Robson Square Ice Rink

Beautiful space with a mixture of activities throughout the year, from ice rink to dancing. I live close by so don't go as often but the few times I have it was Beautiful. My daughter learnt to skate here 🙏

Wonderful outdoor skating rink! It only costs $5 to rent a pair of ice skates, and it’s super fun. There are lockers available to store your stuff for 25 cents, so make sure to bring change. Even on a weekday, there were a decent amount of people, so I imagine it must be way more busy on the weekends.

We had such a fun time here with my friends. Not super busy during weekdays. 5$ fee for shoe rental with no time limit. It’s a cheap and enjoyable winter activity to do in downtown.

Nice place for a public skate in downtown vancouver. If I’m not mistaken it is the only out door rink in the city. That said, be aware that it can get busy on weekends !

During the summer there's often dance lessons and social dancing at the Robson Square Ice Rink on weekends. There is all kind of dancing (ballroom, salsa, tango, etc) and it is usually free. Lots of people to dance with 💃🕺. It is specially nice when the light show is on 👍

Peaceful weekdays before 11am 5$ skate rentals or free if you bring your own skates. They are open daily 9am-9pm Oct-Feb. They Zamboni the ice every other hour

A cool place to check out, the lights and design are really cool! I thought it would be fully outdoors but it's technically underground with a glass ceiling. It's super cheap, free admission and if you bring your own skates it's completely free. I think I paid $3 or $4 for skate rental. Considering how cheap of an activity it is, I would definitely recommend checking it out. Of course the only downside is that it's busy and not much room to skate. People will be in your way. Some younger people just go there to hang out and loiter on the ice while they take selfies. Fun place to take kids though!

Great place for a relaxing skate, or in the summer people do break, dancing, and other activities on the floor.

The ice gets choppy so if you got a pair of your own skates and got them sharpened too deep, this is the place to dull them down! That's what happened with me! haha. Skates are now $5 CAD and you can even rent spikes to walk around the rink for $2 CAD. If you have your own skates, you skate for free. What a need little venue. Smaller rink than a normal hockey rink but still just as fun! During the holidays it got a bit crowded. Everyone wanted to embrace the holiday spirit and there was a live band playing that night so traffic in and around the area was buzzing. I'll let the pictures and videos do the talking. The staff was courteous and down to earth and they even had lockers for your personal belongings. The plus side is there is a small booth that sells hot chocolate, coffee and other drinks to warm you up. Overall a fun time was had. I'd do it all over again!

There was a blue things that i could use. It gave me really big help. For the other reason i recommend here is that there was no entry fee.

This ice rink has been here for such a long time and it's just a fun place to visit during the winter time. I often see tourists, kids, couples, and elderly use this rink. Some cool things about the rink: -music playing while people skate -they have an experience skater on the ice to help -skate rentals are only $4.00 and helmets are free -they have small cubby lockers to hold your things -they offer skate sharpening -they have a small cafe that serves drinks from hot chocolate to coffee, cola to ice tea (cash only and it opens at 12pm) -the rink is right in downtown

***Update 12/28/2018*** Re-visited this rink last night and it was as terrific as I remembered it being! I felt the need to update my review for a few reasons: -skate rentals now cost $5 (not $4, like last year). Still a good deal. They still only take cash, fyi. -they now have a walk-in "snow globe" in the square by the rink, in which there are "snowballs" to have a friendly fight with your friends. (This is an especially popular attraction for the younger set, but teens and families enjoy it, too. Perfect for taking some cute photos - and free!). -despite us going the week after Christmas, it still was insanely busy (we were there around 5-6pm) and, imo, pushed the boundaries of safety at times, with so many people on the ice. Unless one is very adept at skating, I'd seriously recommend going here when it's less crowded - perhaps in the morning or mid-day. Super nice and helpful staff here manning the rental counters and the assistants on the rink.

I used to enjoy going to this outdoor rink almost every year around the Holiday season. It's conveniently located in the heart of downtown and admission is free - you only pay for skate rentals! Last time I went they had live music playing which made for a fun, family-friendly ambiance. You could see people of all ages enjoying the rink. The only downside is that, because it's such a fun place to be, it tends to get a bit crowded. If you're a beginner or aren't too comfortable on the ice, I'd recommend going during the day when it isn't so busy, rather than at night. Can't wait to skate at this rink again once the pandemic is over!

