Outdoor Skating in Vancouver
byFrosty temperatures are flirting with the mild Vancouver climate this week as the area experiences another quick taste of winter. While puddles and ponds may freeze, the City is reminding everyone that icy surfaces will not be strong enough to support body-weight for skating.
Such was not always the case in these parts as deep freezes used to solidify watery surfaces from East Vancouver to Stanley Park.
1929 – Trout Lake. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1902
1929 – Lost Lagoon. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1975
While it’s tempting to partake in some pond hockey, there are pretty much two options in the region for “safe” skating alternatives outdoors:
Grouse Mountain
Head over to the North Shore and take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. There you can enjoy several snowy activities including a skate on their 8,000 square foot outdoor rink. Your mountain admission, lift ticket or membership includes complimentary skating and rentals are available for $5-$8.
Robson Square
Robson Square opened its rink again this year and admission is free while skate rentals are $3. The rink is open for public skating Sunday to Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm and Friday to Saturday 9:00am until 11:00pm. It will remain open until the end of February, 2011. Call the Robson Square Hotline for more information (604) 646-3554.
Be safe during this cold snap and keep in mind those who do not have the means to bundle up. Warm clothing donation sites are still open this month.
4 Comments — Comments Are Closed
I remember skating on Lost Lagoon in 1988 or 89! I went and bought a pair of skates at Eatons Down town!
We had so much fun but I don’t think it has frozen solid for long enough since??
I don’t think it’s been solid enough, you’re right. I used to skate on the Nicomekl River and on flooded fields in Surrey in the 80s too.
Deer Lake in Burnaby froze over at least 4 times that I can remember. Boxing Day 1983 stands out for me. 6 friends in a Mazda Spyder … and I think some Southern Comfort (not for the driver of course).
I remember skating on Trout Lake in the early-mid 80s. There were a couple of areas that had “Thin Ice” signs, but other than that, the entire lake was frozen over. So fun!