The Top 4 Places To Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating In Vancouver

Vancouver is truly a city of outdoor opportunity. It does not matter what month of the year you choose to visit; you’ll have something to do.

Snowsports obviously dominate the winter months, what with Whistler only being an hour and a half up the road. You’ve also got Grouse and Cyprus mountains at a mere 20 minutes outside the city centre, and hundreds of kilometers of  snowshoeing and winter hiking in the area; you can see why snow sports enthusiasts flock here in the winter.

But aside from the obvious activities there is plenty on offer and nothing creates lifelong memories quite like an outdoor skating rink.

Book a room at L’ hermitage Hotel in Vancouver; it’s one of the best boutique hotels Vancouver has to offer, and you’ll be able to experience all the magic on offer from the city’s gorgeous rinks.

Let’s take a look at where you’ll find the best outdoor rinks in the area.

Robson Square

The Robson Square ice rink is kind of a hybrid- and it’s one of the most popular in the city.

There is a glass dome covering the rink – meaning you can skate in all weather conditions – but the sides are open, giving the impression of being in the open air.

This is one of the only outdoor rinks that is available in the downtown area of the city and it lives up to the hype.

From one of the best hotel suites Vancouver has to offer at L’ hermitage Hotel, you are an easy three block walk from the amazing Robson Square- so what are you waiting for?

The Shipyards Skate Plaza

Located in a disused shipping warehouse that has had the sides removed, this rink has to be one of the coolest in the city.

Tonnes of natural light streams in, and the high ceiling supported by steel keeps you insulated from the weather- and at 12,000 square feet, it is easily the largest in the area.

It’s in the old Shipyards area of North Vancouver so there is plenty to do when you’ve finished your skating session.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the premier destinations that is a must visit for tourists in the city- not least because of its awesome skating pond.

This gorgeous setting gives you a stunning view of the city, and the added bonus of alpine life. If you fancy a ski first the skating pond is open until 10 PM!

This is a fully outdoor pond on top of a mountain, so don’t be surprised if it’s closed due to bad weather.

Whistler Olympic Plaza

Whistler is one of the biggest names in the world of snow sports, and it is the largest ski area in North America.

But if you don’t fancy getting out on the snow, there is still plenty to do.

The Olympic Plaza offers great views of Blackcomb Mountain, and it is pretty much slap bang in the middle of town- you couldn’t really ask for much more.

Skate & Relax

So there you have it; the crem de la crem of Vancouver’s outdoor skating rinks.

Get out there and hit the ice in the amazing locations around the city, and when you’re done head on back to your hotel for a helping of the best afternoon tea Vancouver can muster at L’ Hermitage Hotel.