7 gorgeous spots to skate in and around Edmonton

Living in a winter city, we Edmontonians don’t have much choice but to embrace the cold for long stretches of the year. But that also means that there is no shortage of sweet spots to ice skate around the city — from illuminated ice trails to outstanding scenery at the Alberta Legislature.

Sharpen your skates, fill a thermos with hot chocolate, and check out some of the best places to skate in the Edmonton area:

City Hall Plaza

 

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Edmonton City Hall Rink is a classic spot directly connected to the municipal building. The best part about this spot is that you don’t even need to bring your own skates — or even money to rent a pair! Thanks to the Edmonton Arts Council, free skate rentals are available during the week for the public to enjoy.

Address: 1 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW

Alberta Legislature

Take in the beautiful winter scenery while skating at the Alberta Legislature. Located on the South lawn, views of the capital and the river valley at this rink will make for a gorgeous winter’s day.

Address: Legislature Grounds Centennial Flame (Fortway Drive NW)

ICE District

This is a fabulous, centrally located spot to meet friends for an afternoon, evening, or even pre-game skate sesh. Located adjacent to Rogers Place in the heart of the ICE District, it sure is beautiful when all the lights illuminate the plaza!

Address: 10220 104th Ave. NW

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Victoria Park IceWay

 

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This skating trail through the forests of Victoria Park is guaranteed to give you a magical experience. Also connected to the trail is a massive skating oval. If you visit this trail at night, the colourful lights that illuminate the path will enchant you.

Address: 12030 River Valley Rd. NW

Rundle Park

Located on the east side of town in Rundle Park, this nearly two-kilometre trail is similar to the Victoria Park IceWay. Skate rentals are available at Rundle Park on weekends: $10 for the first half an hour, then $5 for each additional half hour. 

Address: 2909 113th Ave. NW

West River’s Edge, Fort Saskatchewan

This spot is a gem in our backyard. Once a gravel pit, West River’s Edge is an expansive 194-hectare park in Fort Saskatchewan with a massive skating loop on the park’s pond. A perfect place to spend a winter’s day, West River’s Edge is also a destination for ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.

Address: 1875 River Valley Dr., Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.

Cardiff Park, Sturgeon County

Located north of Edmonton, the Cardiff Park skating loop in Sturgeon County offers 1.1 kilometres of gorgeous, illuminated trails to glide through. It’s suitable for all skaters and skill levels, and is well worth the short trip out there!

Address: 25023 Township Rd. 554, Sturgeon County, Alta.