Post by Leigh McAdam

Lake Louise is usually ready for skating by mid-December and stays that way until sometime in mid-April – though skating is weather dependent. The last of the ice doesn’t usually leave the lake until the first week in June.

Lake Louise sits at an elevation of 1750 meters (5742 feet) in the Canadian Rockies. Winter comes early and stays late – a good thing if you’re into enjoying the outdoors.

There are two areas on the lake that are maintained for ice skating, one around the gorgeous ice castle with the massive Victoria Glacier in the distance  which is lit up at night and another one that can be used for pick-up hockey.

Don’t worry if you don’t own skates. They can be rented. A two hour skate rental is $11; its $15 for the whole day. Kids skate rentals are about half the adult price. And if you want to try your hand at hockey, then rent a stick for $5.

If you want to skate in the sunshine plan to do it early in the day at this time of year. The days are short and by early afternoon the sun disappears behind the mountains. The temperature drops quickly too but you can warm up around the fire or head to nearby Chateau Lake Louise and grab yourself a hot drink.

For more travel inspiration check out the photos of other travel bloggers on Nancie’s Budget Travelers Sandbox website.

I think a few hours ice skating on Lake Louise is the perfect way to spend a winter day.

Do you have a favourite outdoor skating rink?

Leigh McAdam, Calgary, Canada    

Leigh thrives on change and travel provides that. She has explored the world, a grand total of 53 countries (all continents except Antarctica). She is a photographer and travel writer in search of compelling images and stories that capture the essence of her adventures. Currently, she is working on a book featuring the Canadian outdoors. Check out her blog HikeBikeTravel or contact her on Facebook or Twitter.