When you think of outdoor ice skating, Metro Vancouver is unlikely high on your list of places to take part in this iconic Canadian winter activity. You’ll be pleased to know that there are in fact several transit-friendly locations throughout the region where you can lace up and hit the ice with your friends and family.

Robson Square Ice Rink

This winter, renew a classic Vancouver tradition and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Robson Square’s outdoor skating rink is open, so celebrate winter in style with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s a magical place to enjoy the winter season with your friends, family and loved ones.

• Where: Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7
• When: Until February 28
• Cost: Free for skating, but extra for skate and ice cleat rentals
• Transit: Expo Line to Granville Station, Canada Line to Vancouver City Centre Station

For full details, please visit robsonsquare.com.

The Shipyards Skate Plaza

The Shipyard Commons outdoor skate plaza is the region’s largest outdoor skating rink. The rink is located on the waterfront at The Shipyards, and is set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.

• Where: The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
• When: Until the end of February
• Cost: Free for skating, but extra for skate rentals
• Transit: SeaBus or R2 Marine Dr RapidBus to Lonsdale Quay

For full details, please visit cnv.org.

The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000-square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond atop the mountain, surrounded by snow-capped trees. While you’re there, feel the enchantment and radiance of twinkling lights, the calm echo of the snow and the joy of witnessing real reindeer – only here at Vancouver’s North Pole. Enjoy the natural beauty of Blue Grouse Lake, lit by breathtaking light installations. Stroll through the light tunnel and marvel at new additions including a magnificent lit deer.

• Where: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
• When: Until January 2
• Cost: $69 for adults (ages 18-64), $59 for seniors (ages 65+), $49 for youth (ages 13-17), $36 for child (ages 5-12), free for tot (ages 0-5), and $119 for a family (2 adults and 2 children)
• Transit: 236 Grouse Mountain from Lonsdale Quay

For full details, please visit grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas.

Bonus! Ice Rink at the PNE Winter Fair (Indoors)

As part of the PNE Winter Fair, enjoy skating at the historic Agrodome which is being transformed into a classic Canadian winter pond where guests of all ages can experience the joy of this iconic holiday activity with friends and family. Complete with a hot cocoa stand and live musical performances on the ice.

• Where: Pacific National Exhibition, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
• When: December 14–23, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. nightly
• Cost: $15 for general (ages 18-64), $12 for seniors (ages 65+) and child/youth (ages 4-17), and free for kids 3 and younger
• Transit: R5 Hastings St RapidBus, 14, Hastings/UBC and 16 29th Avenue Station/Arbutus

For full details, please visit pne.ca/winter.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these rinks elsewhere in B.C.

There’s also outdoor ice skating in Whistler and at Stuart Park in Kelowna. Both of which are easily accessible by BC Transit.