Ice Skating in Banff: Best Lakes & Outdoor Rinks

There’s something special about skating on a frozen lake surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, but you don’t need perfect natural ice conditions to enjoy skating in Banff. With several maintained outdoor skating rinks and frozen lakes to choose from, ice skating is one of the best things to do in Banff in winter.

If you’re hoping to try wild ice skating in Banff National Park, lakes like Johnson Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Vermilion Lakes can offer incredible skating when conditions are right. For a more reliable option, Lake Louise has a maintained outdoor skating rink, while several rinks in the Banff townsite are great for families or anyone who prefers not to skate on natural lake ice.

As Canmore locals, we love wild ice skating on frozen lakes and exploring the outdoor rinks around Banff. In this guide, we’ll share our favourite places to go ice skating in Banff, along with practical tips on when to go, where to rent skates and how to stay safe on the ice.

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How to Safely Skate in Banff

Skating on ponds and lakes in Banff National Park, referred to by locals as wild ice skating, is the most risky option. Before heading onto a frozen lake, research current conditions, know how to check ice thickness and understand what to do if you fall through the ice. Local knowledge can help, but you still need to assess the ice yourself.

Pay attention to temperatures over the previous several days. Prolonged warm weather can weaken ice that was previously safe for skating. Just because other people are skating on it, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Don’t just blindly follow the crowd.

Ice Thickness for Skating

The Canadian Red Cross recommends 15 cm (6 inches) for skating alone and 20 cm (8 inches) for skating parties. We strongly recommend you read the ice safety information by Parks Canada and the Red Cross on what to do if you get in trouble on the ice and rescuing another person.

Also know that Parks Canada does NOT monitor natural skating surfaces and skating on them is at your own risk. Parks Canada does recommend checking the thickness of the ice by drilling a hole or checking the cracks to ensure it’s a minimum of 15 cm thick. Though it’s better if you go in a group, if you do go out alone, always let someone know your plan.

Parking for Banff Ice Skating

One final comment is on parking. With social media, the news of pristine ice for skating in Banff spreads quickly! On weekends, hundreds of cars will descend on the latest lake that freezes over.

For your safety and the safety of others, only park in designated parking spots and don’t park where there are “no parking” signs. The RCMP has become increasingly vigilant in enforcing parking laws around Banff ice skating locations.

If the parking lot is full, move on to another location or activity rather than parking illegally. It’s always worth having a backup plan, especially on busy skating days. For a list of ideas, check out our post on the best things to do in Banff in winter.

Can You Skate on the Bow River in Banff?

Never walk or skate on the Bow River in the Town of Banff. Moving water, drainage and changing ice conditions make the river unsafe for skating. For more information, please see the Town of Banff ice skating page.

Wild Ice Skating in Banff National Park

Skating on the glass-like ice on the frozen lakes or ponds in the Banff area is a special experience because it doesn’t happen every year. To enjoy wild ice skating in Banff, everything needs to line up just right, it has to get cold enough to freeze the Banff lakes without them getting covered in snow.

Ambitious ice skaters will still head out to clear snow off the frozen lakes, but getting to skate on crystal clear ice before the snow falls is a Banff bucket list item for many!

Here are the best options for wild ice skating in Banff National Park:

1. Skating on Johnson Lake

Of all the places to go ice skating in Banff, Johnson Lake is our favourite. It’s our go-to place for wild ice skating as it’s typically one of the first lakes in Banff to freeze enough for wild ice skating. People who visit Banff in November are usually lucky enough to enjoy skating on this beautiful lake.

A short drive from the Banff townsite, Johnson Lake is on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. It has a relatively large parking lot that can accommodate around 100 cars. There are toilets and access to the lake is near the picnic area right by the parking lot. Like many of the natural lakes in Banff, there are no benches, so be prepared to get your skates on along the banks of the Johnson lake.

When you are done ice skating, consider enjoying the 3 km hike around Johnson Lake. It’s one of our favourite easy winter hikes in Banff, making for a wonderful winter day.

