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Skating Birthday Party

Arena Birthday Party Information (September 2025 – August 2026)

Thank you for your interest in booking your child’s birthday party at the City of Nanaimo ice arenas! We hope that you will have an enjoyable experience with your family and guests. Please review the options below when planning your party.

Option 1 – Attend a Public Skate

Public skating sessions are available throughout the week. Standard admission and skate/helmet rental rates apply. You will be sharing the ice with other members of the public.

  • Hockey sticks, nets, and pucks may be available depending on the session
  • Session rules apply
  • Space may be limited

Click for Drop-in Skating Schedule

Option 2 – Private Ice Rental

Private rentals are generally unavailable weekday mornings/afternoons (before 3:00 PM) and weekends during peak use, though exceptions may occur due to cancellations.

Prime Time Ice

$228.92/hour + GST (minimum fee)

Prime time includes:

  • Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Weekends & holidays: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Non-Prime Time Ice

$185.24/hour + GST (minimum fee)

Non-prime includes:

  • Monday – Friday: 12:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Weekends & holidays: 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM

Skate Shop

$56 minimum fee + GST

  • Pricing may increase based on attendance and rental duration
  • Provides skate and helmet rentals
  • Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment
  • Helmets (bike, snowboard, hockey) are acceptable
  • Open 15 minutes before and after ice time

Additional Options & Considerations

  • Cones can be placed on ice for different ability levels (with skate shop only)
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on ice
  • Hockey nets are available upon request
Important: The City does not provide pucks, gloves, hockey sticks, toys, on-ice supervision, or skating instruction.

Optional – Room Rental

Nanaimo Ice Centre (750 Third St)

The NIC Lounge (warm room) is available for $23.77/hour + GST (minimum fee).

  • Tables and chairs
  • Fireplace
  • TV
  • Microphone
  • Projector screen

Click here for more information

Beban Arenas (2300 Bowen Rd)

Cliff McNabb and Frank Crane arenas do not have suitable party rooms. Room rentals are available at the Beban Social Centre.

Click here for more information

Book or Learn More

For public skate schedules or to book ice time or rooms, please contact:

Megan Reda – Allocation Clerk
Email: megan.reda@nanaimo.ca
Phone: (250) 756-5214

Last updated: June 8, 2026

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