Our Favourite Places to Skate in Peterborough and the Kawarthas

There’s no denying that winter is in the air! The temperatures are plummeting, and you can even see your breath on chilly mornings. For some people, this change in season marks a time of hibernating inside until the snow melts and the temperatures climb again.

For others, the snow and the ice can not come soon enough. Whatever your feelings about the weather, there is one sure way to chase away the winter blues. Why not lace up those skates? Peterborough and the Kawarthas are full of fabulous arenas and beautiful outdoor skating destinations. Here are just a few of our favourite places to tear up the ice on frosty winter days.

Inside Skating Anytime

The idea of skating on an indoor rink may not sound glamorous, but there are a few benefits you can always count on. The ice is always smooth and well-maintained; there are no sticks to trip over, and you can rest assured you won’t go home with frostbite or soaking wet from rain and slush.

Plus, indoor rinks can be ideal for those of us who are a little wobbly on our feet. There’s something comforting about a wall to hold onto until you get your skating legs back again. Indoor rinks often feature music from today’s hottest artists that could have you dancing and gliding at the same time! Alternatively, you might want to grab your hockey stick and puck for a friendly round of shinny. Here are a few indoor rinks for whenever you want some winter fun without braving the elements:

Kinsmen Civic Centre, Peterborough: Whether you want to play a serious hockey game or just shoot the puck around, this will quickly become a favourite gathering place for your whole family. Since they are open year-round, the fun isn’t even limited to just the winter! Plenty of parking is available, and there’s even an onsite skate sharpening service.
Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough: With programs for adults over 50, public skating, and drop-in shinny, there’s something for everyone. A cozy room overlooks the arena, providing a nice place to warm up if you need a break.
Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre, Kawartha Lakes: Parent and tot time, shinny, and public skating are available. Pre-registration may be required; however, you can be sure that the ice is never too crowded as you soar around the rink at your leisure.

Intrigued about Kawartha Lakes? Here is some food for thought if you’re thinking about buying a home or cottage:

Outdoor Skating

Indoor skating is a great activity for inclement weather, but nothing compares to the magic of the great outdoors while taking in the sight of nature all around you. Both Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes offer plenty of opportunities for your family to make the most of the wintertime.

Quaker Foods City Square, Peterborough: Welcome to one of Peterborough’s newest rinks! No hockey sticks or pucks are permitted, which leaves plenty of space for leisurely skating and doing your own thing! The rink is open daily during the winter months from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. The fun doesn’t end when the ice thaws, either. When the sun comes up, the inline skates come out!
Peterborough Lift Lock, Peterborough: If the green flag is up, the thrills are on at the Peterborough Lift Lock, where you’ll encounter people of all ages and abilities skating away on the canal. When conditions are safe, the ice is maintained by the city, which ensures smooth gliding for everyone.
Neighbourhood Rinks, Peterborough: Could there be an ice skating hotspot conveniently located at a park near you? There very well could be, depending on the weather and thanks to a group of volunteers who flood and maintain numerous neighbourhood rinks. Imagine the thrill of setting out to whirl around even if you only have a short time to spare.
Logie Park Skating Loop, Lindsay: Why skate around in a circle when you can whirl around in a giant loop de loop? Kawartha Lakes’ newest skating loop just opened in 2020, and the reviews are stellar! Well-maintained, refrigerated ice ensures smooth conditions, with plenty of places to stop and sit when you need a quick rest. The scenery as you soar along is simply stunning.

Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes offer a host of fun and memorable experiences in every season! Learn more in the posts below:

Lace Up for a Grand Adventure

Who doesn’t love a road trip? If you want to make a day or even a weekend out of it, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking skating adventures a short drive away. It’s hard to find a better way to bond with friends and loved ones and create a winter memory everyone will treasure.

Arrowhead Skating Loop: The ice trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park is quickly becoming one of the hottest winter attractions around, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine 1.3 km of skating through a forest. After a fresh snowfall, this experience becomes even more magical. During fire and ice nights, hundreds of torches will light your way.
Lake Skating: During cold Canadian winters, the lake can become the ultimate haven for outdoor skating. Imagine absolute freedom to twist and turn and race off in different directions. It’s unlike anything you’ll ever experience anywhere else at any rink or loop. If the thought of tearing around on a lake appeals to you, keep your eye on the weather and wait for the mercury to fall.

Do you want to know more about the lifestyle Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes offers? Our door is always open, and we are happy to help. Reach out today at 705-243-9797 or team@jeffandkatie.ca to start a conversation.