Where to Go Skating Outdoors and Indoors in Niagara This Winter (2024!)
Ice skating was one of my favourite winter activities when I was a kid, and we’re lucky to have so many outdoor skating rinks around us, from Grimsby to Niagara Falls!
With us locals looking for fun things to do outdoors in Niagara this winter, we’re so fortunate to have an abundance of activities to do outside, allowing us to get our exercise in during the chilly winter months.
Embrace our Canadian winter! All we need to do is bundle up! Here’s a list of places to go skating indoors and outdoors in Niagara this winter.
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Outdoor Skating Rinks in the Niagara Region
Most of these rinks run from December – March, depending on weather.
Where to go Skating in Grimsby
- The Frieze Box, Peach King Center – check out the winter schedule from December – March.
Outdoor skating rinks in Lincoln
- Hilary Bald Park, Beamsville
- Calvary Gospel Church *new as of January 28th, 2022!* You can see their rink schedule online.
Where to go Skating Outdoors in St. Catharines
- St. Patrick’s Park
- Partridge Park
- Port Dalhousie Lions Park (follow their Instagram page for updates!)
- Friends of Walker’s Creek Community Skating Rink (currently under construction – follow their Facebook page for updates!). Easiest entrance at The Richeleau and The Cedars.
Outdoor Skating in Niagara Falls
Did you know there are 7 natural outdoor rinks in Niagara Falls? Follow @niagarafallsrecreation on Instagram for more updates and check out their interactive winter activities map!
- The Lions Outdoor Skating Rink
- John N Allen Park
- Maple Park
- Keigan Park
- Preakness Park
- Mt Carmel Park
- Chippawa West Park
- Riverview Park
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Gretzky Estate Wines – booking required
- The Rink in the Gardens at The Pillar and Post – hours and more information here!
- Holiday Collection at Outlet Collection at Niagara from December 1st – December 24th. Book your timeslot online.
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Welland
- Chippawa Park Pond – also offers tobogganing!
- Woodlawn Bush
- St. George Pond
- Civic Square Skating Rink
There are also 7 volunteer-run skating rinks in Welland:
- Broadway Park*
- Cooks Mills Park*
- Elmwood Park
- Glenwood Park*
- John Deere Park
- Gram Ave. Park
- Manchester Park*
Note: volunteer-run rinks indicated with * require volunteers and rinks may not be maintained. To become a volunteer email [email protected] or call 905-735-1700 x3000.
Indoor Skating Rinks in Niagara
Please check with the arena prior to going. Some may require reservations or may not be currently operating.
Indoor Skating Rinks in Lincoln
- Fleming Centre – skating schedule here
- Jordan Lions Arena – check out their skating schedule
Indoor Skating Rinks in Pelham
- Meridian Community Centre – information and details here
Indoor Skating Arenas in Thorold
- Thorold Community Centre (Frank Doherty Arena) – information here
Indoor Skating Rinks in St Catharines
- Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre – details here.
- Bill Burgoyne Arena – currently remains closed
Indoor Skating Rinks in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Indoor Skating Rinks in Niagara Falls
Indoor Skating Arenas in Welland
- Jack Ballantyne Memorial Arena – registration required. More details here.
Where to go Skating Indoors in Port Colborne
Bonus:
Indoor Skating in Dunnville
- Dunnville Memorial Arena and Lifespan Centre – All programs are free/no registration required. Details here.
Skating Rinks in Cayuga
Need Skates?
Check out SportsChek – they have tons of ice skates to choose from!
An afforable pair (that won’t kill your calves!) is the BladeRunner Aurora – with ample padding. I was going to opt for a cheaper pair but trust me, it’s worth spending a little bit more for comfort and warmth, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the ice this winter. (And, if you sign up here, you’ll get 10% off your purchase!).
It is also advisable that children wear helmets, like this Bauer youth helmet.
Don’t forget about your skate guards! Grab yours here.
Ready to get outdoors and skate?
There are so many fun things to do outdoors in Niagara this winter, and skating is just one of them! We are also so lucky to have so many awesome places to go sledding and tobogganing in Niagara, too!
Bundle up, stay safe, and have fun!
Pin it for later!
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This seems like such a quintessentially Canadian activity!
I am rubbish at skating, but I lover the idea of being anything like the other graceful skaters out on the ice! You are so lucky to have soooo many options near home!
Haha thank you Josy! We’re definitely lucky the outdoor spaces are kept running during out lockdown!
Hi Sarah, do you know where we can find the most up to date skating/ice conditions for these locations? Would be so disappointing to trek somewhere to skate and the conditions be sub-par.
Hi Patricia! I think your best bet would be to contact the township directly. Some rinks, like the Port Dalhousie Lion’s Park has their own Instagram page with regular updates (@portdalhousieneighbours). I wish more community rinks did this! Other than that, you can always reach out in Facebook community groups to see if anyone had been there recently. Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks for the response, Sarah. I agree re: regularly updated community rink information. I will see what I can find!
Good luck! Do let me know if you come across anything!
Hi Sarah! Apart from Port Dalhousie, do you have the contact info for The Lions rink in Niagara to see if they’re open?
Hi Farzana! I think your best bet would be to contact the town directly. The number for city hall in Niagara Falls is 905-356-7521 🙂