Skating

The Victoria Park outdoor ice rink, the Rotary Rink at Covent Garden Market and the skate trail at Storybook Gardens are now closed for the season. Thanks to all the Londoners who joined us for outdoor skating this winter!
 

London has 11 indoor ice pads and three outdoor ice pads.  Registration is required for skating programs and is available at Play Your Way online or by calling 519-661-5575

Indoor skating

London has 11 indoor ice pads. To view a full list of arenas with indoor links, please visit our arenas page.  Most are available for rent throughout the year. All rinks have free parking. Check the cancellations page to make sure the ice pads are operating as usual. Winter rentals are available from September to the end of March for recreational skating, skating lessons, figure skating, ringette and hockey. Summer use of the concrete floor surfaces may include ball hockey, lacrosse and other team sports.  Dry pad rentals are available from April to August at a number of arenas. 

Most arenas feature snack bars, offering a limited selection of hot and cold food and beverage items.  Earl Nichols Recreation Centre, StarTech.com Community Centre, Stronach Community Recreation Centre, Medway Community Centre, Kinsmen Recreation Centre and Lambeth Community Centre arenas have multipurpose activity rooms that are suitable for small receptions and tournament meeting areas.  All arenas are equipped with a sound system. Staff at individual arenas are not able to book ice time or receive payment for any rentals.  Please call 519-661-5575 during regular business hours to discuss ice hours and book a rental.

Skating programs

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

A list of programs and schedules can be found below. Children five and under must wear a CSA approved helmet for all public skating programs, and a full-face cage is recommended. Youth under 12 must be supervised by an adult 18 years of age or older at all times. Skates are required for all programs. One sledge is available at all arenas for public use. 

Register

Adult shinny

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Two teams are created from registrants to play in non-competitive shinny hockey game.  CSA-approved full caged helmet is mandatory for all participants, shoulder pads optional. Participants are required to supply their own properly fitted helmet and will not be allowed on the ice without one.

Register

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Fridays

  • Carling Arena from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturdays

  • Kinsmen Arena from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 9:30 p,m. to 11 p.m. (Starting November 11)
Adult stick and puck (15 years and older)

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Adults can bring their stick and puck to improve their shot and stickhandling. 

This is an unstructured ice time. No private programs are permitted. Organized hockey games, slap shots and structured practices are not permitted. No aggressive play is permitted.

All participants are required to wear a full-caged CSA approved helmet. The maximum number of participants on the ice is 30 people.

Register

Schedule for September 2023:

  • Monday, September 11 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena
  • Monday, September 18 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena
  • Monday, September 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Mondays

  • Earl Nichols Arena from 12 to 12:50 p.m.

Thursdays

  • Stronach Arena from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Fridays

  • Carling Arena from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m.
  • Bostwick Arena from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m.

Saturdays

  • Farquharson Arena from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
All ages freestyle skate

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

This skate is for adults for all ages who are interested in performing basic figure skating moves including but not limited to backwards skating, turns and ice dancing, as well as hockey skating moves including but not limited to backwards skating and tight turns.

Register

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Tuesdays

  • Bostwick Arena from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Thursdays

  • Kinsmen Arena from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Children and youth stick and puck (5 – 15 years old)

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Parents can come out with their children to practice stickhandling and improve their shots.  An adult must accompany children on the ice. 

This is an unstructured ice time. No private programs are permitted. Organized hockey games, slap shots and structured practices are not permitted. No aggressive play is permitted.

All participants are required to wear a full-caged CSA approved helmet.

Register

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Wednesdays

  • Earl Nichols Arena from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Fridays

  • Carling Arena from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m.
  • Bostwick Arena from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m.

Saturdays

  • Farquharson Arena from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Free public skating

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Come out and practice your skating skills with family and friends. Open to skaters of all ages and abilities. Beginners will be asked to stay in the middle of the ice. Skating assists deemed safe will be permitted. CSA approved helmets are recommended. 

