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Fun, safe, and skill-focused skating for ages 3–12
CanSkate, developed by Skate Canada, is the nation’s leading learn-to-skate program designed for children ages 3–12. Whether your child is stepping on the ice for the very first time or preparing for hockey or figure skating, CanSkate provides the foundation they need to succeed. Skaters are evaluated during their first class and placed in small, ability-based groups to ensure the right balance of challenge and support. With a focus on the three FUNdamental areas, Balance, Control, and Agility, skaters build confidence and skills in a fun, progressive environment. Badges and ribbons are awarded as milestones are achieved, motivating skaters to celebrate their progress.
Led by Skate Canada professional coaches and supported by trained program assistants, each 40-minute session is packed with energy and encouragement. Group warm-ups, engaging skill stations, the “Fast Track” circuit, and cool-downs make every class dynamic and rewarding. Helmets, gloves, and sharpened skates are required to keep skaters safe while they learn. By Stage 3, skaters are ready to move on to the Intermediate Star program, opening doors to more advanced training and opportunities. CanSkate is more than lessons, it’s the start of a lifelong love for skating.
CanSkate / PreCanskate
CanSkate is Skate Canada's learn-to-skate program is for children aged 3-12 years old. It offers great preparation for hockey and figure skating.
Skaters are evaluated during the first class and grouped according to skill. The CanSkate program is organized into three FUNdamental areas:
Balance: Focus on forward skills, pushing technique and edges.
Control: Focus on backward skills, stopping and speed elements.
Agility: Focus on turning and jumping skills.
There are 6 stages of learning the FUNdamentals. Once Stage 3 is fully achieved (agility, balance & control), they will be eligible for our Intermediate Star program.
Looking for more information? Check out our orientation package that will walk you through the program.
The average CanSkate group size is 10 skaters.
Helmets are mandatory for CanSkate. Minimum age requirement is 3 years of age by the start of each registration season. A Parent/Caregiver must remain at the rink and accessible while children under the age of 12 are on the ice.
To receive a CanSkate Badge, skaters must achieve all ribbons (Agility, Balance and Control) from the corresponding stage. Skaters will receive their ribbons and badge as they pass each level. The skill requirements for each FUNdamental area are indicated on the report card. Report Cards are given out at the end of each session (fall term, winter term and spring term).
Session Format
Skate Canada professional coaches teach this 40 minute program, with the help of program assistants (PAs). Children are separated into colour coded groups based on their ability and level. Skaters have fun at various stations while working on the skills needed for the different badge levels. CanSkate lessons include a group warm-up and cool-down using the full ice.
➝ The first 5 minutes consists of a warm-up for all skaters led by our coaches and program assistants. The skaters are then separated into their groups.
➝ Skaters, in their groups, proceed through three FUNdamental areas, each for approximately 10 minutes, each with a different coach.
➝ The three FUNdamental areas are Agility, Balance, and Control/Challenge Zone and going around the perimeter of the ice is called the Fast Track. The session ends with a 5 minute cool-down led by the coaches and program assistants.
➝ Each child’s skill level is reviewed and evaluated during every group lesson with the professional coaches and ribbons and badges are awarded as quickly as achieved.
First-Day Checklist
Thank you for choosing Aylmer Skating Centre! We are looking forward to having your child take skating lessons with us. Here is a reminder about essential on-ice items:
➝ Skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet—any other type of helmet is not sufficient
➝ Skaters must wear gloves or mittens for safety of their hands & fingers, skates are sharp!
➝ Sharpened skates (hockey skates or figure skates are equally fine at the CanSkate levels)
Highly Recommended Attire:
Water-resistant bottoms such as splash pants are highly recommended for at least the first few sessions of PreCanSkate. Skaters should dress warmly for our sessions in layers; however, some items such as long drawstrings, scarves, dangling coat belts, wide legged pants, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided. Please come prepared!
We use bingo dabber markers to draw circuits on the ice which may get on your children's clothing, but easily washes out.
Before the first class, please allow yourself 15 minutes to arrive, obtain your child's name tag, get them dressed & skates on and be ready for the session.
