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Skating in the Canadian Rockies
Over the years, skating has become an indoor activity, something you do in covered rinks, hockey arenas, even shopping malls. But you haven't really skated until you've enjoyed a day on a frozen lake or river, something that in the Canadian Rockies you can do all winter long.
Lake Louise offers the ultimate outdoor skating experience as you glide atop acres of shimmering ice in the shadows of towering mountains and the famous Chateau Lake Louise. The site of numerous television figure skating specials featuring legends like Kurt Browning and Brian Orser, Lake Louise is unlike any other skating rink in the world.
The Jasper Park Lodge has skating on Lac Beauvert in front of the main lodge and on Lake Mildred. On Lac Beauvert, the Lodge clears a rectangular skating rink just a short walk from the main lodge. They also light it for night skating. At Lake Mildred, the lodge clears a giant oval that may have you puffing after only one or two times around. There are also usually two rectangular rinks cleared inside the oval where on most days, you'll find a spirited game or two of shinny. There are benches to sit on, and often a bonfire and free hot chocolate. It's a great way to spend an afternoon whether you're staying at the lodge or not.
Pyramid Lake is another super spot for skating. Take Pyramid Lake Road across the Activity Centre for six kilometres to Pyramid Lake Bungalows where hotel staff have cleared and lit up a portion of the lake near the shore.
Numerous other lakes throughout the Rockies provide excellent outdoor skating opportunities. Ask locals for their favourite ponds or contact the park information centre for safe skating areas.
If the temperature outside is a little too icy for your liking, arenas in most of the major towns throughout the Rockies (Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Golden, Invermere and Kimberley) offer public access for indoor skating.
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