Emera Skating Oval
Category: Active Life Skating Rinks Skating Rinks [Edit]
North Park StHalifax, NS B3K
(902) 490-2347
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for Emera Skating Oval
7 reviews in English
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Review from Meghan W.
2/18/2012 1 photo
Seeing so many people enjoying the oval makes me feel better about paying property taxes, free skating and free rentals OMG right? When you see all the heads swirling around you think it's too crowded but the space is so large there's no problem. I'm not a good skater and spent most of the time tiptoeing around the edges; it's a long way around without boards to grab on to! I got my skates sharpened and toe picks ground off so wish me luck on my next try.
Maybe some snacks that aren't deep fried and skate sharpening please?Listed in: ParticipACTION
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Review from Deanna S.
3/30/2012
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to get out of the house and just do something, the oval is a great place.
Don't own a pair of skates? That's okay because you can rent them FOR FREE. This was my favourite part. It was free. It didn't cost me anything to do it. I skated for about an hour, while chatting with my cousin. It was an easy way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
If you want to be traditionally romantic, try taking your significant other out for a day of skating. So cute. You can even top off the date with beavertails and hot chocolate.
People of all ages and levels of expertise will find themselves comfortable with the vast skating area. Try to hit the ice at least once this winter! You won't regret it! -
Review from Sandra M.
2/25/2012
Last Friday, me, my Mother-in-Law, Brother-in-Law and his girlfriend went to the Oval for a quick skate while they were visiting Halifax.
We all agreed that we were impressed with how well organized and laid out the Oval was.
Parking a street away was easy enough to find.
Access to the Oval is free
Skate and Helmet rentals are free
There are padded squares all around for skate blade protection
There are more than enough benches with storage space beneath for boots and bags
There are a few vendors with hot treats and beverages
There are clearly posted rules (though not everyone reads them and abides)
There are more then enough "chair frames" for beginners (such as one very tall Brother-in-Law)
Even with the hundreds of skaters, the track did not seem crowded. people of all ages partook in the public skate session and seemed respectful of each other.
The only 2 things that could make it any better would be:
More attractive stations for rentals and such (rather than mobile trailers) and
More gravel between the side-walk and padded squares to take care of the muck and slush.
I did not experience the wash-room options to offer any input there.
I look forward to my next day off and finding someone to skate with. I had never made use of the Commons prior to this occasion (save briefly walking through with a few friend and their dog one sunny afternoon). -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
1/15/2012
Having the Oval return to the Commons is probably the best thing that could happen over winter.
I'm not a great skater, but that doesn't really matter. It's fun just to try! And, the space is huge, so you can spread out and take things at your own pace. It's nice to see old and young people getting out and doing something active in the cold season.
Skate rentals are available (for free!) and all you need to do is trade your ID for a pair. The surface is very well kept, and I think it's possible to have the ice stable up to +10 degrees, which will hopefully extend the length of time we can use the Oval this season.
There is plenty of space to observe or sit and watch (also lots of space for storing shoes while you are skating). My only wish is that there were more "boards" around the ice so I could have a spot or two to catch my balance! (Really though, I just need to learn to skate a bit better).
Oh, and don't forget a few $ for a beavertail.Listed in: Date Night!, North/West End Haunts, It's a Party!
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Review from Jill M.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Can you give the Oval anything but five stars? It's free, it's in Halifax, and for once we actually got something we wanted.
I'm not a good skater - no really, I'm terrible. I'm nervous, I can't look up from the ice, and I'm incapable of making conversation and skating at the same time - but I still really enjoy it here. I'm so glad we have the Oval in Halifax, it has really livened up my winter. Especially since I'm not a big skiier.Listed in: Fun, Fun, Fun
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Review from Mel H.
1/6/2012
When the oval first appeared last year, I was pretty stoked. It was a temporary structure for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. Doomed to close and disappear like most of the cool things in our fair city.
Then, by some miraculous turn of events, the people of HRM rallied together and the oval became a permanent fixture!
Whether you feel like you're strapping butter knives to your feet or can skate like the wind, the oval is great for all levels and abilities.
For all the stupid things that sometimes happen in the Commons, it's nice to see something as awesome as the oval. Wooohoo! -
Review from Sarah C.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2012
I went skating on the Oval a few days ago, was my first skate of the year. I am a big fan of the Oval and I am so pleased it has returned for another year. It's a great activity and they sell snacks there. Who doesnt love Beaver tails and fried food!
If you haven't been, I suggest you strap on your skates and head down there this weekend.