One of the nicer rinks out there. The best part is that it's free during the winter months. Of course, one could argue that everyone local paid for it through tax dollars, but that's a different story. Parking is available in the nearby Pacific Centre, or on the street. Of course, it's best to just walk here. The rink looks pretty good with all of the coloured lights installed. They could easily film a movie here. There are skate rentals for those who don't own, and it's overall a good time. During the summer, the large concrete rink is used for other events, such as salsa nights and the occasional break-dancing competition. It's a nice place to check out if you haven't already been before.

Free ice skating. Only charge is if you don't have your own skates and you have to rent. Renting is quite cheap too. Just $4. Very reasonable. But can be quite crowded at times. In the summer, they have free dance lessons.

I had heard about the Robson Square Ice Rink for years but never had the opportunity to try it until now, and I'm glad I did! The place was busy with families, which didn't surprise me given it was a Saturday afternoon. I was a bit surprised by how small the rink seemed in comparison to the pictures. The ice itself was quite bumpy, but I didn't expect anything less, given the high traffic and likely few times the ice gets smoothed out. Rentals are cash only (which I don't recall seeing that note on the websites). $4/pair which is quite the deal considering you don't pay for admissions (free if you have your own skates). Rental helmets are free (self serve). They have huge boards clearly marking out all the prices and directions.There are plenty of benches and places to sit to tie on your skates, and locker spaces too. (Side note, they require you to leave your shoes with them if you are renting skates). Didn't get a chance to buy much from the concession stand other than a bottle of water, but their prices are quite reasonable. Will definitely try to go back in future years!

It's about time they did something to that gloomy Robson Square. In anticipation of the Olympics, GE and the provincial government partnered up to refresh the skating rink and make it all snazzy again. GE has also used their technology into revitilizing this space. Energy efficient LED lighting products, and refrigeration technology has been incorported in the plaza. Also, there's a concession. Skate rentals are available at $3.00. They open from 9am-9pm each day. The rink itself is not too big, so I could see it being cramped on the weekends. It's an awesome upgrade- much more light comes in, and a great outdoor activity to do in the winter!! They also have live concerts to play there, so keep your eye out for them! Christmas lights, hot chocolate, skating....it can't get any more festive than this!!

This free outdoor venue had a lot to offer for us. We watched a young juggling troupe, ("Cirque-wanna-be's) delighted the crowd. The stage is set up at one side of the ice rink and offering a variety entertainment day and night. We walked past the ice rink. The lights were so festive! This brought back memories of Winterlude in Ottawa for me. Just past the rink a large monitor to watch the Olympic action lets you feel like your not missing a beat while walking around. Above us, people on the zip line squealed as they whizzed passed. A bit farther along we came to the back of the Art Gallery with a humongous floral backdrop covering the wall. Very resourceful way of re-directing people I think. This whole block turned out to be one of my favourite stops!

Such a fun way to spend a couple of hours! Skate rentals are cheap, and if you can come during an off time it's not too crazy busy. It was definitely busier than I was comfortable with when my friend and I came - especially for a novice skater like me! Luckily my friend was very kind and held my hand to keep me steady the whole time! There were a couple of jerks who were skating too fast for the amount of people on the ice, but that's to be expected. Staff are around, but mostly to clear unused skate-frame-things off the ice - I didn't see any of them approach the speed skaters. A lovely thing to do during the winter! Watch out for little ones and overconfident teens and you'll be just fine!

Oh, the ice rink. What a sweet spot for spontaneity if you're caught in Downtown Vancouver with not much else to do during the winter. Love how affordable it is. However, why I rated it 3 stars is because it's cash only, and when it's busy and crowded, there's basically no room to skate. However, they do keep their skate rentals in decent shape and they do maintain the ice every couple of hours.

I was debating whether or not should I post this review as I don't want this ice rink to be more crowded lol! Free admission and we only paid $5 for skate rental. I got the best timing to come in (17:00 on a weekday) when they just started smoothing the rough ice (took them about 15 minutes). The only thing was that after we skated for about 30 minutes the ice got really wet. Probably because it's an outdoor ice rink. Remember to bring cash for the rentals!

