Skating at Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver, BC

The Skating Rink at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, BC (Canada).

Growing up in and around Vancouver, BC, I don’t see the massive amounts of snow and cold weather that other parts of Canada see during the winter. To be honest, I’ve never skated outdoors in a naturally frozen lake. It’s sad, I know.

But I live in the city now and don’t have many chances to find a frozen lake nearby. So when I heard the news that Robson Square, downtown Vancouver on Robson Street between Howe and Hornby streets, has now opened an outdoor skating rink, I was there in a flash.

Outdoor Skating in Downtown Vancouver

Lori Henry outdoor skating at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, BC (Canada).

I called up a girlfriend and we made our way downtown yesterday like giddy little schoolgirls. I pulled out my battered up skates and got nods of approval as I hopped on the Canada Line to Robson Street.

Out on the ice, we passed the little kids dressed up in Calgary Flames sweaters (I know, it’s just wrong) and full helmets, couples making the rounds holding hands and a woman sliding her friend in a wheelchair.

The cold, fresh air and the bright, sunny day was a little slice of heaven. Although it had been awhile since I’d been on the ice, the skating came back easily. (The stopping, skating backwards and feeling at ease, though, was another matter. I think my centre of gravity was off because I did all of my skating and playing ringette when I was a kid. It feels different with an adult body…)  

The Mini Whale Zamboni at Robson Square Rink in downtown Vancouver, BC (Canada).

What I Liked:

• The zamboni that comes out to clean the ice every 2-3 hours is mini-sized, to match the mini-sized rink. The whale design and fin on the machine is cute!
• If you have skates, this is a free place to skate. Robson Square is open everyday from noon to 9:00 pm for public skating.
• Skate rentals are $3 and helmet rentals (for kids) are $2.
• Make sure to bring the least amount of “things” with you. If you rent skates, they’ll put your shoes behind the desk, but otherwise you either carry your bags or leave them on the perimeter and take the risk that’ll they’ll be there when you get back.
• For those who spend quite a bit of time there or work up a small appetite, there’s even a café serving up snacks.

Tags: bc, canada, canada line, Downtown Vancouver, free place to skate, hornby street, howe street, Robson Square, Robson street, skate outdoors, skate rentals, Skating