Skating lessons
You must register in lessons designated for your age group and need to complete each level, or show equivalent competency, before advancing to the next level.
If your lesson level is full, put your name on the wait list.
Important information Students cannot be transferred after registration and will be asked to withdraw from the program if they're not registered in the appropriate level.
Get a free assessment
Not sure what level to register in? Visit one of our rinks during a public skate time and ask for a free skating assessment.
Important information Skate rental charges are not included in skating lesson fees.
Helmet policy for skating lessons
You must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet or a snowboarding helmet if you are participating in a skating lesson. Cycling helmets are not permitted.
A limited number of hockey helmets are available free of charge if you are registered for a lesson at Park Board rinks.
We also recommend that you wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet for public skating.
Discounts on CSA-certified helmets
Show a current City of Vancouver skate lesson registration receipt and receive:
Learn to Skate program levels
Preschool program levels
| Level |
Description |
| 1 |
No previous skating experience; may have trouble standing on the ice in skates |
| 2 |
Can stand up on ice in skates unassisted; can walk on the ice in skates |
| 3 |
Can skate across the ice and glide on two feet |
| 4 |
Can scull forwards and stop without assistance |
| 5 |
Can glide on one foot forwards and skate backwards |
| 6 |
Can glide backwards on one foot and do a hockey stop |
Child and youth program levels
| Level |
Description |
| 1 |
Limited or no experience; has little confidence on the ice |
| 2 |
Can skate across the width of the rink without assistance |
| 3 |
Can glide on one foot, forward scull with both feet and snowplow stop with both feet |
| 4 |
Can skate backwards, scull backwards with both feet and scull forwards with one foot |
| 5 |
Can glide backwards on both feet, do a hockey stop, and forward circle thrust |
| 6 |
Can do forward crossovers, backward circle thrusts, backward stops, can use outside edges |
| 7 |
Can do backward crossovers and stop on one foot |
Adult program levels
Adult levels vary by rink. If you're unsure what level to register in, visit one of our rinks during a public skate time and ask for a free skating assessment.
| Level |
Description |
| 1 |
Beginner |
| 2 |
Intermediate |
| 3 |
Advanced |
Join a speed skating club
The Vancouver Speed Skating Club is based out of the Kitsilano Rink. It is affiliated with the BC Speed Skating Assocation, part of Sport BC.
Ice allocation
Skating
