Ice Skating in Calgary at Christmas 2026: Outdoor & Free Rinks

Skating is the best free Christmas activity in Calgary, and the city has some beautiful places to do it. Here’s where to lace up.

Prince’s Island Park Lagoon

Downtown’s prettiest skate, a five-minute walk from Eau Claire Plaza and the Calgary Winter Market. Free when the City opens the ice.

Bowness Park

Calgary’s classic winter park in the northwest, with a long lagoon, fire pits and a café. Free when conditions allow.

Olympic Oval

The 1988 Olympic speed-skating oval at the University of Calgary has indoor public skating year-round, so it’s the reliable option during chinooks and cold snaps. Watch for the holiday skate with Santa; see Olympic Oval holiday skate.

Community Rinks

Dozens of community associations flood outdoor rinks each winter. Most are free, and many have warm-up shacks. Check your community association or the City’s outdoor rink map.

Near Calgary

• Chestermere Lake, when the town clears a skating area.
• Lake Louise, in front of the Fairmont Chateau, one of the world’s most famous skating spots.
• High River, with a pop-up rink in George Lane Park once it’s cold enough.

Safety

• Only skate on ice the City or town has marked open.
• Never skate on the Bow or Elbow rivers.
• Dress kids in helmets on busy ice.

Note: the Olympic Plaza rink downtown is closed while the plaza is rebuilt.

Related: free Christmas things to do, tobogganing in Calgary.

Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026