Going skating is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful winter’s day. Being able to do so right in the city’s core at a natural rink is a huge bonus. Located at 4th Street and 1st Avenue S.W., Prince’s Island Park lagoon is Calgary’s ultimate downtown skating destination. This outdoor skating spot sparkles with twinkling lights and features cozy fire pits and plenty of seating for warming up between laps; it’s fun for the whole family.
“Having a skating rink here allows so many more people to connect with nature, get outside and spend time in fresh air, connecting with their friends and neighbours,” says Chris Hesford, superintendent of parks and open spaces for The City of Calgary.
New this year, Calgary Skate Rentals has found its home at the lagoon, making skating even more accessible and enjoyable for Calgarians. Thursdays to Sundays — weather permitting — until March 28, Calgarians can rent all the equipment they need right in the park. For those with their own gear, Prince’s Island Park lagoon is open for skating every day that conditions allow. Before you go, check calgary.ca/rinks for lagoon status.
“Getting outside, even in winter, is such an important part of being a Calgarian. We’re making it an inclusive and available option for people by having skate rentals,” says Hesford. “It’s about getting more people involved in the sport, being active and connecting with Calgary parks and the city.”
Free Skate Saturdays
To make getting on the ice even more accessible, The City is offering free beginner skating lessons every Saturday from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. “It’s a great option for people who don’t go out too often or are looking to explore for the first time or are visiting Calgary,” says Hesford.
Free Skate Saturdays also offer free skate rentals for the first 50 skaters. Skaters get on-ice support after the lesson to build confidence and keep the fun going. (Helmets are mandatory at lessons for anyone under 18 and strongly encouraged for adults.) Calgary Skate Rentals has a limited number of helmets available, so bring your own if possible.
What to know
Calgary weather is unpredictable; it’s best to check the rink status by visiting Outdoor skating rinks, and if it’s colder than –20°C, lessons will be cancelled. It’s important to dress appropriately, wear cozy socks, mittens, snowpants, a winter jacket and a scarf for extra warmth.
Explore downtown YYC and visit calgary.ca/downtownprograms for more information.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.
