Whether you’re an ice dancer, or scooting around with a skating aid is more your speed, one of the best places to go for a winter glide is opening for the season.
From Nov. 30 through to March, The Shipyards Skate Plaza opens to the public from noon till 8 p.m. daily.
As Metro Vancouver’s largest outdoor skating rink, the plaza offers a scenic setting on the North Vancouver waterfront, backdropped by views of downtown Vancouver.
Admission to the 8,000-square-foot public space is free, with skate rentals available for adults ($7) and kids ($5). Or you can bring your own blades and get around the ice free of charge.
Helmets and skate aids are provided by the rink.
As per tradition, City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan joined local elementary school students for a skate on Friday to kick off the season.
The skate plaza is one of North Van’s most beloved winter amenities, she said.
“This free, accessible space invites residents and visitors alike to connect, stay active, and enjoy time outside during the colder months,” Buchanan said.
She called The Shipyards “the heart of our city.”
“From winter markets and live performances to outdoor skating and festive events, it is a vibrant, year-round destination that showcases the best of what our city has to offer,” she said.
“This winter, we are excited to host activities that bring energy and connection to the waterfront. I invite everyone to join us at The Shipyards to share in the spirit of the season,” Buchanan said.
The ice closes daily for around 30 minutes at 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. for cleaning.
The Warming Hut, which served beverages beside the rink in previous years, will not be reopening this year. That’s due to space needed for this season’s Shipyards Christmas Market, a city spokesperson said.
