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Skating

Proof of vaccination required

As of September 22, 2021, you must present proof you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter an indoor recreation facility for most activities, as mandated by provincial regulations.

Required proof

  • Electronic or hard copy of your vaccination receipt confirming you are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means you have received two doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine at least 14 days prior.
  • Valid identification that shows name and date of birth and has been issued by an institution or public body. Photo identification is not required and the identification does not need to be government-issued.

Exceptions

  • Age 11 and under
  • Those with a medical exemption from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
  • Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 participating in organized sports, including on ice sports, sport leagues, badminton, table tennis, tennis, ball hockey, martial arts, dance, basketball, swimming lessons, aquatic certification courses or volleyball. However, this youth age group will require proof of vaccination for recreational swims, public skating, use of a cardio and weight room or attending an activity or sporting event as a spectator.

Arenas offering drop-in activities

Current public skating schedules are for the month of September. Additional arenas and skating times will be added once the Fall session begins on October 1.

You can reserve a spot online by selecting from the following facilities and clicking on the reservation button at the bottom of the schedule tab:

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.

2021 General skating fees

  • 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

2021 specialized skating fees

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

  • Children and youth: $3.25
  • Adults and seniors: $7

Public skating drop-in activities

  • Public skating: a leisure skating session for people of all ages. All children 10 years of age and under must have a parent/guardian with them for the duration of the skate. 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 snowsport helmets are not permitted.
  • 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. 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 snowsport helmets are not permitted.
  • Skating 50+: Leisure session for adults 50 years and older.
  • Adult skating: Leisure session for adults 18 years and older.

Please note:

  • Payment for public skating is accepted in exact change only.
  • Skate sessions are 50 minutes long.
  • No spectators are permitted except for one parent or guardian.
  • Children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by one parent or guardian – on-ice or as a spectator.
  • A mask is required at all times except while on the ice surface.
  • Access to the arena will be provided 15 minutes prior to the start time.
  • Use of the player benches are restricted to the skaters only.
  • Changerooms will be open but skaters are encouraged to arrive dressed to skate.

Browse safety measures at City facilities.

Browse skating fees.

You can now reserve your space as of 6 pm for up to two days in advance. Schedules and links to reserve your spot.

Helmet use

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

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.
  • 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

2021 membership fees

Browse skating membership fees

Where to get a membership 

Rent ice

Arena bookings can be made for the following facilities by emailing sports@ottawa.ca or phoning 613-580-2595:

  • Fred Barrett Arena West
  • CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn (Katie Xu and Jack Fan Rink, Matt Bradley Arena)
  • Jim Durrell Recreation Centre (Walkley Arena and Jim Peplinski Arena)
  • Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven North arena
  • Ray Friel Recreation Complex (Ron Racette Arena and Arena 2)
  • Sandy Hill Arena
  • Walter Baker Sports Centre (Arenas A and B)

Teams must have valid insurance of a minimum $2 million inclusive per occurrence for bodily injury, death and damage to property in one of the following forms:

  • Commercial General Liability,
  • Special Events Liability,
  • Home Owners’ Personal Liability, or
  • Tenants or Condominium Owners’ Personal Liability

Insurance shall name the City of Ottawa as an additional insured. Coaches names must be listed on the policy if they are using their organizations insurance. Affordable insurance is available through City of Ottawa Centralized Allocations staff for your convenience. A valid Insurance certificate must be submitted when requesting booking, otherwise insurance will automatically be added.

Participants must adhere to all Provincial gathering restrictions and requirements from their respective sporting regulatory bodies. In addition, the City has implemented COVID-19 safety measures in City facilities. Please also arrive dressed in your gear as much as possible.

Browse information regarding credits and refunds for cancelled rentals.

2021 ice rental rates

Ice rental rates for January 1 to April 30

  • Adult prime time: $349.50
  • Minor prime time: $209.55
  • Non-prime time: $163
  • Commercial: $359.75

Ice rental rates for May 1 to August 31

  • Adult/minor: $349.50
  • Minor recognized: $209.55 (May and June only)
  • Last minute ice: $209.55
  • Commercial: $359.75

Ice rental rates for September 1 to December 31

  • Adult prime time: $349.50
  • Minor prime time: $209.55
  • Non-prime time: $163.00
  • Commercial: $359.75

Rental rates for concrete when the ice is removed

  • Adult Slab $62.15
  • Minor Slab $38.70
  • Commercial Slab $72.25

Rent last-minute ice

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.

Please review the following information before booking. Clients must adhere to these conditions during use:

Online booking process:

  1. Review the conditions above.
  2. ​Log in using your Family PIN.
  3. Search for arenas with last-minute ice available in the next 15 days. Availability is updated daily.
    1. If you are looking to book ice within the next 24 hours, please contact staff at sports@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2595.
    2. If you are looking to book ice within the next 24 hours, or more than 15 days from now:
      1. Submit a rental request form.
      2. Staff will contact you within two business days to confirm your rental request.

Please note: If you do not have liability insurance of $2 million, it can be purchased by emailing sports@ottawa.ca.

2021 rental rates for last-minute ice

  • Prime time: $209.55
  • Non-prime time: $163

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.

Learn to skate

Due to COVID-19 factors, the Recreational Skating School remains closed until further notice.

More information regarding the status of services and facilities can be found on ottawa.ca.

For additional information or questions please contact the Recreational Skating School at 613-580-2596 or send an email to rss-epr@ottawa.ca