Brand new facility, friendly staff and free rentals, what more could I ask? It's no longer a trailer tin box it once stood. They've got washrooms inside the rental building now. If you want to rent their equipment you go in through one set of doors, give them your ID, pick up your helmet, then go out through a different door. When you want to return or exchange your equipment, you go to a window that's on the side of the building. My little guy who is 3 yrs old was thrilled to try out every kind of "moving devices" that was suitable for him. Tricycles, bicycles with training wheels, balance bikes, scooters, etc. For the bigger people, they have rollerblades(in line skates), roller skates, skateboards, scooters, regular bikes, and a big tricycle with a basket(to put your pet in?) attached. My husband and I thought this was a good way to get the little guy to try some of these things before we actually pick one up in store. We were there on a nippy Sunday evening, an hour before it was closed. Not a single kid in sight. I imagine on a warm weekend, it would be a different situation. We had a good time. read more

For years I disliked what the oval had "done" to my beloved North Common. it's been tidied up and has had numerous improvements and is now a viable part of our lovely Commons. I started roller skating again last summer ( yes skate, not blade...I can't use rollerblades) and I have discovered the oval as one of my favorite places in Halifax. I love skating, the pavement of the oval could be smoother but I am not really complaining. There are now restrooms, not just honey huts. I spend summer days (usually into the summer evenings) at the oval skating around and around to my own beats or the great music they play over the loud speaker. It's a great place to have some good old fashioned fun. read more

Having the Oval return to the Commons is probably the best thing that could happen over winter. I'm not a great skater, but that doesn't really matter. It's fun just to try! And, the space is huge, so you can spread out and take things at your own pace. It's nice to see old and young people getting out and doing something active in the cold season. Skate rentals are available (for free!) and all you need to do is trade your ID for a pair. The surface is very well kept, and I think it's possible to have the ice stable up to +10 degrees, which will hopefully extend the length of time we can use the Oval this season. There is plenty of space to observe or sit and watch (also lots of space for storing shoes while you are skating). My only wish is that there were more "boards" around the ice so I could have a spot or two to catch my balance! (Really though, I just need to learn to skate a bit better). Oh, and don't forget a few $ for a beavertail. read more

How many great things can everyone say about the Oval? When every other review is obviously very positive, it's hard to make a case against it. But in the interest of fairness, I'll tackle each aspect one at a time! Also, keep in mind this is based on public skate! Location: 5/5 Perfectly accessible on the Halifax Commons Grounds, you can have direct access to it from the north end, downtown, West End, and South End (depending on your geographic definitions of each!). Parking can be tricky depending on how you are traveling, but weekends are easy with street parking on all sides of the commons! Cost: 5/5 Ummm... free? How can you beat it? Well, I suppose they could pay us to skate there, but that would just be crazy. Side Services: 5/5 Warming hut, free skate rental, beaver tails, hot drinks, hot eats! All great! Prices aren't terrible, but the fact that they're there at all is just fantastic! the only thing that could make it better would be an on-site skate sharpening service. That being said, I'm sure it would be crazy busy at all times, so maybe that would be a little hard to accomplish. Ice Conditions / Schedule: 4/5 They're constantly maintaining the ice, so that's great! That said, thousands of people skating on it every day (more some days I'm sure) will definitely make the ice a bit bumpy at some parts half way through a skate. The times are also very reasonable. 4 or 5 public skates per day of a couple hours each, ranging from early morning, afternoon, to early evening. Can't make one, wait a few hours! It's really great that way! And in the spring/summer/fall... when the ice can't possible stay outdoors? Turn it over into a running or roller blading track. Use year round, promoting healthy habits and fun in Halifax at an affordable price. That can only be a good thing! Stop in before work, on your lunch break, or even after work. Maybe make it a group outing on the weekend, or even a close intimate date with the significant other! Take the kids for their first skate, or give it a go in your later years. read more

Can you give the Oval anything but five stars? It's free, it's in Halifax, and for once we actually got something we wanted. I'm not a good skater - no really, I'm terrible. I'm nervous, I can't look up from the ice, and I'm incapable of making conversation and skating at the same time - but I still really enjoy it here. I'm so glad we have the Oval in Halifax, it has really livened up my winter. Especially since I'm not a big skiier. read more

It has been a long time since I have been skating. The last time that I went skating was way back in the day when I lived in Ottawa, wearing a pair of borrowed skates making my way awkwardly across the ice. The Oval is no canal but it exceeded my expectations. The best part is it is right in the middle of the city and free to pick up a pair of skates for the adventure. Halifax isn't known for having its streets full of people but the Oval is packed with people of all ages enjoying the winter night. Not too packed to navigate, but just the perfect combination of room and locals enjoying one of the very few city run activities in the city. You also can get a Beavertail at the end of your skating adventure if you are so inclined. Get out and enjoy some free skating in a wonderful central part of the city of Halifax. read more

