Where to Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating in Kelowna
When it comes to winter sports, Canadians do it best! And in British Columbia’s lakeside city of Kelowna, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ice skating. If you prefer skating under the fresh skies, then there’s no better place to visit than Kelowna as they have a number of fantastic outdoor ice-skating rinks. The winter runs from around mid-November to the end of February, with an average daily high of 43°F – perfect skating weather! Here’s a look at the best outdoor ice-skating rinks in Kelowna.
1. Stuart Park
The home of the iconic public art piece, Bear, Stuart Park is a popular waterfront park found in downtown Kelowna which converts into a space for summertime Dancing in the Park, with winter months an outdoor skating rink. Between December and February every year (weather permitting) this fantastic Kelowna skating rink is a must-visit destination. The city has also recently upgraded the outdoor skating rink with enhanced safety measures and a new pre-booking system for 60-minute skating times and a maximum of 40 skaters at a time.
2. Big White Ski Resort
This inviting resort is renowned for its skiing internationally, but it is also home to Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink. This incredible skating rink, which is fully lit for night skating, is ideal for leisurely ice skating with family and friends, or even something a bit more competitive like a hockey game. Skating at the Olympic-size rink is free, and they hire out all necessary equipment, including ice skates for $12 an hour, hockey sticks can be rented for $6 an hour - with a $30 deposit - and helmets are $6 for an hour. The nearby ski lodge also sells snacks and beverages to warm you up.
3. Centennial Outdoor Rink
The nearby city of Vernon has its wonderful outdoor skating rink which provides free skating opportunities throughout the winter season – weather permitting. The ice rink is reserved, at different times, for school children and younger skaters, as well as those learning to play hockey.
4. Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
Thriving on innovative ideas and quality service, the General Manager of Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre, David Prystay, came up with a concept that many thought couldn’t work – an outdoor skating rink. Located just 45 kilometres from Kelowna, the resort introduced the ice rink on its beach area, despite the weather being a bit warmer here. The rink has proved incredibly popular with minor hockey teams practicing three-on-three or five-on five when staying at the hotel, birthday parties and just for individuals looking for a ski. The resort has a chiller to keep the ice cold, and they organise a staff flag football game every winter.
5. Okanagan Lake
Although the last time the lake was frozen solid was back in 1968/1969, cold snaps will cause the shallow shoreline areas to freeze over enough to allow for outdoor ice skating. It must be noted, however, that the City of Kelowna does not permit outdoor skating, simply because the ice is not monitored and safety not assured. However, many still venture out to Kelowna’s crescent-shaped bay south of the Maude Roxby bird sanctuary in the hopes of enjoying some time on the ice.
6. Ice Rink - Peachland
The District of Peachland, very near to Kelowna, has created an outdoor ice-skating rink on Princeton Avenue. Because of its elevated location on Mountain View Park (or Peachland Riding Club), the conditions are more reliable, with the volunteers from Peachland Fire and Rescue maintaining the rink. It consists of a 3:3 hockey rink and tot rink with lighting to allow for night skating until 10pm.
7. Winthrop Rink
Another nearby outdoor skating rink is the stunning Winthrop Rink, an NHL-sized, outdoor refrigerated ice rink. Located in the Old West town in Methow Valley, this is a popular holiday spot with the establishment of the rink provided for in 2015.
In addition to these, Kelowna’s city staff and neighbourhood volunteers help maintain three outdoor skating rinks in the area, located at the corner of Stewart Road West and Westridge Road in the Crawford Estates subdivision; Lillooet Park off Summit Drive atop Dilworth Mountain; and next to South Kelowna Elementary School in South-East Kelowna. For the best in winter sports and entertainment, Kelowna is the spot!
