Say goodbye to artificial lights and climate control – the fresh air is calling at these five outdoor skating parks in Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of Yellow Pages]
Once Stanley Park's Lost Lagoon freezes over, skaters descend upon it to enjoy one of the most naturally beautiful rinks in all of Vancouver. If you time things right, you can skate in peace, in the company of a few Canadian geese and mallard ducks who have stubbornly refused to fly south for the winter. Alternatively, come at night, when the lighted Jubilee Fountain is glowing.
It’s the most popular outdoor skating park in all of Vancouver, with free skating from December to February. Bringing your own skates is optional because you can rent them at the park. There’s a concession stand too, so you can warm up with hot chocolate after your skate.
Take a road trip to Whistler – there are few places more beautiful for skating outside than here. The rink opens around mid-December (weather permitting) and is free until the thermometer decides the season is over. You can generally have at it from 11 am to 9 pm and skate rentals are available. Warm up by a fire pit, sip on hot cocoa or skate with Santa.
Skate outdoors on the fairways at Tsawwassen Springs. This small rink offers big views (of the North Shore Mountains) and is next to the patio of Pat Quinn’s Restaurant and Bar. Keep in mind that you have to bring own skates – there are no skate rentals here.