Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor ice rink will officially open today.

The Shipyards, located on Lot 5 of North Vancouver’s Lonsdale waterfront, is a newly built, mixed-use development and community hub that opened last summer.

The large, covered outdoor plaza has now been converted into a free ice rink — one far bigger than the popular free ice rink at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.

The City of North Vancouver announced on Twitter that the rink will be open starting at noon today.

Drum roll, please. The day we’ve all been waiting for is here. Behold, the City’s brand new, 12,000 sq. ft., covered with retractable roof – Skate Plaza! It’s finished and all yours to enjoy starting at noon TODAY. #NorthVan #ThatsJustHowWeRoll @TheShipyardsNV pic.twitter.com/OCVuCrmEfR — City of North Van (@CityOfNorthVan) December 19, 2019



The rink will be open to skating seven days a week from 12 to 7 pm, although they’ll be closed on December 25.

The skateable surface is approximately 20,000 sq.ft, including the floor area of the 12,000 sq.ft. plaza and the adjacent 8,000 sq.ft. summertime water spray area, both of which are covered by a retractable roof.

The mounds in the spray area are covered by seasonal decor and the ice sheet extends around the mounds so that skaters can navigate around them.

Skaters can either bring their own skates or rent a pair of skates on-site for $7, although quantities are limited. Helmets and skating aids are free.

According to the City of North Vancouver, the Skate Plaza also uses a CO2 chiller that “feeds into the Lonsdale Energy Corporation District Energy System.” The plaza will also undergo periodic closures to clean the ice.

Figure skating and hockey will not be permitted at the rink.

During the summer months, the plaza doubles as an outdoor plaza with a spray area.

“We are thrilled to welcome the community to this wonderful new gathering place,” Stephanie Smiley, City of North Vancouver spokesperson tells Daily Hive. “This year-round attraction offers a unique experience for residents and visitors, in a one-of-a-kind setting at the City’s Shipyards. We encourage everyone to come and check it out.”

With files from Kenneth Chan.