Visitors flood Canmore during winter to enjoy ice skating in its beautiful frozen lakes. The conditions are most favorable during early winter starting from late November to early December. Once the snow starts building over the lakes, ice skating gets very difficult. Today we have assembled a list of the best spots in Canmore for all ice skating enthusiasts.
Here are the Best 7 Ice Skating Spots In Canmore
Canmore Town Pond
The pond at Canmore town is extremely well maintained. It is located just outside downtown. The Canmore Town Pond provides excellent ice skating opportunities every winter. The rink is serviced daily and resurfaces three to five times weekly. The best thing about this spot is that it stays lit even during the night. This family-friendly skating rink often hosts festive events such as Skate with Santa. Visitors can enjoy special amenities like picnic tables, a heated gazebo, washrooms, and free roadside parking. However, the pond is in a neighborhood and doesn’t provide any scenic view to marvel at while skating.
Gap Lake
You can reach Gap Lake while travelling from Canmore to Cochrane off the 1A. The lake is very windy, and this helps it stay snow-free for a prolonged period. You are bound to feel ecstatic with its mirror-smooth ice, offering excellent opportunities for freestyle gliding. If you are seeking an escape into the arms of nature sans the crowd, then ice skating at Gap Lake can be your perfect choice. Under favorable conditions, you can enjoy zebra-like markings and ice bubbles in the skating rink. Visit between December and February for skating under the best conditions.
Spray Lakes
This is a man-made lake in Kananaskis that freezes over during winter. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Spray Valley while skating here. The mirror view of the towering granite walls of Spray Valley looks magnificent. They are perfect for freestyle spins or long-distance glides. The valley is popular for its hard ice, which remains snow-free for prolonged periods. The reservoir here runs deeper than its peer lakes. That’s why you should exercise caution while skating on the Spray Lakes. It receives maximum footfall between December and February when the ice reaches a thickness of 6-12 inches.
Lac Des Arcs
Lac Des Arcs is situated at the end of the Bow Valley. There is TransCanada on one side and a medium-sized cement plant on the other side. It is popular for its high winds, which help keep the ice in good condition. The Chinooks also rip through the narrow valley section to the foothills. The ice skating rink also stays devoid of snow build-up for a prolonged timespan. It captivates travelers with its glass-like surface lined by dramatic foothills. November to January is the best time to visit Les Arcs as ice reaches a thickness exceeding 10 cm.
Barrier Lake
Barrier Lake sits at the north end of Kananaskis Country. It is a superb man-made reservoir in close proximity to Calgary. Lush evergreen forests frame the shores of Barrier Lake. After parking at the day-use area, you will have to walk for five minutes to reach the skating region. Heavy winds help keep the skating rink snow free. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skater, you’ll love the bubble formations on this smooth skating rink.
Goat Pond, Canmore
Goat Pond, located on Smith Dorrien Road, is an excellent skating place near Canmore. If you can visit the pond after it freezes but before the first snowfall, you’ll be lucky. Travellers have given rave reviews of the view of logs and stumps underneath the ice. Prepare for majestic views as you step further away from the road once the lake has frozen completely. You will even come across a “field” of stumps. You can visit Goat Pond between late November and early December before it receives heavy snowfall.
Kananaskis Village Ice Skating Rink
This small yet well-maintained rink guarantees a fun time with your family. It sits near the Nordic Spa & Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. They often set up nets and encourage visitors to bring their hockey sticks. It’s advisable to inquire about whether the ice skating rink is operational by calling the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. There are nearby fire pits to warm up if the weather gets too chilly. It receives fewer footfalls than the other spots mentioned in our list. This makes the Kananaskis Village Ice Skating Rink perfect for kids trying roller skating for the first time.
