Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, these spots are fantastic to get some low-cost fun in. Grab your friends, your family, and your skates!
Where To Skate For Free And Cheap In Vancouver This Winter
Robson Square Ice Rink
One of Vancouver’s most popular free skate spots is the Robson Square Ice Rink. Located in the heart of downtown, this spot offers pretty holiday views and good vibes. Skating is totally free for those who bring their own skates, but rentals are also offered at a small fee.
📍 Location: Robson Square
💲 Cost: Free – $5
North Vancouver Shipyard’s Ice Rink
The North Vancouver Shipyard’s Ice Rink gives skaters a chance to glide under a retractable roof with stunning city views. Whether it’s a rainy day or a crisp evening, the rink’s unique design makes it a must-visit winter experience. Skating is free as long as you bring your own skates; rentals are also available here for a small fee.
📍 Location: Shipyards District
💲 Cost: Free – $8
Surrey Civic Plaza’s Rink
Debuting at the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, Surrey’s first free outdoor skating rink is officially inviting skaters on November 22, 2025. The full Skating at Civic Plaza program will launch on December 1, 2025 and run through February 16, 2026. This brand-new 4,000 sq. ft. skating rink is open to everyone, with free skating available to those who bring their own equipment. Rentals are also available at $5 per pair.
📍 Location: Surrey Civic Plaza
💲 Cost: Free – $5
Vancouver Park Board Ice Rinks
While the Robson Square and Shipyards Ice Rinks are awesome, these spots are seasonally open. You can find below a list of ice rinks that are operated by the Vancouver Park Board, which are open year-round and offer drop-in skating and/or hockey. Although these Vancouver spots do not offer free skate times, the costs are affordable, especially for kids. They even offer low-cost skate times with 50% off fees, as well as family admission.
- Queen Elizabeth Park / Riley Park area (4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4)
- Open all year
- 200 x 85 feet (NHL size)
Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena
- 2 blocks from Kerrisdale Community Centre (5670 East Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Y7)
- Open September to March
- Indoor playground April to August
- 180 x 80 feet
- Killarney Community Centre (6260 Killarney St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2X7)
- Open September to March
- Dry-floor activities April to August
- 200 x 85 feet (NHL size)
- Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre (2690 Larch St, Vancouver, BC V6K 4K9)
- Open September to March
- Dry-floor activities April to August
- 200 x 85 feet (NHL size)
- Sunset Community Centre (390 E 51st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 1C5)
- Open all year
- 200 x 95 feet (NHL size)
- Trout Lake Community Centre (3360 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4)
- Open September to March
- Dry-floor activities April to August
- 200 x 85 feet (NHL size)
- West End Community Centre (870 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L8)
- Open October to March
- Indoor playground May & June
- Dry-floor activities July & August
- 147 x 74 feet
Source: 604NOW
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