Winter doesn’t need to be frightful and can actually be quite delightful with many free outdoor skating rinks operated by the City of Calgary ready for you to enjoy. So, lace up your skates and get outside for some winter fun at one of these awesome locations…

Barb Scott Park 12^th Avenue and 9^th Street SW

Located in the middle of downtown, enjoy the lights of the city and check out the famous Calgary Board of Education statues while you are there.

Big Marlborough Park 6033 Madigan Drive NE

Found just off Memorial Drive in Marlborough, this NE rink is easy to access and a popular neighbourhood winter hang out.

Bowness Park 8900 48 Avenue NW

Arguably the most popular outdoor skating spot in Calgary, enjoy gliding on the lagoon and the new ice trail in one of our established hot spots. Skate rentals are also available if needed.

Carburn Park 67 Riverview Drive SE

Steps from the Bow River, this rink is easy to access off Glenmore and offers a beautiful setting, surrounded by nature so you can enjoy a walk after your skate.

North Glenmore Park 7305 Crowchild Trail SW

This is another location with an amazing new ice trail and rink for you to enjoy, centrally located and steps to Glenmore Reservoir which offers more outdoor activities.

Olympic Plaza 228 8 Avenue SE

A part of Calgarian history, this classic rink is another popular choice with great lighting, rentals and steps from Stephen Avenue mall to get some Christmas shopping in after your skate.

Prairie Winds Park 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE

One of Calgary’s newer rinks, you’ll love the prairie views while you skate and the park offers other activities like one of the few approved tobogganing hills.

Prince’s Island Park 4^th Street and 1 Avenue SW

This lagoon offers a beautiful setting, close to the river and lots of walking trails. Warm up and get some shopping done at nearby Eau Claire Market, complete with an indoor playground.

Thomson Family Park 1236 16 Avenue SW

Located in the Beltline, this small rink offers a breath of nature in an urban setting. A block away from all the shops and restaurants on trendy 17^th Ave. where you can grab a hot chocolate after.

Many community centres in and around Calgary maintain skating rinks for you to enjoy and make sure to keep safety in mind. Don’t skate in areas that are not designated for skating – the city prohibits skating on storm ponds and on Glenmore Reservoir as the ice is unstable and dangerous due to rapid changes in water depth.

For information on rink status, rental availability and maps to all the above facilities visitBottom of Form

https://www.calgary.ca/parks/activities/outdoor-skating-rinks.html and don’t forget to visit me on Facebook and Google for more on life in Calgary and surrounding areas!