CanSkate
CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada. This flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice.
The CanSkate program is geared to beginners of all ages…children, adults, newcomers to Canada and athletes with a disability (AWAD). Whether you are looking to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette or speed skating, or wish to skate for recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there.
Conducted in a fun, friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills, using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice.
Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. Offered at clubs and skating schools across Canada and delivered by NCCP coaches, CanSkate will help you realize your skating goals.
The CanSkate program is geared to beginners of all ages…children, adults, newcomers to Canada and athletes with a disability (AWAD). Whether you are looking to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette or speed skating, or wish to skate for recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there.
Conducted in a fun, friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills, using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice.
Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. Offered at clubs and skating schools across Canada and delivered by NCCP coaches, CanSkate will help you realize your skating goals.
Advanced CanSkate
This program is designed for skaters who have passed CanSkate Stage 3 and wish to pursue figure skating or to continue working on the higher level CanSkate badges.
Advanced CanSkate sessions are 50 minutes long and offer a group format with a smaller coach-to-skater ratio. These sessions are blended with a Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2) session. Figure skates are strongly recommended for all Advanced CanSkate sessions.
Skaters who have completed CanSkate Stage 6 may be invited by our Professional Coaching Staff to move up to Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2).
Those interested in hockey or ringette should consider our PowerSkate program.
Advanced CanSkate sessions are 50 minutes long and offer a group format with a smaller coach-to-skater ratio. These sessions are blended with a Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2) session. Figure skates are strongly recommended for all Advanced CanSkate sessions.
Skaters who have completed CanSkate Stage 6 may be invited by our Professional Coaching Staff to move up to Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2).
Those interested in hockey or ringette should consider our PowerSkate program.
Quick Facts
What age of child can participate in CanSkate?
CanSkate is open for children ages 4 and up. Children who are aged 3 that parents feel can handle a 50 minute session without parent involvement are welcome to register as well.
What equipment do I need?
Participants need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting skates (hockey, recreational or figure skates are fine), and a CSA-certified Hockey Helmet. For first-time skaters, we recommend a winter jacket and snow pants or snow suit with mitts, ensuring that the skater is comfortable and has free mobility. As skaters progress beyond basic movement, lighter jackets and splash pants are more suitable. Our coaches are happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
What is the Helmet Policy?
Skate Canada has mandated that all skaters up to, and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA-certified multi-impact hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski or snowboard helmets are not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. For more information, you can read the Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts etc. Skaters progress at their own speed as coaches test on a continual basis. There is a "focus on fun" that creates the best quality learning environment possible. A maximum skater to coach ratio of 10:1 is maintained. The CanSkate program is organized into 6 progressive stages of learning. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals – Balance, Control, Agility. There are 3 fundamental area ribbons for each stage, and six stage badges that can be awarded to the skater.
What's after CanSkate?
Upon completion of Stage 3 in the CanSkate program, skaters may choose to continue their development of skating in our Advanced CanSkate program or development of power skating for Ringette and Hockey players through our PowerSkate program.
Who do I ask for more info?
Please see our FAQ page, or send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any other questions you have.
CanSkate is open for children ages 4 and up. Children who are aged 3 that parents feel can handle a 50 minute session without parent involvement are welcome to register as well.
What equipment do I need?
Participants need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting skates (hockey, recreational or figure skates are fine), and a CSA-certified Hockey Helmet. For first-time skaters, we recommend a winter jacket and snow pants or snow suit with mitts, ensuring that the skater is comfortable and has free mobility. As skaters progress beyond basic movement, lighter jackets and splash pants are more suitable. Our coaches are happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
What is the Helmet Policy?
Skate Canada has mandated that all skaters up to, and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA-certified multi-impact hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski or snowboard helmets are not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. For more information, you can read the Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts etc. Skaters progress at their own speed as coaches test on a continual basis. There is a "focus on fun" that creates the best quality learning environment possible. A maximum skater to coach ratio of 10:1 is maintained. The CanSkate program is organized into 6 progressive stages of learning. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals – Balance, Control, Agility. There are 3 fundamental area ribbons for each stage, and six stage badges that can be awarded to the skater.
What's after CanSkate?
Upon completion of Stage 3 in the CanSkate program, skaters may choose to continue their development of skating in our Advanced CanSkate program or development of power skating for Ringette and Hockey players through our PowerSkate program.
Who do I ask for more info?
Please see our FAQ page, or send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any other questions you have.
CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program
We are committed to running our CanSkate programs at the Skate Canada delivery standard or above! Our club is engaged!
