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Skating is for everyone! Whether you want to skate for fun or skate to win! #SkateWithUs!

CanSkate

CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada.

Our flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice.

Our CanSkate program is geared to children aged 5 years or older. Whether you are looking to improve your basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette, or speed skating, or wish to skate for recreation, fitness, or fun, CanSkate will get you there.

Conducted in a fun and friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control, and agility skills, using a nationally tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice.

Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program.

Who teaches it?

NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants (PAs).

What will you learn?

A complete series of balance, control, and agility skills is taught in six stages of learning, applicable to hockey, ringette, speed skating, figure skating, and general recreational skating. CanSkate utilizes a nationally tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success.

  BALANCE CONTROL AGILITY
STAGE 1 Fall down & get up
Forward skating
Forward two-foot glide
Forward two-foot sit glide		 Snow slide steps
Backward skating
Backward two-foot glide		 Stationary 180° turn
Stationary two-foot jump
Forward skating perimeter of ice
STAGE 2 Forward sculling
Forward two-foot to one-foot glide
Forward push/glide sequence
Forward one-foot glide with speed		 Forward stop
Backward two-foot sit glide
Backward two-foot to one-foot glide
Backward push/glide sequence		 Forward two-foot turn
Backward two-foot turn
Forward 180° glide turn
Forward two-foot jump
STAGE 3 Forward stationary blade push
Forward two-foot slalom
Forward circle thrusts
Walking crosscuts
Forward two-foot to one-foot curve glide		 Forward stop with speed
Backward sculling
Backward two-foot to one-foot glide
Backward push/glide sequence
Backward one-foot glide with speed		 Forward two-foot quick turn
Backward two-foot quick turn
Forward 360° step turn
Backward two-foot jump
Fast forward perimeter skating
STAGE 4 Forward crosscuts
Forward inside giant slalom
Forward outside giant slalom
Forward lunge
Forward spiral
Drop-down drill
Forward “V” start		 Backward stop
Backward circle thrusts
Backward two-foot slalom
Backward one-foot glide with curve
Sustained forward one-foot glide
Speed drill #1		 Forward one-foot turn
Backward 360° step turn
Forward to backward two-foot jump
Backward to forward two-foot jump
Two-foot spin
Two-foot sit spin

What can you expect?

Action, movement, and fun! Lessons are conducted in a group format with a maximum coach-to-student ratio of 1:10. Coaches use teaching aids, music, and activities to create a motivating environment. Badges and ribbons help track progress.

How to Dress for the Ice

CLOTHING:

  • Warm but not restrictive
  • Dress in layers
  • No loose clothing dragging on the ice
  • No long scarves or overly long pants
  • Waterproof mittens or gloves (NO hockey gloves)
  • No elbow pads, knee pads, or hockey gear

EQUIPMENT – SKATES:

  • Lace-up skates (no adjustable skates — they do not provide the support and fit needed to effectively learn skating)

Helmet Requirements for CanSkate Programs

Update to Skate Canada's Helmet Policy

CSA approved helmets must be worn by skaters up to, and including, Stage 5 of the CanSkate program and at all times in the PowerSkate program. There are additional helmets beyond a 'hockey' helmet that are CSA approved, including the Wuevo helmet, so language has been updated from the retired Helmet Policy so as not to exclude them. Another new helmet on the market is the Bold helmet, which is currently in the process of receiving its CSA designation. Right now, if a skater wishes to use the Bold helmet, they can apply for exception. Any exception to the use of a CSA approved helmet must be provided by Skate Canada in writing.

Please send all exception requests to info@skatecanada.ca

Mandatory Helmet Use

All skaters, regardless of age, are required to wear helmets during CanSkate sessions up to and including Stage 5. This rule applies to all events, competitions, ice shows, and any other special on-ice activities throughout the season.

Proper Fit

Hockey helmets should sit one inch above the brow. Straps form a “V” around the ears and allow one finger under the chin.

Visibility & Hair

Skaters’ vision should always remain unobstructed. Ensure that all excess hair is securely pulled back and out of the way when wearing a helmet.

Additional Information

See the full Helmet Use Policy for complete details.

Face Masks

Optional, but younger skaters may benefit from added protection.

At the Rink: Important Information for Parents

Dressing Rooms

To help parents and skaters easily find their assigned spaces, please note that the available dressing rooms will always be either rooms 6 and 9 or rooms 7 and 10. For your convenience, current dressing room assignments are displayed on the TV screens above the small ice viewing area, specifically on the second screen from the right. The assignments for each time slot will scroll through on this screen, ensuring everyone can check their location before heading in.

Viewing Guidelines for Parents

We strongly encourage all parents to remain inside the arena during their child’s ice time. This is important in case your skater experiences an injury or illness or needs to use the washroom. Please remember that coaches and Program Assistants (PAs) are not permitted to accompany skaters to the washroom; this responsibility remains with the parent or guardian.

Because the small ice surface is limited in size and can be quite chilly 🥶, we kindly ask that parents, siblings, and caregivers watch from the lobby. There is not enough room in the arena for everyone, and this arrangement helps minimize distractions, allowing skaters to focus on their lessons and enjoy their time on the ice.

Schedule Changes and Missed Classes

Please note that some ice times may be cancelled or rescheduled to accommodate the number of skaters registered. Make-Ups for Missed Classes: Skaters register for a specific session and, if they must miss a day, cannot be accommodated in another session unless this has been prearranged with a coach.

Register here   Registration for Fall/Winter 2026-2027 opens on Monday, June 15, at 8:00 PM

Fall [2026–2027]

Small Ice Surface

Levels of Skating

All levels.

Fall Session - 12 weeks

Dates: September 19 to December 05, 2026 (There are no breaks for Remembrance Day)
Cost: 12 weeks for 298.00* (includes fee for Mini Comp)

Note: Programs marked Unavailable are not currently offered.

(NO breaks for Remembrance Day)

Mini-Comp - November 23
A or B indicates a different time.
Time Status
Tuesday – Small Ice
A. 5:00-5:45 PM OR B. 5:45-6:30 PM Available
Wednesday – Small Ice
4:00-4:45 PM Available
Thursday – Small Ice
A. 5:00-5:45 PM OR B. 5:45-6:30 PM Available
Saturday – Small Ice
12:00-12:45 PM Available

 

Add Additional Fee - Per Skater*

Skate Canada's annual membership fee is $63.70
(non-refundable and non-transferable)

  • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
  • Annual Membership year - September 1 - August 31 (you will pay only once during a season, no matter how many sessions you register for).

Key reasons for the mandatory membership include:

Accident Insurance: Membership enrolls you in the Member Accident Insurance Program, protecting you against injuries sustained during sanctioned activities at a reduced rate.
Certified Coaching: It ensures you are taught by professional coaches who are NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program)- certified.
Testing & Competitions: It provides access to Skate Canada’s nationally standardized testing system and allows you to participate in official competitions and ice shows.
Program Standards: They ensure clubs deliver internationally recognized, high-quality programming (such as CanSkate or STARSkate).

Please note that your skater's information will be shared with Skate Canada through this website.

This fee does not remain with the club; it is sent to Skate Canada in Ottawa. For more information about Skate Canada, visit www.skatecanada.ca.

ALL FEES ARE QUOTED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

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