REGISTER

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Wednesdays

  • Argyle Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Bostwick Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Carling Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Medway Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Stronach Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Oakridge Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Farquharson Arena from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Earl Nichols Arena from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
  • Lambeth Arena from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Sundays

  • Lambeth Arena from 2 to 2:50 p.m.
Parent and child skating

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Free for adults (18 or older) to spend quality time with children ages 13 and under in a safe, quiet environment. CSA approved, full caged helmet required. This program has no ice cruisers.

REGISTER

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Mondays

  • Lambeth Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Carling Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Tuesdays

  • Medway Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Wednesdays

  • Argyle Arena from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.
  • Oakridge Arena from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Fridays

  • Lambeth Arena from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

Saturdays

  • Stronach Arena from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
  • Farquharson Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Parent and tot shinny

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Free to adults (18 or older) to spend quality time with preschooler (5 and under) in a safe, quiet environment.  Bring your own sticks and pucks and work on hockey skills.  CSA approved, full caged helmet required for everyone. Skate assists are not permitted.

REGISTER

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Mondays

  • Carling Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Tuesdays

  • Medway Arena from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • Lambeth Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Wednesdays

  • Kinsmen Arena from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.
  • Argyle Arena from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.
Parent and tot skating

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Free for adults (18 or older) to spend quality time with preschoolers 5 and under in a safe, quiet environment. CSA approved, full caged helmet required. This program has no ice cruisers.

REGISTER

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Mondays

  • Kinsmen Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Earl Nichols Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Tuesdays

  • Bostwick Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Wednesdays

  • Carling Arena from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Thursdays

  • Bostwick Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Public skating

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Come out and practice your skating skills with family and friends. Open to skaters of all ages and abilities. Beginners will be asked to stay in the middle of the ice. Skating assists deemed safe will be permitted. CSA approved helmets are recommended. 

Register

Schedule for September 2023:

  • Saturday, September 16 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena
  • Saturday, September 23 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

​​​Fridays

  • Argyle Arena from 8 to 9:45 p.m.
  • Oakridge Arena from 8 to 9:45 p.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Saturdays

  • Farquharson Arena from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • Stronach Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Earl Nichols Arena from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m.
  • Medway Arena from 2 to 3:45 p.m.
  • Carling Arena from 8 to 9:45 p.m.

Sundays

  • Argyle Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Medway Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Bostwick Arena from 2 to 3:45 p.m.
  • Carling Arena from 2 to 3:45 p.m.
  • Oakridge Arena from 2 to 3:45 p.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 3 to 4:45 p.m.
Senior skate

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Adults aged 55 and up are invited to enjoy music and exercise while they skate. There will be a flood of the ice halfway through the skate. Skating around the ice is the only activity permitted. No routines or skating as partners.

Please remember that there are skaters of all abilities. Beginner skaters are asked to move to the centre of the ice surface with more experienced skaters closer to the boards. Please judge your skating speed based on the number of people on the ice.

Register

Schedule for September 2023:

  • Monday, September 11 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena
  • Monday, September 18 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena
  • Monday, September 25 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:​​​​​​

Mondays

  • Argyle Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Earl Nichols Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Tuesdays

  • Bostwick Arena from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Carling Arena from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Argyle Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Wednesdays

  • Carling Arena from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Oakridge Arena from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
  • Earl Nichols Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Thursdays 

  • Bostwick Arena from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
  • Kinsmen Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Stronach Arena from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

Fridays

  • Medway Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Carling Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
  • Lambeth Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
Senior free style skating

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

This skate is for adults aged 55 and over who are interested in performing basic figure skating moves including but not limited to backwards skating, turns and ice dancing as well as hockey skating moves including but not limited to backwards skating and tight turns. There will be a flood of the ice half way through the skate.

All areas of the ice are available to everyone. Please be aware of the other skaters and give appropriate clearance for spins and other figure skating activities.

