Winter fun and fitness means skating! Three FREE local skating spots.
- Everything Morinville
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
It's February and though the air is still cold, the days are getting longer - perfect for evenings of outdoor skating or pickup hockey (shinny). And if it's too cold for you, our free skating spots include a Sunday afternoon indoor option.
For kids, skating is all about getting outside in the fresh air (or onto a big indoor rink) and having fun. They'll get a full body workout and great night's sleep without even thinking about it.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to want to think about it. So here's a quick rundown of what makes skating one of the best workouts out there:
Works the major muscle groups: Skating engages your legs, core, and even your arms (I was skeptical too, but by using your arms for balance and momentum, you engage the shoulders, biceps, triceps and forearm muscles, allegedly).
Provides solid cardio: Skating gets your heart rate up while going a little easier on the joints than running.
Keeps the joints lubed: The smooth, gliding motion of skating helps keep joints mobile and lubricated, which can reduce stiffness and improve flexibility over time.
Stress reduction and mindfulness: The effort you put into skating helps release endorphins to lift your mood, while focusing on balance and smooth movements during skating can put you into a 'flow state,' or create a meditative effect. Plus, if you're skating outside, you'll absorb a little winter vitamin D.
And finally, let's not forget social connection. Getting out to a local public skating rink (or trail) is a great way to bump into people you know and meet new people.
Don't skate on neighbourhood storm ponds! Warmer water entering under the ice makes them dangerous.
Three (3) fabulous spots for free skating in Morinville (and Cardiff)
Morinville Outdoor Multisport Facility
This classic Canadian small town hockey rink is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily all winter long (except when it gets too warm). Drop in any time to skate or shoot the puck around, or maybe join a pickup hockey game. There is a heated laceup building and washrooms onsite.
Check the Town of Morinville website to doublecheck rink conditions.
Cardiff Park Skating Trail
Skate through the trees on this fabulous ice trail at Cardiff Park. It is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily but the real magic happens after 4 pm when the lights come to transform the whole area into a sparkling winter wonderland. Winter picnic, anyone? There are three outdoor skate tying locations and washrooms nearby, as well as firepits (bring your own wood) and covered picnic tables.
The trail is maintained regularly but conditions vary with the weather.
Sunday Family Fun Skate at the Morinville Leisure Centre
Every Sunday afternoon, from 2:15 to 4:15 pm, you can skate for free at the Morinville Leisure Centre's Landrex Arena. The facility has fully heated change rooms, washrooms, and bleachers, as well as vending machine drinks/snacks and tables in the front foyer.
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