Public Skating and Ice Schedule

Enjoy fun on the ice! Skating is a great way to stay active and spend time with family and friends. Check the schedule for public skating times and drop-in programs for all ages.

Public skating fees

Please pay at the customer service desk before you skate. You must bring your own skates because we do not rent them.

We accept cash, credit cards and debit payments.

Skating fees

Ice schedules

Schedules may change during special events or holidays. Check the cancellation dates when programs are not available.

Public skating schedule

Public skating schedule at Gale Arena

Children, students, and families:

Sundays: 2:15 pm to 4:15 pm (skating aids are allowed)
Cancellations: May 10, 24, 31; June 7, 21, 28

Public skating schedule at Chippawa Willoughby Arena

Closed for the spring and summer seasons.

Adult and senior skating schedule (Gale)

Mondays: 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Wednesdays: 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm
Thursdays: 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm | May & June only
Fridays: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm | July & August only
Cancellations: May 18; July 1, 15, 17; August 3, 5, 12, 14

June is Seniors Month

Seniors enjoy free skating on Thursdays in June from 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm.

Tiny tots skating schedule (Gale)

Wednesdays: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (Note: July 22, 29 & August 19, 10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Fridays: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Note: Skating aids are allowed. Do not carry children while skating.
Cancellations: May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 19, 26; July 1

Stick and puck schedule

Gale Centre Arena, 5152 Thorold Stone Road

Youth stick and puck (ages 15 & under)

Mondays: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Wednesdays: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Maximum 30 participants
Cost: $5 for parent and child, $2 per extra child
Cancellations: May 18; July 1; August 3

Adult stick and puck (ages 16+)

Mondays: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Note: June 22 & August 17, 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm)
Maximum 30 participants
Cost: $5
Cancellations: May 18; August 3

Stick and puck rules

Helmets are mandatory
A parent (18+) must be on the ice with their child and supervise them
No slap shots
Be mindful of others when shooting the puck
Beginner skaters at one end of the rink; advanced skaters at the other
No organized games or practices
No scrimmaging

Pay as you play schedule

Gale Centre Arena, 5152 Thorold Stone Road

Pay as you play (ages 18+)

Friday: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Cost: $5
Cancellations: May 8, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26; July 17; August 14

Pay as you play (ages 65+)

Mondays: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Organized and monitored scrimmage hockey. Groups based on skill level.
Cost: $3
Cancellations: May 18; August 3

Pay as you play (ages 70+)

Tuesdays: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Organized and monitored scrimmage hockey
Cost: $3
Cancellations: July 14

Pay as you play (ages 75+)

Thursdays: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Organized and monitored scrimmage hockey
Cost: $3
Cancellations: July 16

Sledge hockey

May & June: Thursdays 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
July & August: Fridays 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Note: August 14, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm)
Cancellations: August 28

Pay as you play rules

Full equipment is required, including helmets and a light and dark jersey
No checking or fighting
Goalies skate for free

Skating rules

Skate at your own risk! The facility is not responsible for accidents, lost, or stolen items.

Skating aids are allowed (except for Saturday evening sessions), but chairs, sleds, pylons, hockey sticks, pucks and other obstructions are not permitted on the ice surface
Food and drinks are not permitted on the ice surface or the players' bench
No horseplay. Games such as tag or racing, as well as backwards skating, figure skating manoeuvres or erratic skating are not permitted.
Refrain from carrying children
No personal instruction during public skates
Please skate forward at a sensible speed, adhere to the directions of skate patrollers and/or arena staff members
Children under the age of seven must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older
Report any accidents or injuries to skate patrollers or arena staff
The City of Niagara Falls recommends everyone wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet
No swearing or inappropriate behaviour. Visit the RZone page to report an incident or view the policy.
All participants must wear skates on the ice
Smoking, alcohol, illegal substances, or anyone under the influence is not allowed

Outdoor rinks

Enjoy free outdoor skating and hockey at rinks across the city this winter! To learn more, visit the Outdoor Rinks page.