Drop-In Skating in Ottawa — Public Skate, Figure Skate & More at 10 Arenas
Ottawa has 10 arenas with drop-in skating sessions including public skate, figure skate, adult skate, family skate, and speed skate. Indoor skating runs roughly October through March.
The City of Ottawa runs drop-in skating at 10 indoor arenas. Public skate, figure skate, family skate, speed skate — all available without registration. Indoor skating seasons typically run from October through March.
See today's drop-in skating schedule →
Types of Skating
Public Skate
Open to all ages. Casual skating — bring your own skates. The most common drop-in skating session.
Family Skate
Designated sessions for families with children. Smaller crowds, safer environment for young skaters.
Adult Skate (18+)
Skate sessions limited to adults. No children on the ice.
Skate 50+
Sessions for older adults at a slower pace.
Figure Skate
Dedicated ice time for figure skating practice. Open to all levels.
Speed Skate
Sessions for speed skating practice at select arenas.
Roller Skate
Some facilities offer roller skating sessions during warmer months when ice is not available.
Where to Skate
| Centre | Area |
|---|---|
| Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex | Orléans |
| CARDELREC Recreation Complex | Stittsville |
| Jim Durrell Recreation Centre | South End |
| Minto Recreation Complex | Barrhaven |
| Ray Friel Recreation Complex | Orléans |
| Sandy Hill Arena | Sandy Hill |
| Tom Brown Arena | Hintonburg |
| Tony Graham Recreation Complex | Kanata |
| Lansdowne Park | Glebe |
| John G. Mlacak Centre | Kanata |
Seasonal Note
Indoor drop-in skating is typically available October through March. Schedule availability varies — check the live schedule for current sessions. Outdoor skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway and community rinks depends on weather conditions.
What to Bring
- Skates (rentals not always available — check your centre)
- Helmet (required for children, recommended for adults)
- Warm clothing
- Gloves
Pricing
Drop-in skating requires a fee or City of Ottawa RecPass. Check ottawa.ca for current pricing.
FAQ
Where can I go for public skating in Ottawa?
The City of Ottawa offers drop-in public skating at 10 indoor arenas including Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex, CARDELREC Recreation Complex, Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, Minto Recreation Complex, and Sandy Hill Arena. Indoor skating runs roughly October through March.
Is there adult-only skating in Ottawa?
Yes. Several Ottawa arenas offer adult skate sessions (18+) and skate 50+ sessions for older adults. Check the drop-in skating schedule for specific times and locations.
Do I need to register for public skating in Ottawa?
No. Most drop-in skating sessions are walk-in with no registration required. Just show up with your skates and pay the drop-in fee or use a RecPass.
When is indoor skating season in Ottawa?
Indoor drop-in skating at City of Ottawa arenas typically runs from October through March. Availability varies by arena — check the live schedule for current sessions.
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.