Drop-in skating

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Details and cancellations

You are strongly encouraged to reserve a space for drop-in programs online in advance. In-person walk-in reservations will be accepted when space allows. 

Schedules and reservation links can be found on the facility pages.

Reservation details:

  • Reserve your space as of 6 pm up to two days in advance.
    • You can book a maximum of 4 spaces at a time.
    • On the facility page, select the button above the schedule to reserve your spot. Available sessions for the next two days will be displayed in green.
  • Please show up no more than 15 minutes prior to your reservation.
  • Your spot is reserved up to 10 minutes after the start of the session.
  • Payment is accepted in exact change only.
  • Public and Family skates: All children 10 years of age and under must be actively supervised by one parent or guardian (age 16+) – on ice or as a spectator.
  • Children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas to be allowed on the ice.
  • Specialty skates: See program descriptions for details, age groups, and equipment requirements.
  • Skate sessions are 50 minutes long.
  • Changerooms are open but skaters are encouraged to arrive dressed to skate.

Cancellations:

Cancel drop-in reservations.

Schedule changes and cancellations are communicated during the online reservation process. The “No more available times” message indicates that a session is not available. The session may be full or cancelled.

General inquiries about the public skating program can be answered by email or phone at 613-580-2666.

Descriptions

General skating

  • Public skating: a leisure skating session for people of all ages.  All children 10 years of age and under must be actively supervised by one parent or guardian (age 16+) – on ice or as a spectator. Children 10 years and under are required to wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters (especially new skaters) wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski and snow sport helmets are not permitted.
  • Family skating: Leisure session for parents, seniors and children. All children 10 years of age and under must be actively supervised by one parent or guardian (age 16+) – on ice or as a spectator.  Children 10 years and under are required to wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters (especially new skaters) wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski and snow sport helmets are not permitted.
  • Skating 50+: Leisure session for adults 50 years and older.
  • Adult skating: Leisure session for adults 18 years and older.

Specialized skating

  • Speed skating: Is for speed skaters who wish to practice individual technique. No instruction is provided and there are no mats along the boards, therefore high-speed drills are not allowed. Speed skates are mandatory as well as a CSA approved helmet and cut-resistant gloves are mandatory. Neck protector, knee pads and shin guards are highly recommended.
    • For skaters 6 years and older.
  • Figure skating: Practice your recreational figure skating skills in a freestyle fashion. No instruction provided. No coaching permitted. All skaters aged 10 and under, as well as new or weak skaters of any age, must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet. There may be a variance in skill levels on the ice.
    • For skaters 6 years and older.
  • Preschool Stick and Puck:  A drop-in session for children ages 3 to 5 to practice skating with a stick and basic puck control with their parent/guardian. A parent/guardian on skates must accompany their child on the ice. Slap shots, scrimmages, organized practices, training aids and pylons are not permitted during this session. Only foam pucks provided by the City of Ottawa are allowed. All children are required to wear a CSA certified helmet with full face protection, skates and hockey gloves. Parents/guardians must wear skates and a CSA certified hockey helmet. Parents/Guardians may supervise up to 2 children at a time. No instruction provided.
  • Pick up hockey: For adults 18 years and older, adults 35 years and older, and adults 50 years and older. Recreational and non-contact. With a maximum of 20 players and two goalies per session. It is mandatory for all players to wear full hockey equipment, including a CSA-approved hockey helmet. A full-face mask is recommended. 
  • Shinny hockey: Non-competition session for children and youth. It is mandatory for all players to wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet with full-face mask. Gloves, neck protectors and hockey sticks are also mandatory. Only foam pucks provided by the City are permitted. Staff will determine teams based on skills, referee the activity and encourage team play. New players will not be admitted once 25 minutes have passed as teams have been set and the game is in play.
    • Child shinny hockey (ages 6 to 12): a maximum of 24 players and four goalies per session.
    • Youth shinny hockey (ages 13 to 17): a maximum of 20 players and two goalies per session.

Fees

Pre-purchasing a ticket or membership doesn’t guarantee admittance.

You can pay for skating at rinks in City recreation facilities with your membership, a pre-paid ticket, a credit card or debit. At stand-alone arenas, you must pay with your membership, a pre-paid ticket or exact change. The attendant cannot make change.

2022 fees

General

  • Children two years and under: Free
  • Children three to four years: $2.25
  • Children five years and older, youth, students, adults and seniors: $3.25
  • One to two adults and their children: $8.25

Specialized

Specialized skating includes shinny hockey, pick up hockey, figure skating and speed skating.

  • Children and youth: $3.25
  • Adults and seniors: $7.25