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.

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

Last year’s skating season ran from November 29th, 2024, until February 28th, 2025.

The rink is usually 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.

The dates and times during the 2025/26 season will likely be similar, but with exact details to be confirmed.

Rental Fees

Ice skating is free at Robson Square. However, folks who don’t have their own skates can rent them. Last year skates cost $5 a pair until 30 minutes before closing (and each pair comes with a helmet). Ice cleats were also available to borrow for $2. The prices in 2025 will likely be the same, or at least similar.

For people who bring their own skates, sharpening costs about $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.

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 in 2024 ran from December 13th to 24th. There was also a performance on December 31st. See below for last year’s schedule. Exact details were subject to change.

Twelve Days of Christmas Entertainment Schedule

Friday, December 13th, 2024 – Rumba Calzada performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 14th, 2024 – The Heartbeets performed from 2:30 pm to 4:20 pm, followed by Karla Sax from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 15th, 2024 – Perry Ehrlich’s ShowStoppers performed between 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm, followed by La Bodega from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 16th, 2024 – The British Columbia Regiment Band Society performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 – Malcolm Aiken performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 – the Tamara Rhodes Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 19th, 2024 – the Caviar & Lace Quartet performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 20th, 2024 – the Top Line Vocal Collective performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 – Vancouver Tuba Christmas hit the stage from noon to 1:15 pm, followed by the PK3 Jazz Trio between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 – DJ Barron S spun tracks from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 – the Amanda Wood Holiday Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 – Phat Santa Swing! performed from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 – DJ-El-Nino performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.