roller-skating-rinks-in-calgary

8 Roller Skating Rinks in Calgary That Got Me “Wheely” Pumped

Here’s one thing about me: I’m the kind of gal who’s all about active dates. Slow beach walks and fancy dinners? No, thank you. I’d rather be getting to know someone while riding rollercoasters or running from “ghosts” in a haunted house. 

But I’m still picky. I like the wind on my face, but not so much that I’d want to bungee jump or skydive—definitely not an adrenaline junkie! Still, finding a date with the same vibes has been tricky. So for now, I’ve decided to learn something new—roller skating!

Cue my future romantic date: holding hands at the rink, chatting on wheels over a bridge, or even “accidentally” bumping into a super cute guy. Here are the top roller skating rinks in Calgary that have been making me excited and hopeful so far!

Where can I roller skate in Calgary?

There are a bunch of places where you can roller skate in Calgary! Skate your way through cool spots, like House of Skate, Inglewood Community Association Rink, Rotary Mattamy Greenway Path, and Memorial Drive Pathway.

Best Indoor Roller Skating Rinks in Calgary

House of Skate

Media credit: houseofskateyyc 

Website: https://houseofskate.ca/ 

Address: 1100 42 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 587 288- 3146, [email protected] 

3 Hour Open Skate Sessions: 

  • Adult – CAD 18
  • Adult Member – CAD 16
  • Youth – CAD 14
  • Youth Member – CAD 12
  • Children under 3 – Free 
  • Non-Skaters – CAD 5  
  • Skate Rentals – CAD 8

Reduced-Rate Open Skate Sessions (Friday After School Special 2 PM to 5 PM): 

  • Adult – CAD 15
  • Adult Member – CAD 13
  • Youth (12 & Under) – CAD 10 
  • Youth Member – CAD 8
  • Children under 3 – Free
  • Youth & Chaperone: – CAD 15
  • Non-Skater: – CAD 5
  • Skate Rentals – CAD 8 

Facebook

House of Skate is the only dedicated roller skating rink in Calgary. It offers a unique indoor experience with sessions for beginners, youngsters, families, and roller derby (skating competition) athletes—there’s something for everyone!

You’ll also find a wide array of skates and blades, so I bet you’ll find the perfect fit in no time. There’s a DJ who plays lots of fun music as well—he can take song requests! Plus, the snack bar is just around for a quick power-up when you get a little peckish.

If you want a more exciting experience, I think you might like that this skating rink is popular for its themed skate nights! Otherwise, you can always book as a group and do your own thing for birthdays and other special occasions.

Pro tips:

Not a pro at skating on wheels yet? Don’t fret! It’s never too late to learn roller skating at House of Skate—I say explore its classes to build your skills, have a fun workout, and make friends!

Lacking essentials or some cool gear? Check out Nerd Skates nearby to shop for all your skating needs!

Village Square Arena

Media credit: clarkmur 

Website: https://www.calgary.ca/bookings/arenas.html 

Address: 2623 56 St NE

Contact Details: +1 403 366 3900

Fees: 

  • Preschool (0 to 5) – Free for a single visit and a 10x pass
  • Child (6 to 12) – CAD 2.7 for a single visit and CAD 25.40 for a 10x pass
  • Youth (13 to 17) – CAD 3 for a single visit and CAD 28.20 for a 10x pass
  • Senior (65+) –  CAD 4 for a single visit and CAD 37.70 for a 10x pass
  • Adult (18 to 64) – CAD 6 for a single visit and CAD 56.40 for a 10x pass

Facebook

Village Square Arena is a multi-purpose venue that hosts various skating events, including roller derby matches. For me, this is ideal for more organized skating sessions or events.

But of course, you and your family or crew can still enjoy the ice for a casual skate. The little ones can also take their skating lessons here! 

In my opinion, this rink is the closest thing left to the old or traditional roller rinks. So if you’d like a classic experience like in the movies, I reckon you’ll have a jolly time at this spot.

Insider scoop:

There aren’t many seating options at Village Square Arena, except for 3 wooden benches. I recommend arriving as early as possible so you can have a resting spot, especially if you’re a parent or guardian.

No on-site cafes here either, but there are a few vending machines around, so I think you’ll spot one easily.

Top Outdoor Roller Skating Spots in Calgary

Inglewood Community Association Rink

Media credit: sapphirelunatravels 

Website: https://www.icacalgary.com/recreation 

Address: 2334 16a St SE

Contact Details: +1 403 264 3835, [email protected] 

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM

Fees: 

  • Indoor Space (minimum of 3 hours) – CAD 35 per hour 
  • Outdoor Spaces – varies depending on setup needs and the number of people

Facebook

The Inglewood Community Association (ICA) Rink is a flat, well-maintained outdoor ink located in the centre of Calgary. For me, this makes it highly accessible for many. And as it’s run by volunteers, this spot seems ideal for casual skaters and roller derby pros.

Besides skating, you may play floor hockey or shoot hoops, whatever rolls your way! Don’t worry about being in the way of advanced skaters, either. This place has a rink suitable for any age and skill level, from a full-size rink to a beginner (pleasure) rink. 

