Winter skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza
49°19′ N 123°05′ WSeasonNov to MarSeasonal
The Shipyards Skate Plaza in Lower Lonsdale suits families and anyone off the SeaBus who wants to skate by the harbour for free in their own skates. The City of North Vancouver reopens the rink in late November 2026, and it had not named the exact day by 16 October 2026.
Photo Mark Klotz · Flickr · CC0
The City of North Vancouver turns the Skate Plaza at the Shipyards into an outdoor rink each winter. Skating costs nothing in your own skates. Rentals cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for kids while stocks last, and the desk takes debit and credit cards. Helmets and skate aids come free, and kids 12 and under must wear a helmet.
Last winter the rink opened on Friday 28 November 2025 and ran daily from noon to 8 pm into March. The ice closes for about 30 minutes of cleaning every two hours from 1:30 pm, with the last break at 5:30 pm, and rental skates stop going out at 7:30 pm. Evenings and weekends draw the crowds. The rink allows no figure skating or hockey, and food and drink stay off the ice. The City warns that weather or repairs can shut it without notice.
Private bookings start on 29 November 2026 and take the ice from Thursday to Sunday outside public hours.
Worth knowing
- Ride the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and walk a few minutes east along the waterfront to the rink.
Quick answers about Winter skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza
Is skating at the Shipyards free?
Yes. Skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver is free in your own skates, and rentals cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for kids in 2026/27.
When does the Shipyards rink open for 2026/27?
The City of North Vancouver says the Shipyards Skate Plaza reopens in late November 2026, and it had not named the day by 16 October 2026. Last winter the rink opened on 28 November 2025.
When is Winter skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza?
Winter skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza takes place late November to March, weather permitting.
In the journal and guides
Read more about Winter skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza
Feature · 7 min read
What was the Burrard Dry Dock at the foot of Lonsdale, and what stands on the Shipyards now?
For most of the 20th century the foot of Lonsdale built ships. The City of North Vancouver kept the yard's frames, piers and one crane and built a public waterfront around them.
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Where should you eat and drink in Lower Lonsdale between the Quay and the Shipyards?
Lower Lonsdale packs most of its eating into the blocks between the SeaBus and 3rd Street, and every stop on this walk sits within about 800 metres of the boat.
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What can you do on a rainy day in North Vancouver and Vancouver?
Ride the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and a wet morning at the Polygon Gallery and MONOVA costs an adult $15 and a donation, with the Food Hall open until 9 pm.
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Where should you take kids in North Vancouver and Vancouver?
A family of four paid $213.80 plus GST at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in 2026, so start with Lynn Canyon's free bridge if your kids walk on their own.