The Olympic Oval welcomes group bookings and skate-a-thons during public skating times with the following restrictions to ensure a safe skating environment for all Calgarians:
- No group bookings or skate-a-thons are allowed during Monday night (Toonie night) public skating. Any teams that show up will be turned away.
- Group bookings must be pre-booked using the following form: Group Booking Request Form, walk ins risk being turned away.
- No more than 2 group bookings are allowed per public skating session due to capacity issues, walk-ins will be turned away.
- Racing is not allowed during public skating. Teams should consider renting exclusive ice for older or faster skaters wanting to carry out a skate- a-ton. Ice inquiries can be booked through ovalbookings@ucalgary.ca
- Any skaters who conduct themselves in an unsafe manner or are causing damage to the ice will be asked to leave or to stop the skate-a-thon
- Groups must rent a room if they wish to have food with their group booking, food cannot be set out in public spaces
🥉BRONZE: Group Bookings 15-50 People
These bookings include discounted rates on admission and skate rentals. At least 15 paying skaters are required for a Group Booking.
*Group Skate Bookings are NOT available on Mondays.
🥈SILVER: Group Bookings for 50-150 People
This includes admission, skate & helmet rental plus use of the Olympic Oval Lounge. Additionally, Kumi the Penguin is available (assuming he's not training in Antarctica).
*Group Skate Bookings are NOT available on Mondays.
🥇GOLD: For Bookings larger than 150 People
This includes admission, skate & helmet rental plus use of the Olympic Oval Lounge, Boardroom and the Oval Terrace. Additionally, Kumi the Penguin is available (assuming he's not training in Antarctica).
*Group Skate Bookings are NOT available on Mondays.
Public Skating FAQ
Public Skating Questions? We’ve Got You.
From admission to rentals, dress code to ice times—our Public Skating FAQ has all the answers to help you glide in with confidence.
Yes! For your safety, helmets are mandatory for all skaters. A bike or ski helmet with a chin strap works perfectly—no need for anything fancy, just secure and snug!
There’s no minimum age—everyone’s welcome! Just remember, all skaters must wear skates on the ice, and little ones should be supervised by an adult at all times.
To keep the ice safe and smooth for everyone, we schedule regular maintenance (a.k.a. floods!). Don’t worry—we’ll post and announce flood times so you know when to take a break.
Yes! Personal skate aids are welcome on the ice. If it helps you (or your little one) stay upright and smiling, bring it along!
Yes! Strollers are welcome, but children must be securely strapped in and wearing a helmet. Our friendly Ice Patrol team will assist with Stroller Crossing to ensure a safe experience. Please note: stroller wheels may need to be cleaned before entering the ice, especially during the winter months.
For everyone’s safety, carrying children on the ice isn’t allowed. We want your little ones to enjoy the ice safely—strollers or skate aids are a great option!
For safety reasons, only those wearing skates are allowed on the ice. If you're not skating, feel free to cheer from the sidelines—we love a good audience! 🎉
To keep things safe and fun for everyone, sticks, pucks, and ringette rings aren’t allowed during Public Skating. It’s all about smooth gliding, not slap shots!
Absolutely! Figure skates are welcome. Just keep in mind that jumps and spins aren’t permitted during Public Skating—our goal is a safe and smooth experience for everyone.
Absolutely! Wheelchairs are welcome and can access the ice via our accessible entrance. All participants must wear a helmet while on the ice. Our staff will assist with cleaning the wheels to ensure they’re ready for a safe glide.
Please note that group bookings and skate-a-thons are not permitted during Monday Night Toonie Skate. This popular evening is reserved for individual recreational skaters and families. Teams and organized groups arriving for these activities will unfortunately be unable to participate.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Group Bookings & Private Party FAQ
Planning a Group Skate or Party? We’ve Got You.
From booking details to setup tips, payment to decorations—our Group Bookings & Private Parties FAQ covers everything you need for a smooth and fun experience on and off the ice.
Yes! We’d love to host your group. All bookings, including party packages, require at least 3 weeks’ notice. Reserve your Group Skate today to lock in your date!
While individual registration isn’t required, we do ask for the total number in your group so we can prepare accordingly.
Guest limits may vary based on the package or space you book. For the best fit, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to confirm availability and capacity.
Skating instructors are not included, and lessons are not permitted during Public Skating sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Unless you’ve booked private ice, all group bookings take place during Public Skating sessions, where the ice is shared with other guests.
You’re welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes before your booking to set up, as long as the space is available. Please check with our staff to confirm your setup time.
Access to a fridge may be available depending on your package and space booking. Please contact our staff directly to confirm availability.
You're welcome to bring your own decorations—just keep in mind that some restrictions apply. Please note that staff are not available to assist with setup or cleanup.
You're welcome to bring your own food, non-alcoholic drinks, and decorations! Please note that items like candles, helium balloons, confetti, glitter, open flames, and alcohol are not permitted.
Hungry? Food’s not included, but feel free to bring your own or order in!
Want to add a little flair? We’ve got a few décor add-ons available—just ask what’s in stock when you book!
Group bookings require one full payment at the time of reservation. Thanks for keeping it simple!
This wording provides flexibility based on the booking level—especially since we generally don’t charge a cancellation fee for Bronze bookings as payment isn’t taken until the end.
Yes! Helmets and skates are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis—come early for the best selection.
We’ve got rentals, but sizes can run out on busy days—if you’ve got your own skates, bring ’em just in case!
Have questions? Reach out to the Olympic Oval Guest Services team — we’re happy to help!
Please note that a maximum of two group bookings are permitted per public skating session due to capacity limitations. Once capacity has been reached, additional walk-in groups will unfortunately be turned away. We encourage groups to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, racing is not permitted during public skating sessions. Teams with older or faster skaters wishing to organize a skate-a-thon are encouraged to consider booking exclusive ice time.
For ice rental inquiries, please contact ovalbookings@ucalgary.ca
Any skaters who conduct themselves in an unsafe manner or are causing damage to the ice will be asked to leave or to stop the skate-a-thon.
Groups must rent a room if they wish to have food with their group booking, food cannot be set out in public spaces.
The Oval is a fantastic place for Group Skate Bookings — holidays, birthdays, team-building meetings etc. There is no other place like it in Alberta!
David Vink
Marketing & Corporate Events Specialist — Olympic Oval