Start the year on a fresh sheet (of ice)!

Ice skating is a classic winter activity that many Canadians enjoy throughout the winter. Despite our winter arriving a little later than normal this year, there are always ways available to glide across a fresh sheet of ice!

Skating is usually one of the first winter activities that comes to mind when you think about a Canadian winter. It can look scary if you’ve never tried skating before, but anyone can learn. In fact, once you take your first strides on a fresh, smooth sheet of ice and hear it crunch under your blades, we bet you’ll be hooked.

Skating essentials

To get started skating you need a few essentials for safety and comfort. It’s important to have your skates not just fit, but also be comfortable while you’re skating.

Remember to:

• Wear socks that are warm and comfortable and cover your ankles. Whether you are skating inside or outside, warm toes are key and socks that slip below your ankle can rub on the boot of the skate causing blisters and chaffing.
• Trust a professional to size your skates. For adults, skates will typically fit one size smaller than your shoes and for children roughly one size larger. Have a skate-shop staff member help you determine the appropriate size for your skates, regardless of your foot size.
• Protect your head. A Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved hockey helmet is vital for skating – whether you’re an experienced skater or it’s your first time, skating is all about balance and using the edges of your skates to move. Until you get comfortable on the ice, falls can and will likely will happen, so it’s important to protect your head!

Where you can skate

Outdoor rinks

Port Credit Memorial Park Skate Trail (40 Lakeshore Rd. E.)

New this year is the Port Credit Memorial Skating Trail. Explore the beautiful 200-metre trail in Port Credit and witness the stunning views of the surrounding area and the frozen Credit River. Enjoy skating on this frozen wonderland. It’s also a walking track in the summer. This free skating loop is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Woodhurst Heights Outdoor Rink (3475 Ash Row Cres.)

This neighbourhood rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. This rink offers open skates, fun skates and hockey stick and puck. Check out the daily schedule.

Mississauga Celebration Square Ice Rink (300 City Centre Dr.)

This free skating rink is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Skate rentals and sharpening services are available on-site at a cost. Need a break? Warm up on our heated patios or find a spot to change into your skates. Skaters can also enjoy a warm beverage or tasty snack at Dimkin Crepes or Le Chateau Chicken.

Don’t have skates? There’s no need to worry! The City offers skate rentals at the Celebration Square outdoor rink.

Natural skating rinks

Did you also know that Mississauga has many natural, outdoor options for skating too? Thanks to dedicated resident volunteers, natural rinks are built, operated and maintained in select neighbourhood parks. Please keep in mind that these skating rinks are naturally formed. Their condition largely depends on the temperature and overall weather. Don’t forget to bring your skates as there are no skate rentals available. Find a natural rink in your neighbourhood.

Indoor rinks

Mississauga is also home to many indoor ice rinks that provide opportunities for lessons, private rentals, recreational skating and that also host hundreds of hockey games, year round. Find a program and skate!

Learn to skate

Anyone at any age can learn to skate. All it takes is the right equipment, some patience and persistence.

The City offers many learn to skate programs across its many community centre rinks, where skilled, friendly and patient instructors will help you take your first steps of frozen fun. Find a lesson that is right for your level.

Whether you pay a visit to Celebration Square or one of the more than 30 outdoor natural outdoor ice rinks – there is a skating option that is perfect for you! With the cold looking like it’s here to stay for a while, now is the perfect time to learn how to skate. Bring your family or a friend and explore new skating adventures across the City.

Tags

• Recreation and Sports