The Loop

The Loop is an outdoor ice-skating trail located in Bannerman Park. Families, young adults, seniors, community and service groups and others all skate together for free. 

The Loop opens for the season when temperatures are consistently low enough to make and maintain the ice surface. Call the Loop Line at 709-733-LOOP (5667) to learn if it is open. When weather or ice conditions are unsafe and not suitable for skating, the Loop will close and we will update the Loop Line – so be sure to call before you head out!

When temperatures consistently rise and ice can no longer be safely maintained The Loop will close for the season. This will be announced on the City's website, social media, through local media and the Loop Line.

Hours

Once opened for the season The Loop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. We temporarily close the surface for routine maintenance:

• Tuesday to Thursday: 1 to 2 p.m.
• Friday to Monday: 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.

Skating is not permitting while ice maintenance is taking place.

Parking

There is a parking lot off Bannerman Road with a three hour parking limit. On-street parking is available in the area except where parking restrictions and/or signage indicates otherwise.

Safety

For the enjoyment and safety of all:

• You must wear skates on the ice.
• CSA approved helmets are recommended.
• Skating aids for the mobility impaired are permitted, but other equipment is not (i.e. hockey sticks, pucks, strollers, sleds, chairs).
• Skate forward at a leisurely pace.
• Racing, speed skating, backwards or figure skating are not permitted.
• Dangerous behavior (horseplay, throwing snow) is not permitted.
• No more than two people can join hands while skating (no chain skating).
• Food and drink are not permitted on the ice.
• Smoking and alcohol are not permitted anywhere in Bannerman Park (or any city parks).
• Do not carry children, including babies in wraps, while on the ice.
• Do not stop on the ice. If you must stop, move off the ice first.
• Dogs or other pets are not allowed on the ice.

Did you know...? To be suitable for skating, the ice on The Loop must be 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. Ice is built in layers, putting on 1/16 in (1.6mm) at a time. When building or rebuilding the ice, skaters are urged to stay off the ice. When people skate on The Loop before the ice building is complete, pieces of ice can break off and expose the underlying concrete surface. When this happens, we have to start the ice building process from the beginning. For the safety and enjoyment of all skaters, please do not skate on The Loop when signs are posted indicating that it is closed.