It is the most wonderful time of the year at Vancouver's Robson Square skating rink, which celebrates its official opening on Dec. 1, 2018.

Families from the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Skate Canada B.C./Yukon joined Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, to kick off the 10th annual public skating season at the rink. As part of the festivities, the kids got to visit with the foundation’s mascot, Sunny Bear, and enjoy holiday carols sung by Quayside Voices.

“The Robson Square winter season is about bringing people together to enjoy the spirit of the holiday and the ultimate Canadian pastime — skating!” said Sims. “We’re proud to keep this important tradition going for the thousands of people who come here each year and also help raise funds to improve the lives of children facing health challenges in our province.”

Robson Square Ice Rink visitors will be asked if they wish to make a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The money raised will go toward the Creative Arts Program at BC Children’s Hospital, which uses art to help comfort and support children during their hospital stay.

“Skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink is a Vancouver holiday tradition full of fun, festivities and community. I’m excited to tie up my skates, and my son’s soon too,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End. “We are so fortunate to have this rink right here in the heart of Vancouver. Let’s enjoy some healthy, affordable holiday fun together.”

Skating is free and skate and helmet rentals are available on-site.

As part of the Provincial Robson Square Skate Program, school groups between grades four and seven can participate in a free skating session during the school day. Between 4,000 and 6,000 students participate in the program each year.

“It’s an honour to be the chosen as Nordstrom’s charity partner for the Robson Square Ice Rink this year,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The donations collected will help provide meaningful experiences that let kids be kids — even in the hospital. We are grateful for the opportunity to help more kids create lasting memories this holiday season.”

Nordstrom is sponsoring the Robson Square Ice Rink for the month of December and will provide winter holiday decorations, including a snow-globe photo booth and on-site photographer, as well as free skate rentals on Dec. 25.

Quick Facts:

• The Robson Square Ice Rink is Vancouver's first outdoor public skating rink, originally opened in 1982. It was renovated and reopened in 2009.
• In winter 2018, almost 120,000 people visited Robson Square Ice Rink.
• Designed by Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson, Robson Square originally opened in two phases in 1978 and 1979.
• The Robson Square Ice Rink in the heart of downtown Vancouver will be open from Dec. 1, 2018, through to Feb. 28, 2019. The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through to the end of February 2019, weather permitting. On Family Day, Monday, Feb. 12, free skate rentals will be offered. Hot chocolate and snacks are available for sale at the ice rink's concession stand.

Learn More:

For a calendar of events for the 2018-19 season and information about the schools program, visit: www.robsonsquare.com

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation: https://www.bcchf.ca/