CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, delivered by NCCP coaches at clubs and skating schools across Canada.
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. Geared to beginners, CanSkate is conducted in a fun, friendly environment, introducing skaters to a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum. |
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), 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 Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters are placed into groups with a maximum skater-to-coach ratio of 10:1 to learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts, etc., through 6 progressive stages. Skaters progress at their own speed and coaches evaluate them on a continual basis. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals: Balance, Control, and Agility and skaters can earn up to 6 stage badges with 3 area ribbons for each stage.
What's after CanSkate?
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), 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 Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters are placed into groups with a maximum skater-to-coach ratio of 10:1 to learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts, etc., through 6 progressive stages. Skaters progress at their own speed and coaches evaluate them on a continual basis. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals: Balance, Control, and Agility and skaters can earn up to 6 stage badges with 3 area ribbons for each stage.
What's after CanSkate?
- Upon completion of Stage 3, skaters may choose to:
- Continue through Stage 6 in CanSkate
- Join our Advanced CanSkate sessions, which are usually blended with a Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2) session and require figure skates
- Upon completion of Stage 6, skaters may choose to:
- Move up to Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2) and hire a STARSkate Coach for figure skating
- Enroll in our PowerSkate program for hockey or ringette skills development
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.