Markham Civic Centre
A vibrant community hub featuring a top-tier outdoor skating rink in winter and stunning Arthur Erickson architecture with serene park spaces year-rou...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Skating bliss, fewer crowds
Markham Civic Centre
Best Time
Skating bliss, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community hub featuring a top-tier outdoor skating rink in winter and stunning Arthur Erickson architecture with serene park spaces year-round.
"This place shines in the winter with one of the best public rinks around—huge, well-maintained, and a fantastic community hub."
Check Rink Status
Confirm outdoor rink opening hours before visiting, especially during mild weather. :ice_skate:
Skate Rental Costs
Skate rentals can be a bit pricey. Consider bringing your own if you plan frequent visits. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Refrigerated Skating Rink
Outdoor rink
One of the best public rinks: huge, well-maintained, and often with great music. A true community hub.
Arthur Erickson Architecture
Civic Centre building
Admire the striking modern design by Arthur Erickson, a beautiful backdrop for photos and reflection.
Reflecting Pond & Park
Park area
A serene spot for a walk or quiet contemplation, especially lovely in warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Skating Season
Summer Strolls & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What’s the fastest way to figure out if the Civic Centre ice rink is open?
Check Rink Status
Confirm outdoor rink opening hours before visiting, especially during mild weather. :ice_skate:
Skate Rental Costs
Skate rentals can be a bit pricey. Consider bringing your own if you plan frequent visits. :moneywithwings:
Markham Night Market at Civic Centre: What's the best thing to eat?
Outdoor Rink for Hockey?
Photography Hotspot
Beautiful scenes, especially after weddings. Great for photos year-round. :camerawithflash:
Summer Fountain Fun
Enjoy the water fountain by the parking lot; it's a nice way to cool down on hot days. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Rink Status
Confirm outdoor rink opening hours before visiting, especially during mild weather. :ice_skate:
Skate Rental Costs
Skate rentals can be a bit pricey. Consider bringing your own if you plan frequent visits. :moneywithwings:
Photography Hotspot
Beautiful scenes, especially after weddings. Great for photos year-round. :camerawithflash:
Summer Fountain Fun
Enjoy the water fountain by the parking lot; it's a nice way to cool down on hot days. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Markham Civic Centre for its excellent outdoor skating rink, especially in winter, and its beautiful architecture and park spaces year-round. It's seen as a vibrant community hub. However, the rink can get very crowded on weekends, and skate rental prices are noted as being on the higher side.
"As a local, this place shines in the winter. The biggest pro is definitely the outdoor refrigerated skating rink. It's easily one of the best public rinks around—huge, well-maintained, and they often play some decent music. It's a fantastic community hub. In the summer, the architecture (designed by Arthur Erickson) and the park/reflecting pond are gorgeous for a walk or to just sit and people-watch. The main negative is that the rink can get absolutely mobbed on a Saturday afternoon, and frankly, the skate rentals are a little pricier than they should be. But for a beautiful public space that's always hosting an event, you can't beat it."
Seo-yeon Kim
"Pretty outdoor area, skating during the winter is convenient, and inside is quite nice !"
Connie
"It was such a treat for me to discover this nice small pond behind the Markham Civic Centre. I really enjoy this nice view and piece of quiet. There is a skating rink next to the pond. It is open for ice skating in winter and skate boarding & roller blading in the spring summer time. It’s also a perfect route for a short walk & get some fresh air. You can start from Unionville High School (Warden Entrance) > Markham Civic Centre > FLATO MarkhamTheatre and end at Unionville High School (Front Entrance). Definitely recommend if you live near the Town Centre Blvd neighbourhood."
Jenny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Markham Civic Centre is accessible by car with a large parking lot. Public transit options are also available via York Region Transit buses. It's also a pleasant walk from nearby areas like Unionville High School.
Yes, there is a huge parking lot available at the Markham Civic Centre, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The area is great for walks and bike rides. You can create a nice route connecting from Unionville High School or other nearby neighborhoods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the outdoor skating rink is generally free for public skating. However, there might be fees for skate rentals or special events.
Operating hours for the outdoor ice rink vary by season and weather conditions. It's best to check the official City of Markham website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information, especially on weekends.
To check if the rink is open, you can try calling the Civic Centre, though weekend responses might be automated. Sending an email to skate@markhamskaterentals.ca is another option, but response times can vary. Checking the City of Markham's official website for rink status updates is often the most reliable method.
The Markham Civic Centre building and its surrounding park areas are generally free to access for the public. Admission fees typically only apply to specific ticketed events held within the venue.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
In winter, the main attraction is the outdoor refrigerated skating rink. During warmer months, the area is great for walks, enjoying the architecture, and people-watching by the reflecting pond. The Civic Centre also hosts various community events.
The rink is large and well-maintained, making it suitable for skaters of all levels. However, it can get crowded, so beginners might prefer visiting during off-peak hours.
Yes, skate rentals are available at the outdoor rink. However, some visitors find the rental prices to be a bit high.
Yes, the Markham Civic Centre is popular for photography, especially for its modern architecture and the scenic reflecting pond. It's noted as a beautiful spot, particularly after weddings.
The park area around the reflecting pond is perfect for a leisurely walk, sitting and relaxing, or enjoying the architecture. It's a peaceful escape, especially during weekdays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't typically dedicated food vendors directly at the Civic Centre, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Markham downtown area, offering a variety of dining choices.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park areas. It's a great option for a picnic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Outdoor Skating Rink
However, be prepared for crowds, particularly on Saturday afternoons, when the rink can become quite busy. While skate rentals are available, some visitors note that the prices are on the higher side. For those planning multiple visits, bringing your own skates might be a more economical choice. It's also crucial to check the rink's operational status before heading out, as warmer weather can sometimes lead to temporary closures. [^review]
Architectural Gem and Serene Spaces
During the summer, these spaces are ideal for leisurely walks, quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying the scenery and people-watching. The water fountain near the parking lot is also a welcome feature on hot summer days, offering a refreshing ambiance. The combination of impressive architecture and well-maintained green spaces makes the Civic Centre a pleasant destination year-round, even outside of the winter skating season. [^review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit