Skating outdoors is such a classic Canadian experience. “ODR (outdoor rink) season” has become a popular term, especially in Ontario over the last couple years. Many families and communities have put in the hard work to build an outdoor oasis for skating, hockey, and family fun in the great outdoors.
For those of us who don’t have the space for a backyard rink, or just don’t want to be outside when it’s -20 flooding the ice, there are several rinks that are open to the public. Whether you want to round up a few friends for a game of shinny or you want to skate under the stars on a crisp, cool evening, Grey County has a few outdoor rink options to check out.
*We update the open/closed status as often as we can, but outdoor rinks are always weather dependent, and often rely on volunteers to clear/maintain them. Please check weather conditions before heading out.
Harrison Park Good Cheer Rink - CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Address: 75 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
Located in the heart of Owen Sound’s beautiful Harrison Park, the Good Cheer Outdoor Rink is a popular spot for families to lace up their skates. The hours are from sunrise to 10:00pm daily. Hockey and recreational skating are scheduled on alternating calendar days. The H.O.S.E. rule is in place to promote safety and enjoyment for everyone. i.e. HOCKEY on ODD calendar days, and SKATING on EVEN calendar days. Warm up with a hot chocolate to-go from the Harrison Park Inn, or fuel up with one of their tasty take-out options.
The City requires that appropriate protective equipment is worn when using the outdoor rink. Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult. Please respect these guidelines and fellow users. For regular updates about the Good Cheer Rink at Harrison Park, follow the City of Owen Sound on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There are boards in place around the rink this year, following the Hockey Day in Canada event.
Markdale Outdoor Rink - CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Address: 75 Walker Street, Markdale
The rink is always open, unless posted on Facebook that it's closed due to the weather. The lights turn on at dusk and go off around 10:30pm. The rink is flooded by volunteers often, usually first thing in the morning and they ask that if it appears slushy due to a flood, that you let it harden before you skate. The rink was built and is maintained by the Markdale Recreation Committee and their volunteers.
Priceville Outdoor Rink - CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Address: 104 Kinross Street, Priceville
Thanks to a committed group of community volunteers, the tiny village of Priceville boasts a really great outdoor rink. They flood the baseball diamond and the basketball court located beside Stothart Hall. Open from sunrise until 11:00pm when the ball diamond lights are shut off.
You can check their Facebook page for updates on the status of the rink before you go. And please remember it is maintained by volunteers and may not be clear after a heavy snowfall, and ice may not be ideal following inclement weather.
Woodview Mountaintop Skating at Blue Mountain - CLOSED
Address: 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains
If you haven’t skated along the top of the Niagara Escarpment - whether under the stars or during the day for a stunning view of Georgian Bay – you’re missing out. The 1.1km skating loop is located at the top of Blue Mountain and can be accessed via Scenic Caves Road (winter tires are recommended). It’s open from 12:00pm - 8:00pm daily, but be sure to check the website for the status before heading out, as weather does impact the rink. Ice skate rentals are available and all skill levels are welcome. You can also grab a bite eat or a drink afterward, at the Off-Piste Apres Garden located just outside the Woodview and there are always lots of warm and cozy drink options in the Village.
Egremont Optimist Club Outdoor Rink - CLOSED
Address: 392137 Grey County Road 109, Holstein
Tucked in behind the Egremont Optimist Club is a small but mighty outdoor rink which is maintained by volunteers from the Optimist Club in Holstein. The rules are be kind and courteous while using the rink, respect others, and be sure to wear the proper protective equipment. There are shovels to clear any snow off before you skate, if the volunteers haven’t had the chance to get to it. Pop into the Holstein General Store for their daily soup specials or some fresh local baked goods.
Hanover Outdoor Rink - CLOSED
Address: 310 17th Avenue, Hanover
Come on out to the Kinsmen Ball Park and enjoy the outdoor rink located next to the pavilion. Please continue to follow The Town of Hanover's Facebook page for updates on the schedule and open/closed status of the rink.
Indoor Public Ice Skating
There are also plenty of indoor public skating options at local community centres and arenas. You can find more information here:
Owen Sound - includes both the Bayshore Community Centre and Julie McArthur Rec Centre
Chatsworth - takes place at the Keady Arena
West Grey - includes Durham and Ayton Arenas
Hanover P&H Centre
Georgian Bluffs - takes place at the Shallow Lake Area
Grey Highlands - includes the Markdale, Rocklyn, Flesherton and Osprey Arenas AND the Eugenia, Feversham, Flesherton, Markdale and Priceville outdoor rinks.
Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre and Arena
Beaver Valley Community Centre, Thornbury
