Skates enjoy some shinny along Kin Beach in Vernon, Feb. 12.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Sylvia Voets

With temperatures dropping people across Kamloops and the Okanagan are enjoying the outdoors on ice.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, some ice rinks are not up and running for the reason, but others are available and need to be booked ahead of time.

The following is a list of outdoor rinks we’ve found in the area that are open during the pandemic. Check city, ski resort and regional district websites for more information on openings and restrictions during COVID-19.

Residents were also seen skating near Kin Beach in Vernon and on Kalamalka Lake.

Temperatures should remain below freezing in the Thompson Okanagan until Wednesday, Feb. 17, according to Environment Canada. 

SKATING AT THE REGION'S SKI RESORTS

Most of the Thompson-Okanagan's ski resorts provide outdoor skating opportunities.

Sun Peaks Resort, about 45 minutes north of Kamloops, has an NHL sized ice skating rink open to the public. No rentals are available at this time.

Vernon’s Silver Star Resort, around 20 kilometres northeast of Vernon, uses the frozen surface of Brewer’s Pond as a skating rink, accommodating casual, figure skaters and hockey players. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the resort.

Apex Mountain Resort, approximately 33 km west of Penticton, has a skating loop that users can even enjoy at night. Skate rentals are available.

Skates enjoy some shinny along Kin Beach in Vernon, Feb. 12.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Sylvia Voets

OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS

The City of Kamloops has areas set up in a number of parks where ice surfaces can be created. Local community groups work with the City to build the outdoor rinks, which are dependent on weather, COVID-19 restrictions and volunteer availability. Below is a list of city parks that may be home to an outdoor rink:

• Westsyde Centennial Park, 705 Franklin Rd.
• Juniper Park, 2150 Qu’appelle Blvd.
• Thompson Park, 6500 Beaver Cres.
• Valleyview Centennial Park, 2288 Park Dr.
• Len Haughton Park, 595 Lister Rd.
• Pineview Valley Park, 1925 Hugh Allan Dr.

One reader in Kamloops suggested skating on Inks Lake off Lac La Jeune Road. As with any lakefront rink, take extra precautions to be sure the ice is thick enough.

In the Shuswap, glide on to these three locations which are open for the season, according to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.

• Farrell's Field at 5051 Meadow Creek Road, Celista
• Sorrento-Blind Bay Community Park at 2670 Davidson Rd, Sorrento
• Parson Community Park 3612 Hwy 95, Parson

Kelowna’s outdoor rink at Stuart Park is open for bookings only to limit the number of people on the ice. Skate rentals are not available this year at the rink.

The City of Vernon operates the Centennial Outdoor Rink at the recreation complex at 3310 37 Ave.

In the South Okanagan, Penticton’s Lakeside Resort operates a fully lit rink on the resort’s waterfront. It is recommended to contact the front desk at 250-493-8221 to check for previous booking or to book for group use.

How are you finding ways to skate this season during COVID-19? Let us know where some of your favourite skating locations are in the comments below.

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