Skating Through History: Canadians Love for Gliding Across Icy Rivers and Lakes
Cool winter traditions that bring our communities together
At the time of writing this, it’s December 1st and that means ont thing: winter is coming…
But we’re not afraid of the snow and ice, in fact, we’ve learned to embrace it. It will be a few more weeks until the official start of winter and that means we’ve got a bit of time to make sure we’re ready to celebrate our favourite winter traditions.
All week we’ll be talking about Winter Traditions in Canada.
Today, we’re focussing on skating on frozen lakes and rivers.
Gliding Through Winter: Canada’s Frozen Wonderlands
When winter wraps Canada in its icy embrace, something magical happens.
Lakes and rivers across the country freeze over, turning into natural skating rinks. Ice skating on these frozen waterways isn’t just a pastime—it’s a cherished tradition that brings communities together and celebrates the beauty of our Canadian winters.
A Bit of History
Ice skating has been part of Canadian life for a long time.
Indigenous peoples used to use animal bones as skates to travel across frozen surfaces. When European settlers arrived, they brought metal blades and turned skating into an even more popular activity.
By the 1800s, skating clubs were forming in cities like Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto. People would gather on frozen ponds and rivers to skate, socialize, and even hold ice carnivals with music and costumes.
The Rideau Canal Skateway: A National Treasure
In Ottawa, the Rideau Canal freezes each winter to become one of the world’s most famous skating rinks.
Stretching nearly 8 kilometres, the Rideau Canal Skateway lets you glide through the heart of the city. Skaters pass by Parliament Hill, historic buildings, and cozy neighbourhoods.
It’s not just a skating rink—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Canadian winter fun.
Skating Across the Provinces and Territories
But the Rideau Canal isn’t the only place to skate.
All across Canada, communities embrace skating on frozen lakes and rivers.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In towns like Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, families skate on frozen ponds surrounded by snowy forests.
The Labrador Winter Games often feature skating events, highlighting the importance of winter sports in the region.
Prince Edward Island
On Prince Edward Island, frozen bays and ponds become skating spots for everyone.
In places like Victoria Park in Charlottetown, people enjoy outdoor rinks with a view of the ocean.
Nova Scotia
In Halifax, the frozen surface of Lake Banook offers a place for skating and ice boating.
The lake has a long history of winter sports and community gatherings, especially during the annual Winter Carnival.
New Brunswick
Fredericton’s Riverfront Trail turns into a winter wonderland.
Skaters glide along the frozen St. John River, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and often spotting wildlife along the banks.
Quebec
Quebec City hosts the famous Winter Carnival, where skating is a big part of the festivities.
The Plains of Abraham and the frozen sections of the St. Lawrence River provide scenic skating spots with a touch of history.
Ontario
Beyond the Rideau Canal, Ontario has many other natural skating trails.
The Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville features a 1.3-kilometer ice trail through the forest. In Muskoka, frozen lakes become hubs for skating and hockey tournaments.
Manitoba
In Winnipeg, the Red River and Assiniboine River freeze to create the Red River Mutual Trail.
Skaters can explore several kilometres of ice paths, complete with warming huts designed by artists from around the world. It’s a blend of art and outdoor fun.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatoon, the Meewasin Skating Rink at Cameco Meewasin Skating Oval offers outdoor skating along the South Saskatchewan River.
The community comes together for events like the WinterShines Festival, celebrating the joys of winter.
Alberta
Early winter in Alberta reveals crystal-clear ice on mountain lakes.
Skating on Lake Louise offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Abraham Lake is famous for its frozen methane bubbles trapped in the ice—a unique sight for adventurous skaters.
British Columbia
Lake Windermere in British Columbia boasts the Lake Windermere Whiteway, a 34-kilometre skating trail that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ice skating trail.
Surrounded by mountains, it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
Yukon
In the Yukon, towns like Whitehorse have outdoor rinks and frozen lakes for skating.
The long winter nights sometimes offer a chance to skate under the northern lights, making it a memorable experience.
Northwest Territories
Up north, Great Slave Lake becomes an enormous natural rink for nearly half the year.
The residents of Yellowknife enjoy the vast expanse of ice, hosting events like the Snowking’s Winter Festival, which features an ice castle built on the frozen lake.
Nunavut
In Nunavut, skating is a way to enjoy the Arctic winter.
Communities like Iqaluit have outdoor rinks, and sometimes people skate on frozen sea ice, always taking care to stay safe in extreme conditions. The people of Cambridge Bay came together a few years ago to clear the snow off the sea ice so the kids could have a place to skate when the local rink was out of commission.
