Here are 13 Places You can Skate Outdoors in Edmonton this Winter
Lewis Estates Rooftop (Canadian Brewhouse)
Head over to Lewis Estates where there’s a pop-up ice rink, all winter long atop the Canadian Brewhouse. The Rooftop rink is open on weekends for skating - but you should know before you go that the ice is actually synthetic, and not real ice.
Lace up those skates and head to City Hall Outdoor rink. Through the winter, there are often special programming days on the weekend that can include learn to skate programs, live music, and much more. The bonus of being downtown is the easy access to places to warm up with hot food and drinks, the down side (or the up side if you can consider that you can park in a heated underground lot) is finding parking downtown.
One of the most popular spots in the city for skating, the ice way is a popular spot because of the colored lights that you can skate under every year. The warming hut is a popular spot for families because it’s a comfortable and warm place for parents to put on skates, take off skates, and warm up while you’re there. Bring S’mores and find a fire pit to explore while you’re there. The loop begins at the trail on the far side of the rink, and coasts under the trees, where you’ll find the coloured pathway.
A classic spot, it’s a wide open space for skating. There are brand new warming pavilion with large fire pits placed around the ice, making it a popular (and kind of romantic) spot for a date night, or a fun place to take the kids with the option to warm up while you skate. You can get an authentic ‘skate on the pond’ experience at Hawrelak, and even find delicious snacks and drinks to warm up after you’re finished, at Culina on the Lake.
Skate near a playground at Jackie Parker outdoor rink, this one is a popular spot for families with young kids. There is a lace up and warm up area available near the rink, and plenty to explore in the river valley around.
Another popular ice way, you can head over to Rundle Park for outdoor skating in Edmonton. Rundle Park is a popular spot because of the length of the rink. At 2km, it’s a great way to get outside and skate the distance in the heart of the river valley.
Castledowns Outdoor Skating Rink
Head over to Castledown Rec Centre to skate, play at the playground and warm up inside the Rec Centre with swimming and other activities. It’s a popular spot because it’s near a toboggan hill, so if you’re skating or spending time outdoors with multiple ages of kids, you can mix it up with different winter activities based on their ages or preferences.
The outdoor rink at the Meadows is a popular community spot adjacent to the Rec Centre (where you can warm up inside). At the outdoor rink, there’s loops, paths and even an iceway. Though it’s a popular neighbourhood spot, it doesn’t get too too busy on the weekends.
Broadmoor Lake Oval (Sherwood Park)
Wide open space and one of the largest ovals in the area, there are places to get warm and lace up, as well as seating options placed around the oval in Sherwood Park. This is a good option for families that want to park very close to the oval, as parking is easily accessible, adjacent to the skating area. There are a few benches to put on skates.
Cowan Skating Pathway (Sherwood Park)
The hockey rink, ice way combination here makes it a popular spot for families in the neighbourhood. It’s a natural area for skating, located near Emerald Hills Leisure Centre. During the winter months, there are often programming days for family fun, to get out and activate in the local community.
Get out and skate in the Wilderness along South Cooking Lake. Located just outside of the city, south of Edmonton - you’re likely to spot wildlife along the Iceway. There’s a heated shelter for getting laced up, and plenty of other winter adventures to have in the area.
Which outdoor skating rink in Edmonton area is your favourite choice?
