Guide to the best ice skating Whistler BC
Ice skating Whistler’s beautiful outdoor rink in the Olympic Plaza is on many people’s must-dos when they’re looking for what to do in Whistler in winter and for good reason.
Ice skating, or simply ‘skating’ if you’re Canadian, is more than just a sport. It’s something of a Canadian pastime and there’s sometimes nothing better than getting bundled up to go skating on a beautiful outdoor rink over winter.
Pack some hot chocolate and round up your friends and family and you’ve got everything you need for a fun evening in Whistler!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or lacing up for the first time, Whistler has two managed rinks as well as a couple of lakes that sometimes freeze enough for skating.
Even if you’re looking for the best things to do in Whistler in the summer, skating can still be on that list! That’s because Whistler also has an indoor rink for indoor activities in Whistler at the Meadow Park Sports Center where you’ll find the Meadow Park skating rink.
Below, I’ve provided everything you need to know about ice skating in Whistler from where to go, where to rent ice skates in Whistler, and what to know before you go skating on lakes in Whistler.
Lace up your skates, grab a cup of hot chocolate from one of the best Whistler coffee shops, and get ready for ice skating in Whistler, BC.
Where to go ice skating Whistler BC
Whistler Olympic Plaza Skating Rink – Whistler outdoor skating rink
Every Whistler winter season, the Whistler Olympic Plaza near Whistler Village chances into a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink.
Here you can skate under pretty lights while surrounded by mountain views and the Olympic Rings. It’s the most popular Whistler skating rink!
The Whistler Olympic Plaza skating rink opens in late November around the same time that Whistler Blackcomb ski resort opens the hills for skiing and runs until mid-March.
Once open for the season, the public skating rink is open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM with daily closures at 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 6 PM to smooth out the ice for everyone.
This outdoor skating rink operates on a first-come, first-served basis and you cannot make reservations. There’s a limited capacity so at the busiest times such as Christmas and weekends, you might need to wait.
It’s also worth knowing that there’s a limited amount of skates and helmets available for rent so if you do have your own it’s a good idea to bring them.
For beginner ice skaters and children, the skating rink in Whistler has free skate aids available which help you keep your balance.
There’s also a special game zone from Monday to Friday between 11 AM and 1:30 PM for hockey stick and puck play. Hockey is not allowed at other times so if you’re looking for a Whistler hockey rink then check the times first.
- Opening hours: 11 AM to 8:30 PM with daily closures at 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 6 PM
- Cost: $9 for rentals + admission, $2 admission fee without rentals. Helmets are free.
Meadow Park Sports Centre
The Meadow Park Sports Centre is a great place to ice skate in Whistler year-round that has an NHL-sized ice surface.
This Whistler skating rink at the sports center in Whistler offers public ice skating sessions both during the day and in the evening and they also hold drop-in hockey sessions for kids and adults too.
Ice skate rentals, helmets, and skate raids are all available for rent but it’s recommended you bring your own skates since they’re limited. Helmets are mandatory for all skaters until 19 and strongly encouraged for others. Plastic sticks and pucks are permitted on the rink.
One of the most unique ice skating Whistler experiences is to attend one of the disco skate nights which take place on the last Saturday of October through February from 6.30 to 8 pm so if you’re visiting Whistler in December or another month in winter make sure to go! They’re super fun evenings where you’ll get to skate to music under some disco lights. Dressing up is encouraged!
No pre-booking is required to use this Whistler ice skating rink but do check the Meadow Park ice rink schedule online.
- Opening hours: Change seasonally, check this website for up-to-date hours.
- Cost: Adults $9.25, 13-18 year olds $5.50 and 4-12 year olds $4.75. Drop-in hockey is available for $12.00, with a discounted rate of $5.75 for youth aged 16-18.
Outdoor ice skating on lakes in Whistler
When the weather gets really cold, you can actually go ice skating on some of the best Whistler lakes, at your own risk. The best time for skating on lakes in Whistler is when it’s really cold, but before it starts snowing. So keep an eye on the weather, and be ready to get out there when the conditions are just right!
You should only do this when the weather has made the ice safe to skate on and the ice is thick enough to support you. And if you’re not sure, pick another Whistler ice rink instead.
This can be checked properly with an ice auger or drill and if you’re not sure if it’s safe, it’s better to head over to the outdoor rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza or the indoor rink at Meadow Park.
Two of the favorite spots for locals are Green Lake and Alta Lake ice skating areas. When it’s cold enough, people get their snow shovels out and clear a spot to skate.
Nita Lake can be a good spot for ice skating too. Sometimes the ice near the docks can get more than 20cm thick and Nita Lake Lodge often clears a small area to make it nice and shiny for skating.
You can’t rent skates at Whistler lakes and you won’t be able to rent them at the other rinks and then bring them here. You’ll need to bring your own.
Important safety tips for skating on lakes in Whistler:
- Wear a helmet while skating.
- Never hit the ice solo. Always have a friend or two with you.
- Carry a drill and a skating pole with you to test the ice thickness. The ice should be at least 15 cm (or 6 inches) thick for it to be safe to skate on.
- Pay attention to the weather. The temperature needs to stay below -10°C or 14°F for several days to ensure the ice is safe for skating.
- Check with locals or a local fishing tour operator to get the scoop on current ice conditions.
- Stick to areas close to the shore where the water is not too deep.
- Bundle up! Dress warmly to handle the cold weather conditions.
- If you’re bringing along little ones, keep an eye on them at all times.
- Steer clear of any areas with open water, like small holes or places where the ice looks slushy.
FAQs about Whistler ice skating
Can you skate on lakes in Whistler?
Where can you ice skate in Whistler?
Final thoughts on ice skating in Whistler Canada
This guide to ice skating in Whistler, BC has covered the best places for skating in Whistler this winter.
Whether you prefer an indoor Whistler arena, an outdoor rink, or a natural lake like Alta Lake and Green Lake, there are some great places to practice your skating skills near this mountain town.
Remember to keep safety at the forefront of your adventures, especially when skating on natural ice as this is done entirely at your own risk.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Whistler that aren’t skiing I have a guide for that. Otherwise, you can check out these Whistler snowshoeing trails, and the best waterfalls near Whistler BC, check out these cross country ski trails in Whistler, or book an incredible dog sledding tour in Whistler.
Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
