Learning to skate is a fantastic way to stay physically fit, relieve stress and meet new people. The City of Ottawa offers lessons for all ages to help you develop the fundamental skills you need to be a confident skater. Once you have mastered the basics, join the fun at any of the dozens of City of Ottawa indoor or outdoor rinks. If you live near Dow’s Lake or the famous Rideau Canal, skating may even become your way to get to work or school.
Find courses by age
See the lessons offered, as well as the descriptions, specific ages, and fees, by selecting the age category:
- Preschool(link is external) - ages 3 to 5
- Child(link is external) - ages 6 to 12
- Youth(link is external) - ages 13 to 17
- Adult(link is external) – ages 18+
For more details see Browse and register for courses and camps.
Safety requirements
Learn the mandatory requirements for all skaters:
- A CSA-certified hockey helmet is mandatory for all skaters. A full cage is highly recommended.
- Guardians must be on the ice for all sessions of Frosty Blades and the first three sessions of Just You and Me.
- The guardian must have solid skating skills, wear skates, and wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet (player helmet, not goalie helmet).
- City of Ottawa arenas do not rent skating equipment. Skaters must bring their own sharpened skates and CSA-approved hockey helmets to their lessons.
Locations and contact
Skating lessons are offered at any of these 15 locations. Note that not all are offering lessons year-round.
For specific questions about the lessons offered at each facility, click on the facility name below to send an email to their skating program.
- Brewer Arena(link opens email application)
- CARDELREC Recreation Complex – Goulbourn(link opens email application)
- Jack Charron Arena(link opens email application)
- J.A. Dulude Arena(link opens email application)
- Jim Durrell Arena (link opens email application)
- Johnny Leroux Arena(link opens email application)
- McNabb Arena(link opens email application)
- Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven (link opens email application)
- Nepean Sportsplex (link opens email application)
- Pinecrest Recreation Complex (link opens email application)
- Ray Friel Recreation Complex (link opens email application)
- Richmond Memorial Community Centre(link opens email application)
- Sandy Hill Arena (link opens email application)
- St. Laurent Complex (link opens email application)
- Tom Brown Arena(link opens email application)
Registration dates
Happening now
- Registration is open for:
Upcoming
Summer activities
- View online on May 6.
- Before and After School Programs 2025/2026.
- PA Days.
- Register online for:
- Summer swimming activities May 13 at 9 pm.
-
All summer activities, Before and After School Programs, and PA Days May 15 at 9 pm.
Fall activities
- View online on July 29.
- Register online for:
- Fall swimming activities August 12 at 9 pm.
- All fall activities August 14 at 9 pm.
Winter 2026 activities
- View online on November 4.
- Register online:
- All swimming activities November 18 at 9 pm.
- All winter activities November 20 at 9 pm.
In-person registration takes place the day after online registration, during business hours.
To learn more visit Browse and register for courses and camps.