Community and Culture on Ice
Skating on frozen lakes and rivers isn’t just about the ice—it’s about the people.
Communities gather for festivals, hockey games, and family outings. Skating brings people together, whether it’s a small town in Newfoundland or a big city like Vancouver.
Ice Festivals: Many towns host winter festivals featuring skating, ice sculptures, and warm treats. It’s a time to celebrate and enjoy the cold together.
Impromptu Hockey Games: Grab a stick and join a pick-up game on the lake. It’s a classic Canadian experience!
Family Traditions: Families pass down the joy of skating from generation to generation, making memories on the ice.
Did You Know?
The First Skating Club: The Montreal Skating Club, founded in 1837, is one of the oldest in Canada.
Longest Skating Season: In the Northwest Territories, the skating season can last up to six months due to the cold climate.
Unique Skating Experiences:
Ice Road Skating: In Manitoba and the Northwest Territories, frozen roads over lakes and rivers are sometimes used by skaters when conditions are safe.
Sea Ice Skating: In coastal communities like those in Newfoundland and Labrador, people have been known to skate on frozen harbours.
Skating to School: In the past, children in some rural areas would skate along frozen rivers and ponds to get to school.
World’s Longest Natural Ice Trail: The Lake Windermere Whiteway in British Columbia holds the record for the world’s longest natural ice skating trail at 34 kilometres.
Ottawa’s Skateway Treats: The famous Canadian pastry, Beavertails, became popular on the Rideau Canal Skateway, where vendors sell them to hungry skaters.
Ice Thickness Matters: For safe skating, ice should be at least 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) thick. Always check local ice conditions before heading out.
Northern Lights Skating: In regions like Yukon and the Northwest Territories, you can sometimes skate under the aurora borealis—a truly magical experience.
Historic Ice Carnivals: In the early 1900s, cities like Montreal and Quebec City hosted grand ice carnivals with elaborate ice palaces and masquerade balls on ice.
Staying Safe on the Ice
While skating on natural ice is fun, safety is key.
Check the Ice Thickness: Make sure the ice is thick enough—at least 10 centimetres for skating, 20 centimetres if you’re in a group.
Wear Safety Gear: Helmets can protect you from falls.
Skate with a Buddy: Don’t skate alone, especially on wild ice.
Stay Informed: Local conditions can change quickly. Check weather updates and warnings.
Bring Safety Tools: Carry ice picks or a rope in case of emergency.
Embracing Winter Adventure
Skating on frozen lakes and rivers lets us enjoy the outdoors and embrace winter’s beauty.
It’s a way to connect with nature, feel the crisp air on our faces, and hear the crunch of ice under our blades. It’s a sensory-rich experience. I used to skate with someone who was blind and he loved feeling the wind on his face and hearing the skates clack and scrape and carve around us as we glided around the track.
It’s an activity that’s been adapted so that people of all abilities can enjoy it. One of the coolest inventions I’ve seen is the Lugicap wheelchair sled designed for people who use wheelchairs to enable their chairs to smoothly slide across the ice in style.
Bringing Canadians Together
From the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic, skating is something many Canadians have in common.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in a small village or a big city—the joy of gliding on ice is universal.
Get Out and Skate!
This winter, why not lace up your skates, or strap on some adapted blades and join in the fun?
Find a Local Spot: There’s likely a frozen lake or river near you that’s perfect for skating.
Join a Festival: Many communities host winter festivals. It’s a great way to meet people and enjoy activities.
Try Something New: If you’ve never skated on wild ice, give it a try! Just remember to stay safe.
Skating on Canada’s frozen lakes and rivers is more than a winter pastime—it’s part of who we are. It’s a tradition that blends adventure, community, and the stunning beauty of our winter landscapes.
So grab your skates, gather your friends and family, and experience the magic of gliding through Canada’s frozen wonderland.
Share Your Outdoor Skating Stories
Take a sec. to type a quick comment to share your outdoor skating stories. I’m keen to hear about the ponds, rivers, and lakes you’ve carved up with your blades.
And then have a rad rest of your day!
Sources used to research this story
https://cranbrooktourism.com/blog/skating-on-frozen-lakes
https://www.zenseekers.com/story/chasing-wild-ice-skating-mountain-lakes-western-canada
https://looneytooney.ca/thriving-in-winter-wonderland-embracing-canadian-winter-activities/
https://www.travelalberta.com/articles/chasing-wild-ice-skating-in-the-canadian-rockies
https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/ice-safety-3-steps-could-save-your-life