If you are visiting Banff during winter, then you can’t miss an ice-skating adventure. There are ample natural frozen lakes in Banff. This makes ice skating a much-loved activity among both locals and tourists. Today we will highlight the best spots for ice skating in Banff for some unforgettable glides:
Here are the best spots for ice skating in Banff
Lake Louise
The scenic Lake Louise is one of the best spots for ice skating in Banff. It offers excellent views of Victoria Glacier and its surrounding peaks. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise maintains the lake. They clear snow regularly, so you can skate in this natural lake even during winter. The lake is resurfaced from the middle of December. Travelers can’t stop raving about the ice bar, ice castle during December, and fires around the lake. Visit it during Christmas time for a greater share of festivities.
Often Lake Louise freezes before getting significant snowfall. This renders the lake a blue, glass-like appearance. Skating here at this time feels like gliding through a picture postcard. You can skate here for free. But don’t forget to book a horse-drawn sleigh ride afterwards for a magical experience.
Lake Minnewanka
Visit Lake Minnewanka during December or January to relish gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the thrill of skating on its glass surface. Given its lower elevation, the lake freezes later than Lake Louise. The lake is huge, and you can skate in the same direction for a long time while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. Minnewanka is the last lake to freeze in the Canadian Rockies. As a result, it offers excellent skating opportunities.
Vermilion Lakes
Get ready to enjoy incredible sunrise or sunset views of Mount Rundle from this natural lake located just outside of Banff. Although this is one of the stunning natural lakes in Banff however, the lake isn’t maintained. As a result, it might not be possible to skate on this once it freezes. This is also one of the first Banff lakes to freeze. Vermilion Lakes is also quite shallow. Before you skate, take note of the ice thickness near the dock of the third lake, as a warm spring of water makes the ice thin.
Bow River
When it comes to skating in Banff, you are not limited to only lakes & ponds. Bow River offers excellent skating opportunities. An oval is cleared just outside of Banff town under permissible conditions. However, the ice thickness varies with seasonal changes. You can reach the Bow River following a brisk walk from the center of the town.
Lake Louise Recreation Centre
The Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre was established in 1985. Since the inception, it has truly grown over the years. This is a well-maintained rink with an outdoor hockey unit. It is located off Village Road in Lake Louise.
Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a natural lake around Banff, which is among the first to freeze. It is located off the road to Lake Minnewanka. Skating is possible here only for a small window. However, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Cascade from this lake. If you are visiting during summers, don’t forget to try the rope swing for jumping into the lake.
Two Jack Lake
Fun doesn’t stop at Two Jack Lake throughout the year. While you can engage in stand-up paddle boarding during summer, the winter months of November and December offer ample opportunities in ice-skating. The lake freezes over once the mercury dips. It also offers excellent views of Mount Rundle in the vicinity.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake, located along the Icefields Parkway, offers a relatively short skating window. However, you will be in for a treat if you can visit the lake after it freezes but before snowfall. It feels amazing to skate here while basking in the beauty of Cauldron Peak and Peyto Glacier.
Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
This is the solitary indoor ice-skating rink on today’s list. It remains open throughout the year, ensuring the fun doesn’t stop even during summer. You are bound to enjoy skating on its smooth and well-maintained surface. Even when the mercury drops drastically during peak winter, temperatures here remain extremely mild. Skating and renting skating gear in this indoor skating rink is pretty affordable. There is an entry fee of $7 for adults over 18 years, $4.75 for teenagers, and a flat fare of $16.50 for a family.
Banff Springs Hotel
This small rink is located on the patio of the famous Banff Springs hotel. You can ring in a magical winter by skating here and enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. During the “Christmas at the Castle” events, the rink radiates a castle-like vibe. Even guests can visit this ice skating rink and relish a cup of steaming hot chocolate right after. This ice skating rink in Banff remains operational between December and March depending on the weather.
Banff Recreation Grounds Outdoor Ice Rink
If you aren’t up for heading into the frozen wilderness for ice skating in Banff, then you can visit the Banff Recreation Grounds outdoor ice rink. You will find washrooms in the well-maintained skating rink. It remains open from 8 am to 9 pm.
Fenlands Outdoor Meadow Rink
The outdoor rink meanders through the meadow behind the Fenlands Banff Recreation Center. Visitors have left rave reviews for this well-maintained rink, which remains operational between 8 am and 8 pm. The Recreation Center offers various facilities such as skate rentals, skate sharpening, a concession stand, warming areas, and washrooms during its operating hours. You can also rent skates from the front desk till 4 pm.
When can you go for Ice Skating in Banff?
To enjoy Ice skating in Banff timing is the key. Although you can ice skate on many of the maintained rinks all through the winter. However, it needs to be cold enough that the lakes has frozen over enough to skate on.
What should be the depth of Ice for skating?
In order to walk or skate, the ice should be at least 15 cm and atleast 20 cm for a hockey game.
How to check the thickness of Ice for Ice skating in Banff?
Parks Canada recommends checking the thickness of the ice for ice skating by drilling a hole in the ice. You can use an ice screw, ice chisel, auger, or cordless drill to make hole. After that insert a tape measure into the hole. After every 150cm, it is recommended to check the ice again. Always remeber, ice is never 100% safe.
