Holiday Break Activities: Ice Skating on the Trans Canada Trail
Looking for ways to keep the kiddos (and yourself) busy during the holiday break? Ice skating awaits! Here are some fun spots along the Trans Canada Trail where you can head outside and get moving over the holidays and throughout the winter!
Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler
Just off the Sea to Sky Trail, Whistler Olympic Plaza can be found in Whistler Village and offers fun outdoor skating for all ages. Plus, you’re steps away from great snacks, drinks and shops!
Shipyards Park, City of Whitehorse – Millennium Trail
Right in the heart of Whitehorse, Shipyards Park offers a great outdoor skating rink, plus sledding and a firepit!
Bowness Park, Calgary
Right along the Bow River in Calgary, Bowness Park is a popular outdoor skating spot near the City of Calgary Trail. Several activities are on offer, including ice bikes (umm … cool!), cross-country skiing and more.
Echo Valley Provincial Park, Saskatchewan
Not only is Echo Valley Provincial Park a beautiful place to visit, it’s also a great place to skate! From the holiday break through March (weather permitting), you can have fun on the Skate the Park loop and glide alongside campsites and forested areas. Also of interest: the park offers adapted sleds, free of charge!
The Forks, City of Winnipeg Trail
At the Forks section of the City of Winnipeg Trail in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stop at the public market for a drink or snack, hit the rink and enjoy!
Ramsey Lake Skating Path, City of Sudbury
Continuing our journey northward, Ramsey Lake Skating Path in Sudbury, Ontario, can be found right along the City of Sudbury – Bell Park Walkway. You can skate along a 1.5-kilometre-long skating path!
Evergreen Brick Works on the Pan Am Path, Toronto
Toronto-area ice skating enthusiasts, rejoice! Head out to the Pan Am Path – Lower Don Valley Recreational Trail to the popular and charming Evergeen Brick Works. Weave your way through snow-covered gardens in a very cool spot.
Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Possibly the best-known outdoor rink in Canada, Rideau Canal offers an epic experience, spanning all the way from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario. Find it along the Capital Pathway.
Parc Léonidas-Dufresne, Val-David
Not far from the Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord, Parc Léonidas Dufresne offers lovely skating in the charming village of Val-David. Head out for a skate, then hit the Trail for some cross-country skiing!
Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
Just outside of Montreal, head to the skating trail, opening up during the holiday break and throughout the winter season. Bonus: it’s easily accessible on public transit from the city!
Sentier glacé, Magog
The city of Magog, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers a charming skating path next to Lake Memphremagog in the winter months. Two loops are available, and you can find it along the La Montagnarde section of the Trans Canada Trail.
Carleton Park, Fredericton
This relatively new skating loop can be found along the City of Fredericton – North Side Trail, right next to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Lace up your skates and enjoy lovely river views on your outing. Fredericton features several great outdoor rinks, including O’Dell Park and Officer Square.
Emera Oval, Halifax
Not far from the Halifax Waterfront, the Emera Oval is a popular spot for outdoor skating in downtown Halifax. Bonus: skates are offered free of charge!
What to bring with you
Safety first! We recommend protective equipment: helmets are key, and knee and elbow pads can’t hurt (in fact, they can protect you from getting hurt)! Wondering how to dress? We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: layer up! Wear comfortable, breathable layers so you can adjust as you warm up. And bring gloves to keep your hands warm.
Don’t forget water — and snacks! Our recommendation: homemade granola bars or a thermos full of some delicious hot chocolate are sure crowd-pleasers. Enjoy!
Explore the Trans Canada Trail on our interactive map.
