rosemont Rinks at Confederation Park, there’s a rink to suit every taste and style.
Whether you’re seeking a lively family outing or a peaceful glide under the stars, Calgary’s outdoor rinks are a testament to the city’s love for winter sports and community spirit. So, grab your skates, and embrace the joy of outdoor skating in Calgary!
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