OK, full confession. As an "On-terrible" native who lived for two years literally right across the street from the world's largest ice skating rink (the Rideau Canal), I am a bit of an ice rink snob. But with all the perks that Vancouver offers, I'm willing to compromise on ice skating surface area, and you can't help but be charmed by the small but festive rink at Robson Square. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was no admission fee and that rentals were only $3, which I thought was reasonable considering that I was fully expecting to encounter a bit of a tourist trap. Yes, the rink is small and crowded, but the atmosphere is fun and it just feels neat skating underneath the dome. Plus of course the location is perfect for tourists and too-cool-to-expose-my-inner-child hipsters who live downtown - you know you want to try it! I'm impressed that they put the effort into making this considering it probably requires a fairly complicated and expensive cooling system underneath the ice to maintain the surface. I bet it's even more fun during the holiday season or at night when you have the lights.

Cute little ice rink where you can get in the holiday spirit. Skate rentals are only $4. What an affordable winter activity for all ages. If you're a beginner they have free helmet rental and skating aids to support you. Rink is small so it can get crowded, but it's a good way to spend 30 or 45 min and enjoy outdoors in the city.

This place is pretty fun, for what it is. Granted, I don't own a pair of skates; and lawdknows I won't be renting a pair either (this is about the time in one's review when it is acceptable to wax and wane about the irony of being a full-blooded Canadian but unable to strap on some... skates. I won't won't be doing this), but I appreciate that the option to skate is there if the overwhelming feeling to do such a thing is ever to come over me. Blue lights (energy efficient, don't you know), located underground, with loads of fresh air -- it's a pretty romantical (totally a word) little place. But that's really not why I've ever gone here. I go to watch the funny little hip hop group practice their moves on the other side of the rink. That aforementioned fresh air, I imagine, is good for them; and the sight is faaaar more entertaining than So You Think You Can Dance (not that I ever watch that either... *cough*).

This place conjures up big "awwww"s from me cuz I'm the simple romantic. It's located in an active area of downtown that has finally finished all the renovations - so central to everything (transit included). It's never too cold in Vancouver to enjoy some outdoor skating, and the cool LED lights that change colours above you distract from the fact that this rink is pretty tiny. And when you're done with the skating, you can head upstairs to look at the beautiful tree lights in the evening (it's like your own little garden in downtown, I find few people actually wander this area). During the weekends there are usually things happening beside the rink as well, since the steps also double as seats for concerts or shows. Skate rentals are cheap at $3 a pair, and the little food stand will provide good nurishment and hot cocoa while you're off the ice. Beware of kids or rowdy teens that think they're awesome and race each other, and also keep an eye out for the new people who can't skate - those helper stands take up a lot of space! Enjoy your date!

I am more inclined to adrenaline sports so circling around a rink like a goldfish at the Aquarium in not so perfect fitting skates, on an ice surface that's mangled, dodging 2 year old's in ice walkers, runs it's course in about 10 minutes for me. BUT I didn't come here for me, it was for a nephew's day out for FUN! Weeeeee. For kiddies this is a great place, cheap rentals, no fee's, no time limits, beginners welcome and lots of squealing teens, goofy immigrants from hot places who have never stepped on ice before, and mom's helicopter,chaperoning their children around. My mom used to LOVE this place, and it seemed a lot less busy 20 years ago. There is really no way to complain about such a cool public service.... but I can lol :( jaded back-country snowboarding bastard I am. You can add this to the list of "things to do for tourists and children" like the Suspension Bridge. I guess if your on a date, you can count on your lady falling into your arms for support ;) For some people this is magic, for me it's more like the little choo choo around Stanley Park. I would defend its existence to the death, but I probably won't be back without a 5 year old in tow. By the way - shoving a kid around on the granny bars can really give you a good workout, jesus, esp when the kid just dangles there and holds on, try not to run anyone over either.

What a great place to spend some quality time with family and kids. A very very reasonably priced. Wonder will I have any such kind of place in Seattle

Thumbs up for being a FREE public ice skating rink, however, if you go to the ice skating rink here, make sure you avoid the crowd on weekends. When there are a lot of people skating, the ice condition deteriorates very quickly, a few minutes after the ice cleaning, it's already bumpy. I am a beginner level skater so I will try to go during more free weekday morning hours. =) I do like their music and overhead rainbow lighting system.

So my friends suggesting coming here for a friends birthday. I was a lot apprehensive since I haven't been ice skating for over a decade, and last time I tired, I spent a lot of time sliding on my ass. Things didn't start off that well. With cheap skate rentals ($4), skate move quickly. They didn't have my size, so I settled with a couple sizes too big. All in all it' was a great time, very family friendly. There are people of all skill levels that come skating here, so just be prepared to deal with that.

