CANSkate
CANSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for skaters of all ages and abilities. Build fundamental skating skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the ice in a fun, active environment.
QUESTIONS?
Questions about CANSkate can be directed to the MKSC CANSkate Team:
WHAT IS CANSKATE?
How Lessons Work
Group Lessons
Skaters learn in groups based on age and skating ability.
It may take the first few weeks of a session to assess skaters and make adjustments so everyone is in the most appropriate group.
Warm Up
Every session starts with skaters moving together and getting ready for the lesson.
Active Learning
Circuits, music, games and activities create an active learning environment with plenty of time spent skating.
Parents + Chaperones
Please stay in the arena throughout your child’s lesson.
If your child needs to leave the ice for the washroom, skate adjustment or another reason, a Coach or Program Assistant will bring them to the rink gate. Coaches and PAs cannot leave the ice.
What to Wear
Helmets
A properly fitted CSA-approved hockey helmet is required for beginner CanSkate participants. Bike helmets and other sport helmets are not permitted.
Skates
Lace-up skates that fit snugly and provide good ankle support are recommended. Velcro-style skates are not recommended.
Skates should be sharpened regularly. MKSC recommends sharpening after approximately 30 hours of use.
Clothing
Dress in comfortable, warm layers that allow plenty of movement.
And don’t forget the mittens!
Professional Coaching
Coaches
Sessions are led by professional coaches.
Program Assistants
Our trained Program Assistants (PA) work alongside professional coaches to help lead groups and support skaters on the ice.
PAs remain on the ice during sessions and are not available to accompany children to the washroom.
Progress + Rewards
Assessments
Every skater progresses at their own pace.
Coaches assess skaters regularly throughout the season to track skill development and make sure they are working at the right level.
Progress reports are emailed twice each year so families can see what their skater has achieved and what they are working toward next.
Ribbons & Badges
CANSkate skaters progress in three fundamental areas:
Balance:
Forward skating, edges and strong skating position.
Control:
Stopping, backward skating and speed control.
Agility:
Turning, jumping and changing direction.
Skaters earn ribbons as they complete skills in each area. Once all three areas are completed for a stage, they earn that Stage Badge.
CanSkate Skills
View CanSkate Skills + Standards
CanSkate has six stages, and skaters progress at their own pace as their skills develop.
Stage 1 → Stage 2 → Stage 3 → Stage 4 → Stage 5 → Stage 6
A properly fitted CSA-approved hockey helmet is required until Stage 5 has been completed.
WHICH CANSKATE CLASS SHOULD I CHOOSE?
You don’t need to know your child’s CanSkate stage before registering.
Choose class based on your child’s age. Our coaches will assess their skating level during the first two weeks and place them with skaters of similar ability and age.
Pre-CanSkate: Ages 3-4
25 minutes
A shorter introduction designed for very young skaters who are brand new to the ice and benefit from a shorter lesson.
CanSkate: ages 4–12
50 min
Our main learn-to-skate program for beginner and developing skaters. No previous skating experience required.
Adult / Teen Skate
50 min
Learn or improve your skating skills in a session designed for teen and adult skaters, taught by MKSC’s professional coaches.
Pre-Junior
The next step in our Learn-to-Skate programming, building on CANSkate fundamentals. It’s for ages 4–13 who have completed CANSkate Badge 3 or recommended by a coach.
This program acts as a bridge for kids who are interested in joining the STARSkate figure-skating programming.
Advanced Edges + Skills
For skaters ready for additional skill development.
WHAT ARE THE CANSKATE STAGES?
CanSkate is organized into six progressive stages. At each stage, skaters work on Balance, Control and Agility, earning a ribbon as they master each area. Complete all three, and they earn the badge for that stage before moving on to the next.
BALANCE
Stability, body position, gliding and edges.
CONTROL
Stopping, starting, speed and direction.
AGILITY
Turning, changing direction, coordination and more complex movement.
STAGE 1
Getting comfortable on the ice.
Approved CSA helmet is required.
STAGE 2
Building balance + basic movement
Approved CSA helmet is required.
STAGE 3
More control + learning to comfortably change directions
Approved CSA helmet is required.
STAGE 4
Edges, crosscuts + stronger movement
Helmets are no longer mandatory.
STAGE 5
Getting comfortable on the ice.
Helmets are no longer mandatory.
STAGE 6
Getting comfortable on the ice.
Helmets are no longer mandatory.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Arrive Early
For your first session, arrive about 20 minutes early to get skates on and check in with an MKSC representative.
Meet Your Group
Young skaters receive a name tag and coloured group marker to help them find their skating group.
Head onto the Ice
Coaches and Program Assistants greet skaters and help them get to the right group.
Warm Up + Skate
Sessions begin with a warm-up before skaters move into their group activities.
Parents Stay at the Arena
A parent or chaperone must remain in the arena for the entire lesson.
MKSC SKATING PATHWAYS
See how CANSkate fits into the bigger picture. Follow the progression from Pre-CANSkate through the CANSkate stages, with Pre-Junior STARSkate bridging toward STARSkate.
MKSC SKATING PATHWAYS
See how CANSkate fits into the bigger picture. Follow the progression from Pre-CANSkate through the CANSkate stages, with Pre-Junior STARSkate bridging toward STARSkate.
READY FOR MORE?
Pre-Junior
Learn about the pathway from CanSkate into Pre-Junior and STARSkate.
StarSkate
Learn about the pathway from CanSkate into Pre-Junior and STARSkate.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
CANSkate Rules at a Glance
For a safe and amazing experience on the ice:
- Only enter the ice when a Coach or Program Assistant is present.
- Only skate during the session for which you are registered.
- Parents please stay off the ice.
- Please use the assigned dressing rooms for putting skates on/off
- Parents please watch from the bleachers
- Food and gum are not permitted while skating.
Additional Resources
CANSkate Calendar
Session dates, holidays and important club events.
View Calendar
Terms + Conditions
Registration policies, refunds and other important program information.
View Terms + Conditions
FAQ
Do skaters need previous experience?
CanSkate is designed for skaters learning and developing fundamental skating skills. Skaters are grouped according to their ability and age.
How are skaters placed into groups?
Coaches assess skaters during the first few weeks and adjust groups as needed based on skating ability and age.
Do parents need to stay?
Yes. A parent or chaperone must remain in the arena throughout the lesson.
What happens if my child needs to leave the ice?
A Coach or Program Assistant will bring your child to the rink gate so you can assist them.
Do I get a refund if my child withdraws from the program?
All refund requests must be submitted in writing.
A pro-rated refund, minus the non-refundable Skate Canada fee, may be issued for withdrawals due to medical reasons, provided the request is accompanied by a doctor’s note.
Participants who withdraw at least five (5) business days prior to the first scheduled on-ice session are eligible for a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee.
Skaters who choose to withdraw for non-medical reasons after the program start date may receive a pro-rated refund, less a $75 administrative fee, only if the written withdrawal request is received before the fourth scheduled lesson.
March-Kanata Skating Club operates out of the Mlacak Arena at:
2500 Campeau Dr
Kanata, ON K2K 2W3