The record-breaking cold in Vancouver doesn’t mean we have to spend all of our time indoors. In fact, many Vancouverites made the best of it this past weekend, grabbing their skates and heading for the nearest frozen-over lake or pond. If you want to visit one yourself, just be sure to ensure ice thickness for safe skating before venturing out.

Trout Lake

Farmer’s markets, boat shows, and other celebrations usually take place at this East Vancouver park. Its main attraction is the lake located smack in the middle and bordering 19th Avenue and Grandview Highway. Our recent cold snap provided it a frozen top to play on.

Jericho Beach Park

Freestyle skating abounds here, where cattails break up an otherwise open and clear spot to skate.

Vanier Park Pond

In Kitsilano, just behind the Museum of Vancouver and the planetarium is Vanier Park Pond. This weekend, it stayed frozen long enough for a game of pond hockey between strangers.

Construction pit at Victoria Street and Pender Street

There’s nothing like taking advantage of urban sites for our own recreation, and some hockey enthusiasts did just that at a frozen-over construction site at Victoria Street and Pender Street, just south of the Shell gas station. It has to be said—enter at your own risk.