Last Friday, me, my Mother-in-Law, Brother-in-Law and his girlfriend went to the Oval for a quick skate while they were visiting Halifax. We all agreed that we were impressed with how well organized and laid out the Oval was. Parking a street away was easy enough to find. Access to the Oval is free Skate and Helmet rentals are free There are padded squares all around for skate blade protection There are more than enough benches with storage space beneath for boots and bags There are a few vendors with hot treats and beverages There are clearly posted rules (though not everyone reads them and abides) There are more then enough "chair frames" for beginners (such as one very tall Brother-in-Law) Even with the hundreds of skaters, the track did not seem crowded. people of all ages partook in the public skate session and seemed respectful of each other. The only 2 things that could make it any better would be: More attractive stations for rentals and such (rather than mobile trailers) and More gravel between the side-walk and padded squares to take care of the muck and slush. I did not experience the wash-room options to offer any input there. I look forward to my next day off and finding someone to skate with. I had never made use of the Commons prior to this occasion (save briefly walking through with a few friend and their dog one sunny afternoon). read more

Seeing so many people enjoying the oval makes me feel better about paying property taxes, free skating and free rentals OMG right? When you see all the heads swirling around you think it's too crowded but the space is so large there's no problem. I'm not a good skater and spent most of the time tiptoeing around the edges; it's a long way around without boards to grab on to! I got my skates sharpened and toe picks ground off so wish me luck on my next try. Maybe some snacks that aren't deep fried and skate sharpening please? read more

Emera Skating Oval - thewestinnovascotian.com - Skating Rinks Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

When the oval first appeared last year, I was pretty stoked. It was a temporary structure for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. Doomed to close and disappear like most of the cool things in our fair city. Then, by some miraculous turn of events, the people of HRM rallied together and the oval became a permanent fixture! Whether you feel like you're strapping butter knives to your feet or can skate like the wind, the oval is great for all levels and abilities. For all the stupid things that sometimes happen in the Commons, it's nice to see something as awesome as the oval. Wooohoo! read more

I went skating on the Oval a few days ago, was my first skate of the year. I am a big fan of the Oval and I am so pleased it has returned for another year. It's a great activity and they sell snacks there. Who doesnt love Beaver tails and fried food! If you haven't been, I suggest you strap on your skates and head down there this weekend. read more

pros: free cons: rude fat blonde workers at the skate rental needa love her life more read more

Location: 5/5 Perfectly accessible on the Halifax Commons Grounds, you can have direct access to it from the north end, downtown, West End, and South End (depending on your geographic definitions of each!). Parking can be tricky depending on how you are traveling, but weekends are easy with street parking on all sides of the commons! Cost: 5/5 Ummm... free? How can you beat it? Well, I suppose they could pay us to skate there, but that would just be crazy. Side Services: 5/5 Warming hut, free skate rental, beaver tails, hot drinks, hot eats! All great! Prices aren't terrible, but the fact that they're there at all is just fantastic! the only thing that could make it better would be an on-site skate sharpening service. That being said, I'm sure it would be crazy busy at all times, so maybe that would be a little hard to accomplish. Ice Conditions / Schedule: 4/5 They're constantly maintaining the ice, so that's great! That said, thousands of people skating on it every day (more some days I'm sure) will definitely make the ice a bit bumpy at some parts half way through a skate. The times are also very reasonable. 4 or 5 public skates per day of a couple hours each, ranging from early morning, afternoon, to early evening. Can't make one, wait a few hours! It's really great that way! And in the spring/summer/fall... when the ice can't possible stay outdoors? Turn it over into a running or roller blading track. Use year round, promoting healthy habits and fun in Halifax at an affordable price. That can only be a good thing! Stop in before work, on your lunch break, or even after work. Maybe make it a group outing on the weekend, or even a close intimate date with the significant other! Take the kids for their first skate, or give it a go in your later years. read more

My 3 kids and I had a blast at the Oval yesterday. It truly was a perfect sunny afternoon to spend some quality family time together. Skates are complimentary to rent, make sure you bring a picture ID to give the ladies in exchange for the skate rental. Our day was all complimentary -- I did not spend a cent to skate. They have a concession and a beaver tails food truck present. Parking available on the streets. read more

Well groomed and the staff are very happy! The best things in life are free. Great for kids of all ages! K.B. read more