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Free outdoor skating rink in iconic downtown Vancouver square returns

Vancouver may not have frozen ponds, but there'll still be outdoor skating downtown
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Robson Square Ice Rink | Photo: Ross Durant Photography/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

Want to strap knife shoes to your appendages and slide around on concrete-like frozen water outside?

If so, the Robson Square Ice Rink is opening again.

The outdoor skating rink in downtown Vancouver will be open to folks starting Thurs., Dec. 1.

It's free to skate if you have your own skates; if not it's $5 for skate rentals, or $2 for ice cleats (not to be used to create an ice World Cup). Skate sharpening will be available occasionally as well, for $5. Helmets are free with skate rentals, as well and they are mandatory for anyone 12 or under.

Organizers note there are several safety recommendations and rules for rink users. To that end, they've introduced a liability and waiver agreement, which people will be required to sign.

The rink will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Feb. 28, 2023. Specific holiday hours are as follows:

  • Dec. 24 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 25 — Noon. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 26 — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Dec. 31 — 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Jan. 1, 2023 — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The rink may also have an altered schedule if it gets warm, in which case it may close early or not open at all.

Organizers are planning a 12 Days of Christmas event as well, with live music from 6 to 9 p.m. each night from Dec. 13 to 24. A detailed schedule is coming.

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