2026.2027 Fall & Winter Registration NOW OPEN
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CanSkate
Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages.
About CanSkate
When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation, and basic skill development. Lessons are given in a group format and led by our NCCP certified professional coaches, accompanied by trained volunteer Program Assistants. Coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music, and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.Pre-Requisites: NONE
Recommended commitment: one lesson weekly (some skaters may opt for more if faster progression is desired)
Lesson Format: Group Lessons
Coach: Canskate Co-Ordinator Laura Ivanich Paluch oversees all sessions.
What to Expect
What to wear:
We recommend kids wear winter pants and jackets to stay warm.
Thin socks or skating tights recommended. We strongly discourage thick socks - skates work best with a secure fit close to the foot.
Teens and adults may opt to wear full length active-wear pants, long-sleeves, and a jacket/sweater.
Long hair should be safely secured away from the face.
Mandatory:
- ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A CSA APPROVED ICE HELMET - Helmets will NOT be provided, please come with your own. Bike and other helmets will not be allowed.
- Gloves / Mitts
Skates:
Both hockey skates and figure skates are allowed for CanSkate lessons.
We highly recommend beginners start in the skates they wish to progress to higher levels with.
Buying your first pair of skates?
What to bring:
We recommend a small bag containing:
- Water bottle
- Small healthy snack for before/after skating
- A micro-fibre cloth to dry skate blades after skating
- Soft skate blade cozies for post-skating storage
- Hard skate guards for walking off-ice in your skates
- Extra gloves/mittens
- Extra socks
Lesson Days:
Parents / Guardians, you MUST remain on-site at the rink for the entire duration of each lesson.
Children cannot be unattended at the rink. If you need to leave, you MUST provide another adult to be responsible for your child. As with any sport, there is always a risk of injury. It is imperative that a responsible guardian be present at all times in case of an emergency.
Plan to arrive with ample time to get your skates laced and gear on, especially if you have a little skater to prepare.
The music will begin and a coach will open the rink gate to allow skaters onto ice to do group warm up laps.
Circuits will be drawn and set up for skaters.
Skaters will be organised into groups and lead through the circuits by our Skate Canada certified coaches with help from volunteer program assistants.
At the end of the session skaters will be guided off the ice.
Coaches will not assist with skates or gear. Please practice putting things on and off at home so you can come prepared to get on ice on time!
Questions about CanSkate?
Contact our friendly Administrator at: admin@kitsfsc.ca