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.

Skating is free and you can rent skates for a reasonable fee. The rink is set beneath a covered plaza in the heart of downtown Vancouver and is a classic winter outing, rain or shine.

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

Robson Square Ice Skating and Entertainment

Designed by renowned Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson, Robson Square is a public space featuring an outdoor ice rink, covered during the winter months. At other times of the year, the plaza hosts dance events, cultural activities and seasonal celebrations. Skating on the 6,000-square-foot rink is always free, and visitors can bring their own skates or rent them on-site.

Skating Hours and Dates

During last year’s winter season, the Robson Square Ice Rink operated from November 28th to February 28th. It was open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The dates and times will likely be similar during the 2026/2027 season but with exact details to be confirmed.

Holiday hours are a little different. On Christmas Eve, the rink is usually open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Christmas Day, it typically opens from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On Boxing Day, the rink is usually open regular hours (9:00 am to 9:00 pm), and on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, hours are also typically 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Warm weather may lead to unexpected closures, so it’s good to check the Robson Square website for updates before heading out.

Rental Fees

Ice skating at Robson Square is free. Skate rentals in the past have cost $5, and helmets are included with the rental. Ice cleats typically rent for $3, and skate sharpening is available for around $5 when staff is on site to do it. Helmets are required for kids aged 12 and under and staff provide them for free. Exact pricing for this winter season is to be confirmed.

Note: Skate rentals end 30 minutes before closing each day.

Robson Square Location

The plaza is located 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

Check out the following video for an idea of what the rink and ice skating look like at Robson Square. The video was filmed in January, 2026.

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

Live Music at Christmas

Most years, ice skating at Robson Square during the Christmas holidays is extra special. That’s because, on about 12 different days, live music is performed by popular local bands and musicians.

A holiday music lineup that happened two years ago in December ran from mid-December to Christmas Eve, with an additional performance on December 31st. Below is the schedule of entertainment from last year. The lineup in 2026 will likely be comparable, but with exact details to be confirmed.

Twelve Days of Christmas Entertainment Schedule in 2025

Saturday, December 13th – Vancouver Tuba Christmas from 1:30 pm to 3:20 pm, followed by Tamara Rhodes Trio from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 14th – Perry Ehrlich’s ShowStoppers from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, followed by PK3 Jazz Trio from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 15th – British Columbia Regiment Band Society from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 16th – Rumba Calzada from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 17th – Top Line Vocal Collective & Friends from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 18th – Deep Cutzzz from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 19th – Daryle Dean Flamenco Guitar from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 20th – The Heartbeats from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm, followed by DJ Mike So? & J’aded from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 21st – DJ Barron S from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 22nd – Marlin Ramazzini from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 23rd – Malcolm Aiken from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 24th – Scott Robertson’s Swing Patrol! from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 31st – DJ-El-Niño from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.