Parent & Tot and

Pre-CanSkate

Our beginner programs are designed to help young skaters take their first steps on the ice in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your child needs a parent on the ice or is ready to learn with a coach, these programs build confidence and set the stage for future success in CanSkate.

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AGES 2 to 4

Parent and Tot

Parent & Tot is the ideal first step for our youngest or most hesitant skaters. A parent or guardian joins the child on the ice to provide comfort and hands-on support while our coaches lead the session.

What your children will learn

  • Standing and balance with support
  • Getting up safely
  • Marching and small glides
  • Comfort on the ice through games and play

Requirements

Adults must be able to skate independently, stay upright without support, and move safely around the ice. This ensures a safe experience for both the skater and the adult.

  • One adult must be on the ice at all times
  • Both adult and child must wear CSA-approved helmets
  • No experience needed for the skater

For Ages 3 to 5

Pre-CanSkate

Pre-CanSkate is the next step for skaters who are ready to participate without a parent on the ice. This small-group program introduces the basic skills needed for CanSkate.

What your child will learn:

  • Independent standing and balance
  • Marching and gliding
  • Simple edges and turns
  • Moving confidently in a group setting
  • Listening skills and independence

Program features:

  • Low coach-to-skater ratio
  • Stations and circuits
  • High-movement activities and games
  • Focus on confidence and fun

What Program Should I Choose?

Parent & Tot works best if your child:

• Is new to the ice
• Feels nervous or prefers to skate with support
• Doesn’t yet stand independently on the ice

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Pre-CanSkate works best if your child:

• Is comfortable with new environments
• Shows interest in trying skills independently
• Can stand on their own with little or no assistance

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CanSkate Excellence Exceeded Standard

We are pleased to share that our CanSkate program has been recognized by Skate Ontario at the CanSkate Excellence Exceeded Standard level. This reflects our strong coaching, well structured sessions and a welcoming environment for new skaters.

What to Wear/FAQs

Children should dress warmly and comfortably so they can move easily.

We recommend:
• Warm layers (no bulky snowsuits)
• Lightweight jacket or fleece
• Mittens or gloves (no knit gloves that soak through)
• Long socks to prevent rubbing inside the skate
• Neck warmer if needed — no long scarves

Clothing should allow free movement without restricting arms or legs. Skaters warm up quickly once they start moving, so lighter layers work best.

All skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski or multi-sport helmets are not allowed under Skate Canada policy.

You will also need:
• Skates with firm ankle support (figure or hockey)
• Mittens or gloves
• Warm layers
• For Parent & Tot: the parent must also wear skates and a CSA helmet

Coaches can help check that skates fit properly and are laced tight enough for support.

When you arrive at your first session, coaches and program assistants will greet skaters at the ice door. Skaters will enter the ice as a group.

During the first few minutes, coaches:
• Help skaters get comfortable on the ice
• Introduce basic safety skills
• Lead warm-up activities
• Place skaters into small groups based on comfort and ability

Each session includes a mix of circuits, games and simple skating skills. Parents remain in the stands unless they are part of the Parent & Tot program.

Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so your child has time to put on skates and get settled.

When you arrive:
1. Check in at the registration desk in the lobby to pick up your childs name tag
2. Head to the change room assigned for your session to put on skates.
3. Make sure helmets are on and securely buckled before standing on rubber flooring.
4. A coach or program assistant will guide skaters onto the ice when the session begins.

Parents must stay in the seating area during the session unless they are on the ice for Parent & Tot.

Parent & Tot and Pre-Can-Skate

Ready to Get Started?

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