I love the Robson Square ice rink! It would be 5 stars but last year a few times I went they were out of several sizes of skates leaving a large, cold, unhappy lineup of grumps. All that aside it's a fun way to kill some time with friends if your stuck downtown in the winter, beats wandering the malls. If your not into the typical winter snowboarding or skiing it's a nice wintery alternative. Skates are only $4, another $2 for a helmet if your clutzy and a pretty cheap concession with cheap drinks and snacks. They also have a funky little zamboni that looks like an Orca! Too cute.

Big tourist spot and I was shocked by the low prices! $5 for skate rentals! If you're visiting Vancouver, it's a tourist attraction worth the money!

I would give this 5 stars because it was the best experience and so much fun, but the ice needed to be smoothed but nobody did so it was hard trying to skate smoothly. The cafe is good. Costumer service is amazing. They were so kind. The lights and the whole setting was beautiful. The skate rentals are cheap. If u have skates then it's totally free. I would totally recommend this place to others!

Skytrain to City Centre station $5.50, two pairs of skates $8.00, one pair of cleats $2.00....the feeling me and the wife received watching our son skate for the first time...PRICELESS! He had a smile so big you could hardly see his eyes. I only found out about this place because I was incredibly busy studying for an exam during the past couple months. One night on the way in for a study session, I saw lights, ice, and heard people skating to beats that just grabbed my attention. It's situated right outside of UBC Robson Square campus beneath Robson street. During the off months, a bunch of hip hop dancers and breakers hang out there, REALLY cool to watch as well. Btw...if you have your own skates...you can skate for free..they only charge for rentals!!

This ice rink is a fun and festive venue in the heart of all the downtown Vancouver action. This small ice rink is located right on Robson street under the colorful lit glass domes. Whats more fun during the holidays than ice skating and then eating out on Robson? $3 to rent a pair of skates and no admission make it all the better! We came here in the early afternoon on a weekday and it was perfect timing, with only a few other people on the ice. Within an hour or two it got very busy, but we left. Can't complain for cheap fun.

A must-see place for all visitors and locals alike in Vancouver. We got here after dark where the ice rink was glowing, there was live music and just a really happy good vibe. So many photos opportunities and so many chances to meet new happy tourists! I really like what they've done to the place in anticipation for the olympics, I'm sure I'll be dropping bey here often in the weeks to come!

The ice gets crappy quickly because of all the skaters, if you arrive any time between 4-8 it will be so full you will hardly be able to skate, there are no places to stash your bags, and despite all that, I LOVE this place. I'm an awful rink rat, and I am *delighted* there is now a rink that is open every single day at all hours. And it's free! The starving artist in me rejoices! So much so that I am there pretty much every other day! I'd tell you to check it out, only I don't want it to be any more crowded than it already is. Don't worry if you can't skate. Most people are of the "omg I can't remember the last time I skated!" variety. Amendment to the previous review, it's now open from noon-9pm.

I had a blast here the other night with my friend Jee. At first there was basically no one there which was great because I'm pretty rusty, but later on a huge group of high schools came and one of the girls knocked out my knees so I hit the ice pretty hard. The staff came to check and is if I was alright though so no big, just hate stupid highschools that don't bother to apologize.

I love that there is no fee to skate here! If you got blades, bring em! If you don't, its only 3 bucks for a rental! Super kid friendly with rental helmets available and those blue thing-ys that are made if plastic, not metal (like in the ol' days where your hands would meld to it. Lol). Pretty quiet on weekdays, which is nice. :)

What it has: Ice skating rink, zip-lining (free but monstrous lineup), live entertainment, lineups for other free exhibits nearby (Vancouver Art Gallery/BC Pavilion) and the CTV broadcast tent. Big open space in the hub of major retail centre of downtown - the electricity here is fun and definitely contagious. A true open area public square/celebration site unlike the drab security zones labelled as 'LiveCity'.

Who ever thought it would be possible to skate outdoors in mild, rainy Vancouver? Skating is free, you just need to rent skates if you don't have your own and the helmets are free for the kiddies. When you're done skating, walk up on up to the street level to find a plethora of awesome food trucks!

weekend morning is the best time. almost anyone there and quiet.

Would give them 0 star if could... Arrived at 8:15 was told that we couldn't get ice skates as rentals close at 8:30 which doesn't say anywhere on Yelp...

2nd time there & just as fun as the 1st time. Everyone is so friendly & a happy mood. Having the Robson rink there during the holidays is such a great idea & overall so worth doing & with the price you can't go wrong haha