How do you make the most of a frosty winter day? Many Saskatchewanians embrace the season by bundling up, strapping on some skates and gliding across icy surfaces, of which there is no shortage in the province. Here are a few unique outdoor ice skating rinks across the province to check out this winter.

The Rink @ City Square, Regina

Experience the magic of winter in downtown Regina at The Rink @ City Square. Located in City Square Plaza beside Victoria Park, this rink is a local favourite. Throughout the winter season there are various programs and themed skating events – perfect for an evening of family fun or a special date night. Don’t have your own skates? There are free skate rentals are available in the warm-up shack.

Local tip: Warm up after your skate with a hot drink from one of the nearby cafés and restaurants.

The Rink on Wascana, Regina

Skate on a lake at The Rink on Wascana. This rink has picturesque views of Wascana Centre and the Saskatchewan Legislative Building while you glide across the lake. This Regina rink is free to the public – but don’t forget your own skates!

Local tip: Try skating at sunset to capture gorgeous golden-hour photos with the Legislative Building in the background.

Crossmount Cider Company, Saskatoon

Spend the afternoon at Crossmount Cider Company in Saskatoon. Sip on locally produced hard apple cider, warm up by the fire and skate on the frozen pond behind the cidery. The skating rink is free to the public and always open (but there are no amenities available outside of cidery hours). All ages are welcome. Bring your own skates.

Local tip: After skating, sample their seasonal spiced cider and kick back by the fire.

Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @ Nutrien Plaza, Saskatoon

Create unforgettable memories in downtown Saskatoon, while skating under the twinkling lights at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @ Nutrien Plaza. Its views of the South Saskatchewan River make it one of the most popular skating rinks in the province. Take part in one of the programs or events hosted throughout the season. Access to the facility is on a first-come, first-served basis and it is recommended to bring your own skates.

Local tip: Avoid the crowds by going on a weekday afternoon.

Echo Valley Provincial Park

Echo Valley Provincial Park's Skate the Park is a fan favourite. Enjoy a skate through the Aspen Campground along an ice path that winds its way between the surrounding trees atop the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley. When the sun goes down, the path is illuminated, creating a magical setting for a night skate. Skate the Park is free to enjoy with a valid park entry permit and you will need to bring your own skates.

Local tip: Pack a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy around the fire on breaks between laps.

Kiwanis River Park Skating Oval, Moose Jaw

Enjoy scenic views of Wakamow Valley with a skate on the Kiwanis River Park Skating Oval in Moose Jaw. The skating rink is open to the public and free to use. The skating oval is shared with the Kinsmen Speed Skating Club. While the club is on the ice practicing, it is requested that the public skate on the inside lanes and refrain from using sticks and pucks. You will need to bring your own skates and there is a change room on site.

Local tip: After your skate, head to Main Street for bite to eat.

Elk Ridge Resort, near Prince Albert National Park

Elk Ridge Resort is a well-known winter adventure destination in Saskatchewan. The resort's frozen pond has an expansive skating loop, as well as two hockey rinks in the middle. With the loop illuminated at night, you might even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis while out for an evening skate. Also onsite is a curling sheet, crokicurl rink, toboggan hill, as well as snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Equipment is available for guests.

Local tip: After skating, head inside the lodge for a relaxing soak in their hot tub.

Ice skating is a great way to embrace winter. These unique outdoor rinks provide picturesque settings, from lakes and valleys to downtown plazas and boreal forest. So grab your skates, bundle up and make the most of those frosty winter days.

Share photos of you embracing the season with us on Instagram by using the hashtag #ExploreSask!