Learn to Skate

Our Learn to Skate CanSkate 1-6 program has earned the highest level in Skate Ontario's CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program.

The CanSkate program consists of on-ice activities. Skaters are moving and learning using stations to practice skills; the use of teaching aids and music; the use of activities and games selected according to age groups; and the awarding CanSkate ribbons and badges as skills are mastered. 

Assessment of skaters at Upper Canada will be on an ongoing basis rather than having set assessment days. Skaters will progress at their own pace through Stages 1 - 6 of the program. Skaters earn 3 ribbons in each stage. One for Agility skills, one for Balance skills and one for Control skills. When a skater earns all 3 ribbons they get their Stage Badge and progress to the next stage. Skaters who achieve their Stage 6 badge can advance to the STAR 1 program for figure skating.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are not included in the program fee. You must arrange private lessons with a Club Coach and pay them directly for any lessons you take. In addition, there is an extra ice fee to cover the cost of ice time for private lessons.

Private lessons can only be taken on the same day as your regular session.
Once you have arranged for lessons, add on the matching Ages 6 - 12 Private Lesson Session for CanSkate 1-6 and pay the ice fee.

Helmet Policy

• CSA approved hockey helmets with chip strap are mandatory for all skaters in Stages 1 - 5.
• CSA approved hockey helmets with chip strap are optional but highly recommended for skaters in Stage 6.
• Face masks (cages) are mandatory for skaters between 3 to 5 years old and are highly recommended for skaters who wear glasses.
• Parents of children 10 years and under in this program MUST remain on the premises during their child’s entire session.

Eligibility for Skaters Age 6 - 12

• Must be between the ages of 6 and 12 as of September 6, 2025 for the 2025 Fall/Winter Session
• Must be between the ages of 6 and 12 as of March 23, 2026 for the 2026 Spring Session

Eligibility for Skaters Age 3 - 5

• Passed Pre-CanSkate

Register

CanSkate Skills Chart
Equipment Guidelines
Where to Buy Skates
What To Wear

Program Structure

The CanSkate program curriculum is organized into three Fundamental Categories and divided into six levels of learning (Stages 1 – 6).

The Fundamental Categories are:

• AGILITY: Concentrating on most turning and jumping skills;
• BALANCE: Concentrating on most forward skills, pushing technique and edges
• CONTROL: Concentrating on most backwards skills, stopping and speed elements

These are the ABC’s of the CanSkate Program. Each CanSkate session is 50 minutes in length and is divided into four main components:

• Warm-up (10 minutes)
• Lesson time (30 minutes),
• Group Activity and Cool down (10 minutes).

Warm-up

The Warm-up is the time to welcome skaters on to the ice. Coaches/Program Assistants (PA) will lead skaters to skate/move on the ice warming up major muscle groups and joints, increase heart rate and energy level. Skaters will also skate around the Fast Track practicing various skating elements.

Lesson Time

The Lesson time is divided into 3 x 10 minute stations which will focus on specific elements in each level (stage) as well as the ABC’s of the program. At the end of each lesson in one of the stations, skaters will led by the program assistants, exit the station, skate around the Fast Track and rotate to the next station. Skaters will move from one station to another during the lesson time resulting in the skaters learning skills from one of the three Fundamental Categories each time they are on the ice. A musical signal or cue will sound each time skaters and coaches are to switch stations. Circuits and trails will be drawn on the ice for skaters to learn and practice their skills.

Group Activity

The Group Activity is designed to provide additional practice opportunities in a fun and interactive way. Skaters will follow the instruction of coaches/PA and participate in activities such as action songs or games.

Cool Down

Cool Down is designed to lower the heart rate and decrease the energy level. During the Cool down time, skaters will follow the instruction of coaches/PA and skate around the rink, stretching and give their bodies a chance to cool down and work their way to the exit at the end of the Cool Down session.

Assessments

Assessment of skaters at Upper Canada will be on an ongoing basis rather than having set assessment or test days. Skaters will progress at their own speed and for those who achieve their level badges will advance to the next level.

The awards consist of:

• Three Fundamental Category ribbons for each Stage
• Six stage badges

To receive a stage badge, skaters must achieve all the Fundamental Category ribbons (Agility, Balance and Control) from the corresponding stage.