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Skating

Helmet use

New helmet policy - effective February 1:

  • Children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas in order to be allowed on the ice.

CSA-certified hockey helmets:

  • Provide optimal protection from head injury during on-ice activities.
  • Are designed to provide multi-impact protection from multiple directions.
  • Are strongly recommended for everyone participating in on-ice activities at all types of rinks.

For more information on helmet safety, visit Ottawa Public Health

Skating schedules

People of all ages can enjoy skating in Ottawa. City arenas have sessions designed for the young and the young at heart. Feel like putting those blades on and taking a glide? Browse our public and specialty skating schedules to find a time and place that works for you. Schedules and fees are subject to change.

For more formal hockey gameplay options, check out the spring and summer 2020 Recreation eGuides.

General skating sessions

  • Public skating: Leisure session for people of all ages. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted on the ice.
  • Family skating: Leisure session for parents, seniors and children. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years and older. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted on the ice.
  • Adult skating: Leisure session for adults 19 years and older.
  • Seniors skating: Leisure session for adults 50 years and older.

Specialized skating sessions

Pick up hockey for adults 18 years and older, adults 35 years and older, and adults 50 years and older

  • Recreational and non contact.
  • First-come, first-served 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 multi-impact helmet. A full-face mask is recommended.

Shinny hockey

  • Non-competitive, informal drop-in hockey for children (age 6 to 10) and youth (age 11 to 15).
  • It is mandatory for all players to wear a CSA-approved multi-impact hockey helmet with full-face mask. Gloves, a neck protector and a hockey stick are also mandatory.
  • Only foam pucks provided by the City are permitted. No slap shots.
  • Staff will time shifts, determine teams based on skills, monitor the activity and encourage team play.
  • Child shinny hockey: First-come, first-served with a maximum of 24 players and four goalies per session.
  • Youth shinny hockey: First-come, first-served with a maximum 20 players and two goalies per session.

Figure skating

  • Practice your recreational figure skating skills in a freestyle fashion. No instruction provided. No coaching permitted.
  • First-come, first-served with a maximum of 25 skaters per session.
  • All skaters 10 years of age and under must wear a CSA-certified helmet.
  • There may be a variance in skill levels on the ice.

Speed skating

  • Practice your individual technique. No instruction provided.
  • No mats along the boards.
  • High-speed drills are not allowed.
  • Speed skates, a CSA-certified hockey helmet and cut-resistant gloves are mandatory. Neck protectors, knee pads and shin guards are highly recommended.
  • First-come, first-served with a maximum of 25 skaters per session.

Skating fees

Public skating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

2020 General skating fees

  • Children two years and under: Free
  • Children three to four years: $2
  • Children five years and older, youth, students, adults and seniors: $3
  • One to two adults and their children: $7.75

2020 specialized skating fees

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

  • Children and youth: $3
  • Adults and seniors: $6.75

Indoor public skating rules

As of February 1, the only accepted type of helmet for children 10 years and under is a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters (especially new skaters) wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski and snowsport helmets are not permitted.

Please follow the rules to ensure everyone has a safe and pleasant skating experience.

  • Respect staff at all times.
  • When the whistle sounds, listen to and follow staff instructions.
  • Immediately report any accidents or injuries to staff.
  • All skaters 10 years and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters wear a helmet. Bicycle, ski and snowsport helmets are not permitted.
  • Skaters with medical conditions requiring a modified or specialized helmet are welcome.
  • Only people wearing skates are permitted on rink.
  • Skate at a sensible and safe speed in the same direction as other skaters.
  • The middle of the ice surface is reserved for children and less confident skaters.
  • Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted during skating sessions.
  • During supervised skating sessions, children seven years and under must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older.
  • You are personally responsible for ensuring that you can participate in physical activities.
  • Anyone with a condition affecting their ability to participate must take appropriate safety precautions. They should be accompanied by an adult who understands their condition.

The following activities are not permitted on the ice. You could be asked to leave the facility if you do them.

  • Carrying children (including baby carriers).
  • Using headsets, cell phones or hand-held electronics.
  • Bringing food or drinks on the ice.
  • Rough play, speed and figure skating, and multiplayer games (such as tag and races).
  • Foul language or inappropriate behaviour.

Wheelchairs, strollers and skating aids

  • E-Z gliders are permitted as a skating aid during family and public skating.
  • Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted during family and public skating.  They must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older who is wearing skates.
  • Babies must be safely secured in their strollers.
  • Clean sand and salt off wheels before going on the ice.
  • CSA-approved helmets are required for wheelchair and stroller occupants over 12 months.
  • Wheelchairs and strollers should stay in the perimeter of the ice near the boards.

Ice cleaning and maintenance

Public skating sessions may be reduced to maintain and clean the ice. Staff are responsible for safe ice conditions and will make final decisions.

Skating membership

2020 membership fees

Browse skating membership fees

Where to get a membership 

Rent ice

All recreation and cultural facilities, including recreation complexes, community centers, arenas, swimming pools, theatres and museums are closed until further notice.

The City of Ottawa is undergoing a phased reopening of services and programs impacted by COVID-19. More details will be provided as services resume. Learn more about Ottawa’s reopening plan and new safety measures.

Browse information regarding credits and refunds for cancelled rentals.

Rent last-minute ice

All recreation and cultural facilities, including recreation complexes, community centers, arenas, swimming pools, theatres and museums are closed until further notice.

The City of Ottawa is undergoing a phased reopening of services and programs impacted by COVID-19. More details will be provided as services resume. Learn more about Ottawa’s reopening plan and new safety measures.

Browse information regarding credits and refunds for cancelled rentals.

Take advantage of a reduced rate by renting last-minute ice. Last-minute ice is booked in one-hour increments. All last-minute rental sales are final.

  1. ​Log in using your Family PIN.
  2. Search for arenas with last-minute ice available in the next 15 days. Availability is updated daily.
  3. Submit a rental request form.
  4. Staff will contact you within two business days to confirm your rental request.

Ice rental definitions

  • Minor: 18 years and under.
  • Adult: 19 years and older.
  • Minor recognized: Sanctioned activities by minor associations in May and June.
  • Prime time: Between September 1 and April 30, weekdays from 4 pm to 11 pm; on weekends and statutory holidays from 6 am to 11 pm.
  • Non-prime time: Between September 1 and April 30, weekdays from open to 4 pm and 11 pm to close; on weekends and statutory holidays from 11 pm to close.
  • Last-minute ice: Discounted ice time booked the same day or up to 15 days before the rental date.
  • Training ice rental: Available for two consecutive hours during non-prime time, for a maximum of six skaters per hour.

Recreational skating school

The City offers recreational skating classes at nine locations:

  • Bernard-Grandmâitre Arena
  • Brewer Pool and Arena
  • J.A. Dulude Arena
  • Jim Durrell Recreation Centre
  • McNabb Recreation Centre
  • Barbara Ann Scott Arena at the Pinecrest Recreation Complex
  • Tom Brown Arena
  • Sandy Hill Arena
  • Jack Charron Arena

Classes are offered seven days a week. Everyone two years and older is welcome. Skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet.

Private lessons for 25 or 50 minutes with a certified instructor are available. The skills covered depend on the participant’s level. To register for private lessons, please call 613-580-2424 ext. 41460.

Additional programs include I Love to Skate, Autism Pilot and special arrangements with schools and businesses.

Register now or call 613-580-2596 for more information.

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