Public Skating
Somewhat in response to Metro Calgary's Skating in Calgary article http://www.metronews.ca/news/calgary/2015/12/21/calgary-skaters-have-lots-to-look-forward-for-the-holidays.html
Outdoor Skating
Hockey
Most rinks say that they don't allow hockey, that's a lie so they don't get sued. The majoriity of rinks have hockey nets and if they don't people bring their own. The only exception to this is the Olympic Plaza which is monitoed during their open hours and sometimes Prince's Island. This also extends to places with both a hockey rink and pleasure skating area. Kids and slower movers will often play hockey on the pleasure skating area, exercising caution among the pleasure skaters. What can we say, hockey's our national sport.
Pleasure Skating
If you're just skating outdoors, skate whatever direction you want, no one really cares and there's usually kids skating every direction.
Indoor Public Skating
Indoor public skatng is a lot more controlled. The majority of rinks do not allow figure skating nor hockey sticks on the ice. At may rinks there is often a rink monitor which tells you what direction to go. Slower skaters generally stay close to the boards. Faster skaters go wherever. Sometimes there are spaces for beginners or families in the middle.
Arenas have differing rules on:
1) Helmets- Some rinks make helmets mandatory
2) Shoes- Generally whether you are inside or outside people do not like if you step on the ice in shoes, it can make the ice dirty and be unsafe, though some places may allow it begrudgingly.
3) Strollers- Some places allow strollers on the ice, some do not.
4) Skate Aids- Some allow only certain types of skate aids, some
Wherever you go people will generally be very friendly. People are generally welcome to join in on any hockey games. Any kids and adults learning to skate will be given plenty of advice and encouragement.
