CanSkate is Skate Canada's learn-to-skate program for beginners from age 3 to teenage. It teaches fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. Skaters are grouped by age and skill, beginning in Stage 1 and progressing through Stage 7. The CanSkate program emphasizes fun and continuous movement and is taught in a group lesson format. CanSkate is taught by professional Skate Canada professional coaches and assisted by trained Program Assistants. Badges and awards are used to motivate skaters to achieve and develop their skills as well as to keep interest high. CSA approved helmets are mandatory until the skater has passed Stage 4.

CanSkate Tots is our Club’s program for pre-school children who wish to have fun and learn to skate at the same time. Based on Skate Canada’s popular CanSkate program, it teaches the fundamentals of skating that will help build a solid foundation for all kinds of skating – figure skating, hockey and ringette. The CanSkate badge system is supplemented with frequent rewards, certificates and incentives in recognition of Tots’ needs for reinforcement and motivation. During daytime Tots-only sessions, parents are encouraged and welcomed to skate with their children, but parents are not permitted on our after-school sessions. Children must have turned three before beginning the program. CSA approved helmets are mandatory.

Accelerated STARSkate is the connecting link between CanSkate and the STARSkate test/competitive stream. Participants skate twice a week for 45 minutes each session, and are instructed by our Skate Canada professional coaches on a rotating basis. This program helps young skaters learn basic figure skating skills, jumps, spins and routines – a big step towards their skating dreams! Registration in the Accelerated STARSkate program is limited, and skaters must be assessed prior to their participation in the program.

CanPowerSkate is geared to hockey and ringette players who can already skate, and who wish to improve their balance, power, agility, speed and endurance skills. Strong skating skills and good physical conditioning are provided through participation in this program. Minimum qualification for this program is the ability to skate backwards. Full hockey/ringette gear is required.

Adult Drop-In is a relaxed fun hour for adults (no children) to practise their skating skills. Group instruction is not provided.

Test & Competitive Programs
Skate Canada offers two streams of figure skating:

The STARSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop figure skating skills in four different areas – Interpretative, Dance, Skating Skills and Free Skating. Skaters have the option of taking Skate Canada tests while earning awards and incentives, and participating in competitions ranging from local to the national level. The STARSkate test program consists of four Artistic tests, seven categories of Dance tests (ranging from three to five dances in each category), six Skating Skills tests, and six Free Skate tests, which are evaluated by Skate Canada evaluators.

The Skate Canada Competitive Program is a separate stream for skaters who have achieved certain levels in the STARSkate program, and wish to progress further. The program provides a series of tests in the disciplines of singles, pairs and/or dance as well as other training opportunities for competitors with potential to advance from provincial to national championships and beyond. There are five competitive tests for single skaters, five for pairs skaters, and four tests for ice dancers.

Off-Ice Training
Physical Prep Off-Ice Training focuses on the technique of skating jumps and the balance and positions of spins in an off-ice setting. Taught by a professional skating coach, it encourages skaters to transfer those figure skating techniques and skills to the ice.

Performance Training
Performance Training is taught by a professional dance instructor, and provides group instruction in musicality and movement to a variety of dance styles (Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet), stretching and core strengthening. This program will benefit all skaters in their on-ice presence and performance, as required by the Skate Canada Well Balanced Program criteria.