“Skating at Civic Plaza is about creating a lively, vibrant space where people can connect and enjoy the season together,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke in a statement today.
“This exciting pilot project delivers a free, inclusive venue that everyone can enjoy. Projects like these are an important step toward building a vibrant downtown in Surrey.”
In addition to skate rentals, the ice rink will also have a cafe, ample seating areas, and seasonal activities.
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink. (City of Surrey)
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink. (City of Surrey)
The ice rink will have an initial debut period on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. — coinciding with the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival on the same weekend. On a first-come, first-served basis, due to the anticipated popularity coinciding with the tree lighting event, there will be time-limited skating sessions and free skate and helmet rentals.
The ice rink will then reopen on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for the start of its regular operating season — opening daily through Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. During this months-long operating season, its regular hours will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., while holiday hours will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 to 26, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.
Skate rentals over this regular operating period will be available for $5.00 per pair, but visitors are also encouraged to bring their own equipment due to the limited on-site supply, especially during the busier skating times during the evenings and weekends. Helmet rentals are free and required for children ages 12 and under.
There will also be opportunities for schools and other private groups to reserve rink times on select days.
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink. (City of Surrey)
Surrey Civic Plaza is adjacent to SkyTrain’s Surrey Central Station, Surrey City Hall, and the City’s main library.
This winter’s temporary ice rink promises to transform the public plaza into a vibrant community hub, bringing energy and activity to the heart of the city. By inviting residents and visitors of all ages to gather, socialize, and enjoy seasonal recreation, the rink could strengthen the plaza’s role as a welcoming public space. As a result, the plaza will remain lively even during colder and darker months, enhancing civic pride and supporting a more dynamic urban experience, which is a key priority for this municipal government and their vision of growing and maturing the city centre.
Similar installations have already demonstrated this impact, most notably the long-running Robson Square Ice Rink and the newer Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver, both of which have become beloved winter destinations.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival at Surrey Civic Plaza. (City of Surrey)
While Surrey’s rink will be more modest in scale — compared with Robson Square’s 6,000 sq. ft. surface and The Shipyards’ 12,000 sq. ft. — it represents a step toward seasonal placemaking and the continued activation of one of Surrey’s main civic gathering spaces. Moreover, unlike the temporary installation in Surrey, the rinks at Robson Square and The Shipyards are permanent built-in facilities.
Earlier this year, immediately south of Surrey Civic Plaza, the City’s North Surrey Arena and North Surrey Recreation Centre were demolished in preparation for the construction of a new major mixed-use, multi-tower office and institutional complex, including the new permanent facilities for Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Medicine.
To the north, the City is also in the early stages of planning a new 10,000-seat arena to anchor its new entertainment district within the city centre, potentially replacing the BC Lions’ training facility.
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink
When: Open daily from Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, until Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (initial limited debut on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, during the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival)
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free for all ages. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.
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