Robson Square Ice Skating

Free ice skating takes place from December until February on the outdoor ice rink at Vancouver’s Robson Square at the corner of Robson Street and Howe.

The skating is free and you can rent skates for a reasonable fee. The facility usually opens for the season on December 1st and the skating continues until the end of February. Exact details for 2024, however, are to be confirmed.

This article contains the following information about skating at Robson Square:

Robson Square Ice Skating and Entertainment

Designed by famous Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson, Robson Square is a public space that includes a covered outdoor ice rink in winter. At other times of the year the facility is used for dance lessons, special events and other activities.

Skating on the 6,000-square foot rink is free and you can bring your own skates or rent them at the facility.

Robson Square Ice Rink — Robson Square Skating Rink

Skating Hours & Dates

This past year’s skating season started on December 1st, 2023, and ran until February 29th, 2024.

The rink is open seven days a week including holidays. Daily hours of operation are from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, hours on Christmas Eve are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Christmas Day the hours are from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Rental Fees

Ice skating is free at Robson Square. However, folks who don’t have their own skates can rent them for $5 a pair until 30 minutes before closing (and each pair comes with a helmet). Ice cleats are also available to borrow for $2.

For people who bring their own skates, sharpening costs $5 when the service is available.

Robson Square Location

The plaza is in the 800 block of Robson Street between Howe and Hornby streets behind the Vancouver Art Gallery. The ice-skating rink is in the middle of the square. The rink is open-air, but also covered and partly underground.

Robson Square Ice Skating Video

To give you an idea of what the rink and ice skating look like at Robson Square, check out the following video. It was filmed in January of 2022.

As you’ll see in the video, the rink is right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Also, although mostly outside, it is fully covered.

Live Music at Christmas

Most years, over the Christmas holidays, ice skating at Robson Square is extra special. That’s because, on about a dozen different days there is live music performed by popular local bands and musicians.

The live music last year ran from December 13th to 24th. There was also a performance on December 31st. See below for 2023’s schedule. Exact details were subject to change.

Twelve Days of Christmas Entertainment Schedule

Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 – Top Line Vocal Collective performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 14th, 2023 – the Caviar & Lace Quartet performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 15th, 2023 – Rumba Calzada performed between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 16th, 2023 – The British Columbia Regiment Band Society performed from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, and the Marlin Ramazzini Group performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 17th, 2023 – Tuba Christmas hit the stage from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm, followed by Daryle Dean Flamenco Acoustic from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm and DJ Barron S from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 18th, 2023 – Playlist performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 – the Amanda Wood Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 – Santa’s Brass performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 21st, 2023 – the Malcolm Aiken Quartet performed between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 22nd, 2023 – the PK3 Jazz Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 – the ShowStoppers performed from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, followed by DJ-El-Niño from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 24th, 2023 – Karla Sax performed from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, followed by Phat Santa Swing! from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 31st, 2023 – DuoTones performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.