2. Skating on Vermilion Lakes

The three Vermilion Lakes are located along Vermilion Lakes Road, just off Mt. Norquay Road near the Banff townsite. Being only 2.4 kilometres from the Banff townsite, skating on Vermilion Lakes is a popular local activity.

The first two Vermilion Lakes provide a natural ice surface to skate on with Mt. Rundle as the most impressive backdrop. If you are visiting Banff in November or Banff in December, the Vermilion Lakes are often one of the earliest options for skating on a lake in Banff.

The Vermilion Lakes aren’t maintained for skating, but you’ll often find locals clearing small areas of ice. Bring a shovel if you’d like to join in.

These lakes are fed by some springs that will keep parts of the lakes open, so don’t expect that the ice will be consistent in its thickness across all areas.

There is limited parking near the first Vermilion Lake.

3. Skating on Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake, located along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, typically freezes over in late December. When conditions are right, it’s an incredible place for wild ice skating. As previously mentioned, make sure the ice is safe for skating as every year is different.

There is a dam at the east end of the lake where thin ice and open water occurs, use extreme caution and stay away from that area.

The free Two Jack Lake parking lot can accommodate around 50-80 cars and has toilets.

4. Ice Skating on Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest and deepest lakes on this list, so it’s also one of the last lakes in Banff to freeze. If you are visiting Banff at Christmas or Banff in January, you may have a good chance to go ice skating on Lake Minnewanka.

Lake Minnewanka is big and it’s windy. Make sure you don’t venture out too far from shore, as you might have difficulty skating back. Don’t get too far away from your group.

Lake Minnewanka has a large parking lot, but it will fill up fast when the lake is good for skating. As mentioned previously, only park in designated spots and obey any “no parking” signs.

You’ll find benches near the dock for changing and leaving your boots while you skate. If the clear ice is farther from shore, consider bringing a warm, waterproof blanket or folding chair so you have somewhere to sit while putting on your skates.

5. Skating on Cascade Ponds

A very popular summer picnic area in Banff, Cascade Ponds is the first right turn off Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. If the weather permits, it’s possible to skate on Cascade Ponds, but stay away from areas where streams enter or leave the ponds, as flowing water can create thinner ice.

Maintained Outdoor Skating Rinks in Banff

If you prefer not to skate on a frozen lake, there are several maintained outdoor skating rinks in Banff where you can enjoy skating without worrying about checking the ice thickness yourself. These rinks are a great option for families, beginners or anyone looking for a more predictable skating experience. Most are located right in the Banff townsite, making them easy to include in a day of winter activities.

Be sure to check the Town of Banff’s current skating conditions before heading out, as outdoor rinks may close during warm weather or heavy snowfall.

6. Fenlands Outdoor Rink

The Fenlands Outdoor Rink offers a unique ice skating experience in Banff. Rather than a traditional rectangular rink, I enjoy how the the ice is often maintained as a series of small, interconnected skating paths that wind through Fenlands Meadow beside the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.

The rink is typically open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.

If the weather isn’t co-operating for outdoor skating, there is also an indoor skating rink at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. If you are interested, check the indoor public skating schedule.

7. Fairmont Banff Springs Skating Rink

The Fairmont Banff Springs also has an outdoor skating rink on Vermillion Lawn. Skating is complimentary for registered hotel guests, but non-guests may also be able to skate when dining at the hotel or during special holiday events. If you’re not staying at the Banff Springs, we recommend checking with the hotel about skating access before visiting.

8. Sundance Park Outdoor Rink

For outdoor ice skating in Banff, the Sundance Park Outdoor Rink is a great option, especially for families. Located along Sundance Road at the Banff Recreation Grounds, this maintained outdoor skating rink has picnic tables, washrooms, a heated shelter and one of the best playgrounds in Banff. It’s a convenient place to enjoy some skating without having to worry about the safety of natural lake ice.

