[twitter]There are hundreds of places to go outdoor ice skating in Calgary. From community outdoor rinks, to rivers, to frozen ponds, every community has a few options. But there’s something magical about really skating outside. Like in the mountains, surrounded by snow capped peaks, frosted trees, and a cool crisp breeze.

We like to go skating at a pond behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel because there’s a little toboggan hill right next to the rink. There’s also an outdoor fire, and a warming hut. (I may like to get rustic, but I like my creature comforts too).

To get to the rink, follow the signs to the Banff Springs Hotel and then turn down the road that will take you to the golf course and Bow Falls.

Park along here, walk around the corner behind the Waldhaus and you’ll come to the gorgeous Spray Meadow  where all the magic happens.

Here are some other open rinks and places to go ice skating in Banff and Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:
You can go and skate right on the lake. It is fantastic. In January, during the Ice Magic Festival,  a gorgeous ice castle adorns the rink and you can go and visit the ice queen to live the movie Frozen in real life. FREE.

Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre:
Indoor rink open for public skating at a cost of $5. Skates available for rental for use on site only.

Downtown Rink at Banff High School:
A centrally-located rink on the field at the local high school. FREE.

Bow River:
A skating oval cleared on the Bow River for skating when conditions allow. FREE.

Lake Louise Recreation Centre
This facility on Village Road in Lake Louise includes an outdoor hockey/ice skating rink. FREE.

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