Ice Skating in Edmonton- The Best Edmonton Outdoor Skating Rinks

Once freezing temperatures descend on Edmonton, the city constructs several outdoor skating rinks in parks and public spaces. With so many places to go skating in Edmonton, from picturesque river valley parks to community league rinks, it’s no wonder ice skating is one of the top winter activities in Edmonton.

Whether you’re heading out on a date night, looking to spend quality time with family and friends, or just wanting to get some exercise in the crisp winter air, ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks in Edmonton is a fun and free way to take in the beauty of winter.

Ice Skating in Edmonton- The Best Edmonton Outdoor Skating Rinks

From ponds and ovals to winding ice trails, here are some of the best outdoor rinks in Edmonton to go skating this winter.

Hawrelak Park

One of the largest and most popular ice rinks for outdoor skating in Edmonton can be found in Hawrelak Park. 

Each winter when Hawrelak Lake is cleared of snow, it becomes an icy wonderland where skaters can glide and twirl in the scenic river valley. Here you can choose to skate long laps along the perimeter of the lake, or take shorter spins around the island at the north end. 

The pavilion next to the rink is an ideal spot to take a break since you can buy hot drinks and meals at the concession. You can even rent skates at the pavilion if you don’t have your own.

Most years the city also builds an additional skating rink in the field across from picnic shelter #2 for some extra space to go skating in Hawrelak Park.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is another popular place to go ice skating in Edmonton since it’s centrally located in the river valley.

The park has two connected ice surfaces- an oval rink for skating laps and an iceway/path for skating through a treed area of the park.

The Victoria Park Iceway is especially enjoyable at night when a pattern of shapes and colours is projected onto the ice surface. Even though the illumination only covers a small part of the iceway, it still creates a wonderfully unique atmosphere you don’t get at other outdoor rinks in Edmonton.

The pavilion located beside the skating oval is a warm place to lace up your skates and sit and rest while watching skaters go round and round. There are also lockers, a filtered water bottle fillup station, and washrooms.

Alberta Legislature Grounds 

Another great option for skating in Edmonton’s river valley can be found on the Alberta Legislature grounds.

The rink is located by the lawn bowling field behind the Legislature Building and is perfect for enjoying the property’s big trees and beautiful open spaces. As you skate around the frosty field you also can admire the Legislature’s distinctive dome.

During the Christmas season the grounds shine brightly when decorated with thousands of colourful lights. A walk around the front of the Legislature Building, where the main Christmas light display is, makes a fantastic addition to your evening skate.

City Hall 

The river valley isn’t the only place you’ll find delightful outdoor skating rinks in Edmonton, there’s also one downtown in front of City Hall.

At the City Hall outdoor ice rink you can skate in the glow of big city lights, taking in an urban atmosphere rather than a more natural setting.

Even though this rink is smaller than other outdoor rinks in Edmonton, what it lacks in size it makes up for in festive spirit when the huge Christmas Tree is on display in Churchill Square. 

Rundle Park

Rundle Park is one of the most enjoyable places to go skating in Edmonton thanks to its variety of ice surfaces, beautiful setting, and the fact that there are fewer crowds compared to other outdoor rinks in Edmonton.

The biggest draw is the iceway, a 2 km trail that leads skaters through a treed area of the park. Since the iceway passes by several picnic sites with wood burning stoves, you can easily warm up around a fire or even cook a meal during skating breaks. The iceway is lit up at night, so you can safely skate after dark.

Rundle Park also has some additional skating areas that are connected to the iceway, including a large rink where you can play a game of shinny.

The Rundle Park skating rink and iceway is located near the Rundle Family Centre. There’s an area where you can change your skates next to the building.

More Places to Go Outdoor Skating in Edmonton

Some other places to go outdoor skating in Edmonton that you may want to check out are Jackie Parker Park, Castle Downs Park, and The Meadows Community Recreation Centre. There even is a small skating rink in ICE District Plaza downtown, but it’s sometimes closed for special events.

Edmonton also has over 100 community skating rinks that are maintained by community league volunteers. To see if there’s a community rink near you, use this facility map on the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues’ website to search. You will need to purchase a community league membership to use most of these rinks.

Review of Outdoor Ice Skating in Edmonton

For a city that spends a good portion of the year in the depths of winter, it’s great that so many outdoor skating rinks are available to help pass the time during Edmonton’s longest season. 

Skating in Edmonton is fun, affordable, and you don’t have to travel long distances to find a rink. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and you don’t have to own a pair of skates to participate, thanks to rentals being available at Hawrelak Park (although, it would be better if more outdoor rinks in Edmonton rented skates).

Another nice thing about the skating rinks in Edmonton is that they are illuminated at night, sometimes in festive ways, so the fun can continue after dark.

Accommodations in Edmonton

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