Register

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Tuesdays

  • Kinsmen Arena from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Carling Arena from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Wednesdays

  • Earl Nichols Arena from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Thursdays 

  • Kinsmen Arena from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Bostwick Arena from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Sledge stick and puck

Registration is required for all programs. Walk ups are not permitted. 

Participants with and without mobility challenges can use their sticks and pucks on the ice while seated in an accessibility/mobility device called a "sledge". CSA approved, full caged helmets and hockey gloves are required, and participants must provide their own sledge.

Register

Schedule for September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024:

Sundays 

  • Carling Arena from 1 to 1:50 p.m.

 Skating lessons

The City of London offers a variety of learn to skate opportunities.

Adult lessons

It's never too late to skate! This program teaches basic skating fundamentals while enhancing a healthy and active lifestyle.  Participants advance at their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere with a fully certified coach.

*CSA approved helmets are mandatory. Visit our registration page for information related to financial assistance.

Register

Children/youth lessons

The Learn to Skate program is designed to offer children ages four and up the opportunity to learn through interactive strategies that will teach basic skating techniques.  Each lesson lasts 45 minutes. There are four levels within the program. Children will graduate from each level once they have mastered the below criteria. Please register your child in the appropriate level based on their ability.

Register

Level One

  • Make snow, walk or march across the ice
  • Stationary jump, fall down and get up
  • Marching around on the spot (both directions)
  • Walk backwards
  • Kicking ball with alternating feet
  • Two foot glide – sitting and standing
  • Forward skating across the rink without falling, with a consecutive push-glide sequence

Level Two

  • Forward skating across rink without fall, with consecutive push-glide sequence with speed
  • Forward stop, forward and backward double sculling
  • Forward and backward skate and jump
  • Forward two foot–one foot glide (hold for a minimum two seconds)
  • Backward skating width of the ice with weight transfer from one foot to the other with gliding motion
  • Stationary “V” pushes

Level Three

  • Backward consecutive “C” pushes across the ice
  • Backward stop while skating
  • Backward two foot–one foot glide with balance
  • Forward circle thrusts, backward “C” circle thrusts
  • Forward and backward one-foot glide on curve
  • Forward tight glide turns

Level Four

  • Forward and backward crossovers
  • Mohawk turns, forward to backwards and backwards to forward (edge optional) or three-turn (with optional edge)
  • Forward outside and inside edges
  • Lunge/knee drop
  • Two-foot  and one-foot side stops

*CSA approved helmets are mandatory. Please indicate your child’s badge level on the registration form. Visit the registration page for information related to financial assistance.

Parent and tot skate lessons

Free to adults (18 or older) to spend quality time with pre-schoolers, five and under, in a safe, quiet environment.

A preschool program designed to teach young skaters from ages three to five how to skate without the assistance of a parent or caregiver. This interactive program will teach your young tot to skate by participating in creative themed activities while focusing on fun and continuous movement. Colouring sheets and incentive stickers are awarded each week for skaters' efforts.  Parents or guardians over the age of 16 must be present and on the ice with their child. Helmets are required for all including the parent or guardian.

*CSA approved helmets for both child and adult are mandatory.  Class is limited to 15 participants. Visit our registration page for information related to financial assistance.

Register

Last Minute Ice Bookings

The City of London offers discounted last minute ice bookings. Last minute ice is considered ice available one to four days in advance, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Learn more

Western Fair is not included in available locations. Last minute ice bookings will not apply to statutory holidays unless the facility is already scheduled to be open.

Last minute ice bookings are for a minimum of 1 hour increments. Last minute ice is booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. These bookings not and cannot be used to replace regular bookings. Bookings cannot be cancelled to book last minute ice. These bookings are final and are non-refundable.

A rental contract provided by the City of London must be signed and proof of insurance required prior to the booking. Please visit our recreation rentals page for more information.

