• At 12,000 square feet it’s the largest Skate Plaza in the region.
  • Covered ice surface.
  • Skate Plaza full capacity is 300.
  • Skate Plaza uses a CO2 chiller that feeds into the LEC District Energy System.
  • 13kms of piping under the plaza surface creates the ice.
  • Heat from the ice system feeds into the Lonsdale Energy system to heat surrounding buildings.
  • Curved lines under the ice reflect the lines of ship hulls that used to be cut on site.
  • The adjacent 8,000 sq.ft is a summertime water splash park.

The Shipyards Skate Plaza

Due to fluctuating weather temperatures The Shipyards Skate Plaza will be closed on March 16 and if weather permits, we will re-open on March 19. We are monitoring ice conditions closely and the rink is set to be open regular hours on March 15 but may need to close unexpectedly. Watch for updates here and on our social media accounts. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

The Shipyard Commons outdoor skate plaza is the region's largest outdoor skating rink. The rink is located on the waterfront at The Shipyards, and is set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.

During seasonal operations, the skate plaza offers daily skating, as well as free helmets and skate aides. Those with their own skates skate for free.

Rentals

  • Skate rentals (limited quantities) are available at a cost of $7 for adults, $5 for kids.
  • Debit and credit card payments are accepted.

Rules of the Skate Plaza

  • Supervision is not provided at ANY time
  • Helmets are mandatory for kids 12 and under
  • The City of North Vancouver is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items
  • Rental skates are property of the City of North Vancouver and must stay within the Skate Plaza
  • No food or drink permitted on the ice

For Your Safety

  • Be courteous of your fellow skaters
  • Maintain an appropriate speed for your skill level
  • No climbing or sitting on the mounds or boards
  • No figure skating or ice hockey
  • No carrying children while on the ice
  • No walking on the ice with shoes or clamps

Skate Plaza Operations & Ice Cleaning Schedule

  • Skate Plaza closes for ice cleaning at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Peak skate times are evenings and weekends.
  • Ice condition is monitored regularly and fluctuates with wind, humidity, and air temperatures.
  • Skate Plaza may close unexpectedly due to weather or for repairs/maintenance.
  • Skate rentals close at 7:30 p.m. daily.

Private Rentals

The Skate Plaza is available for private group skate rentals and registration opens on November 1st, 2023. The Shipyards Skate Plaza will open on December 1st and available rental times include Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 60 minutes during select hours of the day:

  • Thursdays through Sundays: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Groups are welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes in advance of their start time to get set up. We request that guests promptly leave the ice at the end of their session. There will be two staff to assist with rentals and support on ice. We do not provide supervision; groups with children should ensure they have chaperones present.

 

How to Rent the Skate Plaza

STEP 1. Login to your NVRC account or register for a new account

    Note: New NVRC accounts may take up to 48 hours for approval and creation.  If you need a new account immediately, you can call the NVRC customer service team at 604-983-7529 or visit any NVRC facility.

STEP 2. Visit the booking page to check availability, view pricing, and submit your booking request. You may book up to 60 days in advance of your desired booking date/time.

STEP 3. Booking requests will be reviewed within 2 business days of submission. Those with approved booking requests will be contacted and provided a rental contract that must be e-signed and returned within 3 business days to finalize your rental. If we do not receive your signed contract, your rental will be cancelled and removed from our calendar. Bookings are not confirmed until insurance has been received, invoice has been paid, and rental agreement is signed. 

    Note: All bookings will require general liability insurance, which will be included in the cost of the rental. 

 

Contact Us

Experiencing technical issues with account creation or the online booking system? Visit NVRC's Registration Info & Support page, Registration FAQ page, or contact NVRC's support team at 604-987-7529.

General questions or concerns about private skate rentals? Contact The Shipyards team at theshipyards@cnv.org.

How the City’s Skate Plaza Came To Be

2009 - Council endorsed a vision for the City’s waterfront: 'To create a highly accessible and dynamic waterfront that also supports significant port industry, for the benefit of current and future generations.'

2013 - The City engaged with key stakeholders, businesses and residents to create the Central Waterfront Development Plan. It included a vision for The Shipyards as an active and vibrant gathering place offering year-round activities and programming, supported by a surrounding commercial development. 

2015 - Council endorsed site planning principles to clarify their vision for the area and guide future development. 

2016 -  The City partnered with Quay Management Corp to develop and deliver this unique waterfront destination including a public skating rink and water play area. Extensive site remediation work began.

2019 - The final phase of construction was completed in July 2019. 

The area now includes 85,000 sq ft of commercial and community amenity space, featuring restaurants, cafes, shops and services, a boutique hotel, space for community events, concerts and markets, as well as the skate plaza in the winter and splash park in the summer.

 

The Skate Plaza is part of Shipyard Commons, offering year 'round seasonal fun. In the warmer months it's converted to a Splash Park. The area surrounding The Shipyards Commons has many shops and restaurants – learn more at the Lower Lonsdale Business Improvement Association's The Shipyards District website.



Contact Info

The Shipyards Office
Tel: 604-982-8383
Email: theshipyards@cnv.org
Instagram: instagram.com/TheShipyardsCNV

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