The Sundance Park rink is typically open daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the winter skating season, weather permitting. You can also warm up inside the Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi pavilion, which closes at 9 p.m.

9. Rotary Park Outdoor Rink

The Rotary Park Outdoor Rink is another good option for outdoor skating in Banff, particularly if you’re staying near Banff Avenue.

The rink is typically open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the winter skating season, weather permitting. Rotary Park also has washrooms, a day shelter, picnic tables and a playground, making it a practical choice for families with younger children.

10. Ice Skating at Lake Louise

Ice skating at Lake Louise is one of our favourite winter activities in Banff National Park, and for good reason. The maintained outdoor skating rink sits right on the frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered mountains with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the background. It’s a beautiful setting for skating, and unlike wild ice skating, you don’t need to wait for perfectly clear natural ice.

One of the highlights is the large ice castle built on the lake each winter. If you’re visiting during Ice Magic, you may also have the opportunity to see the ice sculptures at Lake Louise, though this is a ticketed event with specific access requirements.

Lake Louise can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so we recommend planning your visit carefully. Our complete guide to ice skating at Lake Louise covers when to go, where to rent skates, parking tips and everything else you need to know before visiting.

If you have more time, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Lake Louise in winter, making it well worth spending a few hours or even a full day in the area.

How to Find the Best Places for Skating in Banff

The best way to find a place for wild ice skating in Banff is to consult social media or talk to a knowledgeable local. Parks Canada employees at the Banff visitor centres may also be able to give some insight.

While social media can be the cause of overcrowding, it can also be a good place to look for lakes that might be ready for skating. Be prepared to do your own testing of the ice thickness before venturing on frozen lakes.

A good place to start is our dedicated Facebook group for people travelling to Banff.

Where to Rent Ice Skates in Banff

If you don’t have your own ice skates, no need to worry. Skates can be rented in Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore. Many of the rentals can have a helmet or a hockey stick added on to your rental.

For families looking to rent skates, many of the places have children’s skates for rent as well.

Banff Skate Rentals

• Banff Adventures
• Chateau Mountain Sports
• Snowtips Bactrax

Lake Louise Skate Rentals

• Wilson Mountain Sports

What to Bring for Ice Skating in Banff

If you’re planning to go wild ice skating in Banff, you’ll want to bring a few extra items beyond your skates and helmet. Unlike maintained outdoor rinks, frozen lakes don’t typically have benches or anywhere convenient to leave your gear.

We typically bring a plastic sled to haul our skating equipment from the parking lot to the lake. When our kids were younger, we also used the sled to pull them around on the ice. A warm, waterproof blanket is another item we recommend, especially when there’s nowhere dry to sit while putting on your skates. A folding camp chair works well too.

Here’s our packing list for ice skating in Banff:

• Ice skates and helmets: Essential skating equipment for everyone in your group.
• Plastic sled: For hauling skates, boots and other gear to the lake, or pulling younger children around.
• Warm, waterproof blanket or folding camp chair: Somewhere dry and comfortable to sit while changing into your skates.
• Skating aids for kids: Helpful for younger children who are still learning to skate.
• Thermos of hot chocolate: A welcome treat when taking a break from skating.
• Hand and foot warmers: Especially useful on colder days or when spending several hours outdoors.
• Hockey stick: Bring one if you’d like to play some shinny.
• Throw rope: An important piece of rescue equipment when skating on natural ice.
• Ice screw or suitable ice-testing equipment: For checking ice thickness before venturing onto a frozen lake.
• Shovel: Useful for clearing snow off a small area of natural ice.

If you are not from Banff and do not wish to pack a bunch of stuff for skating in Banff, a great place to buy items from this list is Canadian Tire in Canmore.

You won’t need everything on this list for skating at a maintained outdoor rink. However, if you’re heading onto a frozen lake in Banff National Park, we recommend being prepared for changing ice conditions and having the proper safety equipment with you.