CanSkate is Canada’s leading learn-to-skate program, designed for children of all ages and abilities. Whether they’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or looking to improve their basic skills, CanSkate provides a fun and supportive environment to develop essential fundamental movements and core skating techniques.

Through a nationally recognized curriculum in Skate Canada programs, skaters will learn and refine key skills such as balance, control, agility, and skating fundamentals in a structured, progressive manner. Led by experienced, certified coaches, the program is tailored to all levels – from beginners to those advancing toward figure skating, hockey, ringette, or speed skating.

With an emphasis on fitness, fun, and safety, CanSkate helps skaters build confidence while mastering the fundamentals for a lifelong enjoyment of the sport.

CanSkate is the next step for young skaters who have completed the PreCanSkate program. Beginners aged 6 and older may also choose to start directly in CanSkate, where they can learn the basic skills of skating and continue progressing.

CanSkate Requirements:
All CanSkate participants must have their own skates and a CSA-certified hockey helmet, which is mandatory. Skaters may wear either hockey skates or figure skates, based on personal preference. A face cage is optional, but strongly recommended for younger skaters for added protection.

CanSkate Stages

CanSkate consists of six progressive stages, each focusing on the development of three fundamental skating skills: agility, balance, and control.

As skaters improve in each of these areas, they earn a ribbon to recognize their achievement. Once a skater has earned all three skill ribbons within a stage, they are awarded the corresponding stage badge.

Our coaches regularly assess skaters during sessions and will advance them to the next stage as soon as they are ready – there is no need to wait for the end of a season. This ensures that each skater progresses at their own pace and continues to be challenged and supported.

After completing Stage 4, skaters have the option to:

• Transition into PowerSkate if they are interested in developing skating skills for hockey or ringette, or
• Continue through Stages 5 and 6 in the CanSkate and Advanced CanSkate pathway, which prepares them for StarSkate.

No matter the path, the CanSkate program provides a solid foundation for all ice sports and helps skaters build confidence, coordination and control on the ice.