The City of London reserves the right to cancel last minute ice bookings when it is considered to be used for profit or gain or is being abused to replace or in the place of regular ice bookings. Time will not be added to an existing contract.

The City of London reserves the right to cancel or amend the implementation of Last Minute Ice at any time at its discretion.

Last minute ice rental rates (HST will be added)

$139.00 for prime time and $111 for non-prime time. Payment is required at the time of booking.

How to book last minute ice:

Last minute ice can be booked through Play Your Way online as well as be calling customer Service at 519-661-5575. Arena staff are unable to book last minute ice.​​​​​​

Book last minute ice

Fees, rules and equipment

Skating fees and passes

Skating fees (taxes extra)

Adult (18-54)$4.75
Children (12 and under)$3.75
Youth (13-17)$4.00
Family (with up to
two adults)
$8.50
Seniors (55+)$4.00
Female shinny, introductory hockey and adult shinny hockey$8.50 each
PT skating shinny hockeyFree
Youth stick and puck$8.50 per family
Adult stick and puck$4.75 per person

Skating passes (taxes included)

Skating passes provide you with access to 10 skating sessions.  

Adult (18-54)$31.00
Children (12 and under)$22.00
Youth (13-17)$24.50
Family (with up to
​​​​two adults)
$48.50
Senior (55+) $24.50

For those unable to meet recreation program costs, financial assistance may be available.  Call 519-661-5575 for more information.

Skate rentals and sharpening hours

Skate rentals are only available at the Victoria Park skating rink. Skate sharpening is available at Carling Arena, Stronach Arena and Victoria Park skating rink. Click the drop-downs below for costs and times. 

Carling Arena

Sharpening cost is $5.00. Sharpening hours follow as:

  • Monday to Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stronach Arena

Sharpening cost is $5.00. Sharpening hours follow as:

  • Monday to Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Victoria Park

While Victoria Park rink is open, skate rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell for $7.00. Skate sharping is also available for $6.00 per person. 

Public skating regulations

To ensure a safe enjoyable environment for public skating all users are required to observe the following rules:

General Rules

  • Do not proceed on the ice until the zamboni is off the ice and the gates are closed.
  • The following are prohibited from the ice rink:
  • Animals
  • Food and Beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs
  • Profanity

Safety

  • Children 5 years of age and under must wear CSA approved helmet (3 months and younger do not require a helmet if in a stroller).
  • We strongly recommend that all users wear CSA head protection.
  • Maintain a safe controlled speed.
  • Beginner skaters only in the centre circle (or as marked).
  • Skating aids, strollers or buggies may be allowed when deemed safe by the cashier or cruiser.
  • No chairs or umbrella strollers are permitted.

For reasons of safety, the following are not permitted during general public skate sessions:

  • Games (crack the whip, tag, horseplay)
  • Snowball or glove throwing
  • Hockey/ringette sticks, pucks or balls
  • Skating backwards
  • Holding children in arms while skating
  • Jumps, spins or other figure skating routines
  • Sitting on the rink boards
  • Persons not wearing skates

Assumption of risk

Skaters and spectators are deemed to have knowledge of and assume the inherent risks including, but not limited to:

  1. Injuries from collisions or contact with other individuals on the ice surface
  2. Injuries from falls

The ice surface maximum skating capacity is 130 participants.

Any participants disobeying rules will be asked to leave the session and may be excluded from future skating sessions.

Outdoor rinks

The City maintains three outdoor rinks for residents to enjoy skating over the winter season. Outdoor rinks are located at Victoria Park and the Covent Garden Market. Outdoor ice skating is typically available between early-December to mid-March, weather permitting. 

The City also maintains the Storybook Gardens skating trail. Please visit Storybook Gardens’ website for more information.

Victoria Park skating information

The Victoria Park skating rink is closed for the 2023/2024 winter season.

Rotary Rink skating information

The Rotary Rink at Covent Garden Market is closed for the 2023/2024 winter season.

Last modified:Monday, March 04, 2024