Embrace the magic of winter at the 5 best skating rinks in Winnipeg.
One of my fondest winter memories is skating in a pond—the ice sparkling beneath as I wobbled around, desperately trying not to fall. While I’ve taken my fair share of tumbles, it’s never stopped me from relishing in this winter tradition.
Winnipeg is blessed with not only great winters but also an abundance of skating spots, from frozen ponds to sprawling indoor arenas. With so many options, it can be tough to decide where to go—but that’s where this guide comes in.
I’m here to share the best skating rinks in Winnipeg, so you can find the perfect spot to create your own winter memories.
Nestaweya River Trail
Media credit: theforkswinnipeg
Location: River Walk
Opening season: Late January to February (depending on the weather)
Admission fee: FREE
The Nestaweya River Trail is a quintessential winter experience for most if not all, Winnipegers. As the river freezes, it becomes a large, icy playground, where you can ice skate and do other fun outdoor activities.
Trails start at the historic Forks area, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet. They are always well-maintained, so you can skate safely and have a good time.
When it gets too cold, you can huddle under a warming hut nearby. Designed by top architects and artists from around the globe, these huts are small installations you’ll find throughout the trail, which you can use freely.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t own any ice skates, head to The Forks Market, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Nestaweya River Trail. You’ll find rental shops nearby.
Seven Oaks Arena
Media credit: wynnedog01
Website: https://www.gardencitycc.com/arena/info
Location: 745 Kingsbury Avenue
Phone: +12049406111
Amenities: Public WiFi, changing rooms, restrooms, and outdoor skate change areas
Located in Garden City, the Seven Oaks Arena is the go-to spot for community events and various recreational activities. With two NHL-size skating rinks, there’s plenty of room to practice so you won’t have to compete with the hockey players.
The arena is well-lit, clean, and equipped with modern amenities. It even has a canteen inside where you can refuel after ice skating.
What I like about this spot is that it’s open year-round, so I can always lace up and skate no matter the season. The best part is that public skating is free, but it’s usually limited to an hour per day.
You can check the arena’s policies as well as the public skating schedule here.
Pro Tip:
To avoid huge crowds, come early on weekday mornings or afternoons.
Terry Sawchuk Memorial Arena
Media credit: janellefaithill
Website: http://winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/arenas/terrysawchuk.stm
Location: 901 Kimberly Avenue
Phone: +12049867208
Amenities: Changing rooms and restrooms
Terry Sawchuk Memorial Arena has a well-maintained, regulation-sized ice rink, suitable for hockey and recreational skating. Since the ice quality is consistently good, it’s perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you have no ice skating experience or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, you can sign up for a class here. A trained instructor will help you progress in a fun, non-competitive setting.
Throughout the year, the arena hosts various events from hockey games to figure skating competitions. Thus, the public skating schedule will vary per week depending on the programs lined up at the arena.
Before dropping by, always check if the arena is open for public skating.
Pro Tip:
Arrive a bit early to secure a good spot in the changing rooms. You can also have ample time to relax before hitting the ice.
Old Market Square Rink
Media credit: rider4156
Website: https://www.exchangedistrict.org/winterintheexchange/
Location: 124 King Street
Phone: +1209426716
Opening season: late November to early December
Amenities: Picnic tables
Right across The Cube in Old Market Square, you’ll find a small ice skating rink that you can use for free throughout the winter. I like skating here at night because the area is illuminated by a canopy of lights, which makes the experience so magical.
There are benches around the square, where you can lace up your skates and maybe enjoy some hot chocolate. Since this is within the Exchange District, you can opt to go to a cafe, restaurant, or pub nearby to refuel and stay warm.
The rink is relatively small, so it’s ideal for a casual skate rather than high-speed laps. This also makes it a great choice for novice skaters and children.
Pro Tip:
If you need your skates sharpened, go to Natural Cycleworks on Albert Street, just about a block away from The Cube.
St. Vital Park Duck Pond
Media credit: travelmanitoba
Location: 190 River Road
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM to 9 PM
Amenities: Washrooms, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and play structures
Another outdoor skating rink you can visit is St. Vital Park’s duck pond. Whether you’re hoping for a solo skate or a fun outing with family, this charming spot offers a memorable way to enjoy Winnipeg’s winter.
Surrounded by trees draped in snow, skating here is an enchanting experience and definitely a more peaceful one. You won’t have to compete with huge crowds of people in the changing rooms or on the ice.
Our favorite thing about St. Vital is that you can skate to your heart’s content while the park is open. However, it does get quite chilly on certain days because it’s an outdoor rink.
Pro Tip:
Bundle up, and bring along some hot chocolate or coffee so you can stay warm at the park.