8 Magical Outdoor Skating Rinks In BC That Are Totally Worth The Drive
Whether it's a romantic date with bae or a squad hang out sesh, no holiday is complete with a whip around an ice skating rink. And we're not just talking about your typical indoor ice skating rink meant for hockey games and such, we're talking about the holiday filled, Christmas vibe inducing, magically lit up outdoor skating rinks where you can feel the winter breeze kissing your nose.
So while you bump up the Michael Bubleé and Justin Beiber holiday tracks on Spotify, here are 8 magical outdoor skating rinks across British Columbia that are totally worth the drive.
Peak Of Christmas
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way // North Vancouver
When: Nov 24, 2017 - Jan 7, 2018
Admission: Free with a Grouse Mountain Alpine Experience Admission Ticket, Membership, Winter Pass, or Lift Ticket
Rentals: $8
Why you should go: A North Pole Christmas experience right in your own backyard - Grouse Mountain's annual Peak of Christmas will be opening in two weeks and so will their incredible outdoor ice skating pond. Bring your skates and get ready to glide along 8,000 sq. ft. of fresh ice.
Robson Square
Where: 800 Robson St // Downtown Vancouver
When: Dec 1, 2017 - end of Feb 2018
Admission: Free
Rentals: $4 (cash only)
Why you should go: If you're in Vancouver and want a taste of Christmas in the city, the Robson Square Ice Rink is going to be your fill up holiday cheer. If you have your own skates, the rink is totally free! It does get pretty packed during the weekends, so we would recommend going during the weekdays.
The Butchart Gardens
Where: 800 Benvenuto Ave // Victoria
When: Dec 1, 2017 - Jan 6, 2018
Admission: $26.60/adult and $3/child to gardens required for ice rink access
Why you should go: Not only is Butchart Garden stunning during spring and summer, it's also a sight for sore eyes in the winter. During the holiday season, Butchart Garden hosts their annual Christmas Light Up event with carolers, as well as their magical ice skating rink to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Tsawwassen Springs
Where: 5133 Springs Blvd // Tsawwassen
When: Opening mid-Nov
Admission: $10/adult and $5/child
Rentals: Not available
Why you should go: This hidden gem in Metro Vancouver is a picture perfect ice rink. The Tsawwassen Springs rink is aglow with festive lights and a Christmas tree that overlooks a breathtaking water view. And when you've been skating all day, you can warm up inside Tsawwassen Mills Outlet Mall for some Christmas shopping.
Outdoor Ice Oval
Where: 4249 18 Ave // Prince George
When: Opening dates TBA
Admission: $2/person and $5/family
Rentals: $5/2 hours
Why you should go: Heading up to Prince George for the holidays? This spot is a bucket list must. The Outdoor Ice Oval is not your average ice skating rink. It's completely natural and is shaped like a race track with 400m of ice for speed skaters to whip around on.
Stuart Park Ice Rink
Where: 1414 Water St // Kelowna
When: Dec 1, 2017 - late Feb 2018
Admission: Free
Rentals: $4.50/adult and $3.75/child
Why you should go: After a long weekend of partying and snowboarding at Big White, this relaxing outdoor ice skating rink is the cherry on top of your holiday getaway. The Stuart Park Ice Rink is a popular Christmas activity in Kelowna during the holidays. With a towering Christmas tree and breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake, you won't leave unsatisfied.
Olympic Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Where: 4144 Village Stroll // Whistler
When: Opening mid-Dec 2017 - Mar 2018
Admission: Free
Rentals: $5
Why you should go: A vibrant adventure during the summer and an enchanted Christmas village during the winter, Whistler is the ultimate place to visit any time of the year. During the holiday season, the Olympic Plaza smack dab in the centre of Whistler opens their ice rink for everyone. Don't know how to ski or snowboard, but still want to enjoy the village? Ice skating will always be there.
City Centre Park
Where: 1089 Langford Pkwy // Victoria
When: $3.20/person
Price: $3.20
Why you should go: At City Centre Park, the ice river connects the outdoor skate pond and the indoor ice rink, so whether you want to skate outside in the open icy air or inside in the enclosed rink, this ice rink's got you. There are even several fire pits to get warm and toasty to after a long afternoon's skate.