More specifically, you’ll find 2 options with nets and the other is for a good ol’ open skating. Plus, the heated skate shack has a toilet (which is also the changing room) and a concession spot for your convenience.

Savvy suggestion:

Is anyone’s birthday coming up this summer? During the non-ice skating months, you may rent the ICA’s skate shack for a wonderful kids’ party! 

Though there’s no skating involved, this venue is at least surrounded by lots of green space with an adjacent playground. It’s also good for 30 people and you can request a BBQ arrangement!

Rocky Ridge-Royal Oak Community Association Rink

Media credit: sapphirelunatravels 

Website: https://rrroca.org/en/rrroca-community/community-park-project/ 

Address: 9000 Royal Oak Way NW

Contact Details: +1 403 547 6633, [email protected] 

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM

Facebook

The RRROCA or Rocky Ridge-Royal Oak Community Association’s outdoor rink in Calgary offers a very smooth concrete surface. I feel this option is great for beginners and casual skaters.

I also love that this is open year-round, especially for local skaters looking for a quiet spot after a busy week. But do note that this community park is run by only a few volunteers, so I believe it’s best to be considerate and clean as you go. 

Friendly recommendations:

Be sure to check the RRROCA rink’s schedule online before visiting. That way, you can be sure that it’s open and not being checked for flood or closed for maintenance.

Are the kids interested in sports? Why not let them join the community association’s spring soccer and baseball for ages 2 to 18? Just keep in mind that they’ll need a valid membership first.

Best Outdoor Roller Skating Paths in Calgary

Rotary Mattamy Greenway Path

Media credit: pleazantlypeachy 

Website: http://www.parksfdn.com/greenway/ 

Address: Arbour Stone Rise Pedestrian Bridge

Contact Details: +1 403 974 0751

Operating Hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

The Rotary Mattamy Greenway is a 145-kilometre urban pathway system that encircles the entire city of Calgary. This provides a smooth, long-distance path that I think is ideal for both inline and roller skating. 

In my opinion, this also looks great for skaters looking for a long skate experience with multiple scenic stops. The bridge provides easy pedestrian access between Arbor Lake and Royal Oak too, so I feel even beginners can easily navigate their way through.

I love that the bridge’s unique design shows fun optical illusions as well! It casts lots of interesting shadows along the way. Sunset selfies, anyone?

“Paw-some” pointers:

Missing your pup? Take advantage of the Rotary Mattamy Greenway path’s family fitness parks and off-leash dog areas where you can bring all your loved ones (humans and pets) in one place!

And if you don’t feel like roller skating here on some days, you may bring your bike or take long walks instead.

Memorial Drive Pathway

Media credit: dickinsonabby 

Website: https://engage.calgary.ca/memorialparkway 

Location: Major road in Calgary

If you’re not taking roller skating too seriously, the Memorial Drive Pathway is a well-maintained option along the river with gorgeous views. This is popular among locals and roller derby skaters for its accessibility and scenic route. 

Should you be out for a skate, walk, or a random catch-up with friends, I reckon this could be a decent alternative to a typical park or mall hangout.

Other than that, I believe this path could be interesting for history buffs. The Memorial Drive was created after WWI, with trees planted along the route to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War.

Safety tip:

Just note that the Memorial Drive Pathway is shared among skaters, walkers, and bikers. While accidents are rare here, I think it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful of your surroundings now and then.

Roller Skating Near Calgary

Chinook Winds Regional Park

Media credit: brookfieldyyc 

Website: https://www.travelalberta.com/listings/chinook-winds-regional-park-12742 

Address: 2853 Chinook Winds Drive Southwest, Airdrie

Contact Details: +1 403 948 8400

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM

Chinook Winds Regional Park is a multi-use park with pathways, a skate park, and a court, perfect for a day trip outside Calgary. It also offers a variety of terrains for all skill levels, including beginners.

There are plenty of family activities to explore here throughout the year too! In the summer, many people visit the playground and the skate park. I like that the latter has a mini bowl, ramps, rails, and quarter pipes for some challenging obstacles as well.

Overall, I believe the ice rink is the highlight for many kids! But when it’s not yet time for winter, this becomes a regular basketball area where you can get some workouts in.

Cheat sheet:

Time to wind down after a thrilling skate? Chinook Winds Regional Park offers picnic areas where you can chill your favourite snacks and drinks with the family. Make sure to pick a nice spot away from overly active visitors!

Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff

Media credit: karenutri 

The Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff spans 22.3 kilometers offering a roller skating experience that I think isn’t suitable for the faint-hearted. Basically, this provides a more challenging route to other smooth skating spots.

While the trail is mostly flat, it’s got some long, gradual hills and two quick steep ones. 

For easy reference, many bikers from Canmore typically arrive in Banff in 2 hours. While this can be exhausting, I think the stunning mountains are worth your time.

Also, I think the trip back from Banff to Canmore is easier! For me, there are more areas here that you can just coast through.

Cheat sheet:

Want a break while you’re in the middle of the Legacy Trail? I suggest planning your stopovers in advance! Here, you can find a bathroom and picnic tables where you can conveniently chow down and refuel.
Loading...
Loading...