The Grandview/ Poplar Bay Skateway
Located on the south side of Pigeon Lake, Alberta, Canada, the Grandview/Poplar Bay Skateway is an annual volunteer-run endeavor for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area.
The skateway evolves regularly as ice and weather conditions fluctuate and the availability of volunteer resources changes. As of mid-December 2023 it is comprised of over 8 kilometres of cleared skateways, several rinks with benches, fire pits, and goodies for kids.
The skateway is the brainchild of four community-minded volunteers known colloquially as The Quad Rink Elves. (But only until January 2. From January 2 onward, they are known as The Rink Rats.)
And they are not alone. Many others around Pigeon Lake have also pitched in to carve out rinks and connect the Skateway.
Volunteerism and community spirit are alive and well. Pay it forward.
⚠️ SAFETY
USE THE SKATEWAY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
There is an inherent element of risk with outdoor activities of this nature. Users of the skateway assume all liability for their actions. Be aware of ice safety. As a start, refer to the chart below.
Please use good judgement and caution when enjoying the skateway.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
KEY ICE SAFETY POINTS:
• Ice thickness is variable. Ice may be thinner in some areas compared to others. Do not assume all ice in a given area is safe.
• Clear ice is often stronger than white or shattered-looking ice.
• Ice heaves (sheets of ice that push against each other or against the shoreline) are weak points.
• Areas with ice bubbles can be weaker than other areas.
• Inlets can be weak areas due to currents under the ice.
BE VIGILANT. BE SAFE.
📍WHERE
The skateway is located on the south side of Pigeon Lake, approximately an hour southwest of Edmonton. The bulk of the skateway is situated adjacent to the Summer Villages of Grandview and Poplar Bay.
TO ACCESS THE SKATEWAY:
Refer to the pin locations in the map above. Click a pin for more information and photos of the access points.Look for signs indicating "skating" and "parking" along Lakeshore Dr.
Please respect private property. Only use public access points.
✅ Do's
✅ Dress for the weather.
✅ Enjoy the great Canadian outdoors. 🍁
✅ Be respectful of the community and other users of the skateway.
✅ Observe posted speed limits.
✅ Leave the area better than you found it. Pack out your garbage.
✅ Pick up your dog waste.
✅ Hashtag your social media posts with #pigeonlakeskateway.
👍 MORE INFO
🚻 WASHROOMS: Three porty-potties are available, one at the Poplar Bay Recreation Centre, one at Access Point 2, one on the ice, between those two, and at the Pigeon Lake Provincial Park. See map above.🅿️ PARKING: Refer to the map above for recommended parking locations at the Poplar Bay Rec Centre, 2nd St, and Hamblin Park.
👋 WHILE YOU'RE HERE
While you're in the area, we recommend visting the lovely shops, restaurants, and other services at The Village at Pigeon Lake, just minutes away on the corner of Highway 13 and Range Rd 11.
Some of our favourites are:
🍩 HOLEY GRAIL BAKERY:
Load up on delicious gourmet donuts, breads, and other baked goods.
Located at The Village at Pigeon Lake
46 Village Dr, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0
🍺 FAMILIA BREWING:
Pigeon Lake's own craft brewery, inspired by the seasons of the lake. They craft a variety of beer from easy drinking favourites to small batch seasonal experiments.
Located at The Village at Pigeon Lake
26 Village Dr, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0
🍴 ECO CAFE
Sourcing locally, with environmental respect and providing natural, organic fare at affordable prices.
Located at The Village at Pigeon Lake
10 Village Dr, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0
☕ DAISY MCBEAN'S
A casual spot for breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, coffee, and pie.
Located at The Village at Pigeon Lake
22 Village Dr, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0
🎁 VILLAGE EMPORIUM
This is lifestyle boutique like no other! Offering local artwork, home decor, kitchen, seasonal decor and much more.
Located at The Village at Pigeon Lake
14 Village Dr, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0
FAQs
Q: Can anyone use the skateway?A: Yes! Pigeon Lake is a public lake.
Q: How can I support the volunteers?A: The volunteers do not accept financial contributions. Instead, they ask that you make a charitable contributions to Little Warriors, a national charitable organization. See the Donate section, below.
📺 MEDIA COVERAGE
The story of the Grandview/Pigeon Lake Skateway has been covered by several news organizations.
CTV News Edmonton
January 23, 2024
CBC Edmonton AM
January 11, 2024
📺 Video: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2298414147743📻 Radio: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-17-edmonton-am/clip/16034552-take-great-skate-pigeon-lake
CBC News Edmonton
February 16, 2024
📺 Video: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2309809731697
Coverage starts at about the 26 minute point.
SKATE SHARPENING
Q: Where can I get my skates sharpened?A: Lot 7 Cycle, just past Pigeon Lake Provincial Park provides skate sharpening services. Visit their website below or call/text 780-312-5646.
🙏 DONATE
The volunteers who spend countless hours creating and maintaining the skateway wish for the focus of their efforts to be on children.Want to support their efforts? They ask for donations to be made to Little Warriors, a national charitable organization.When donating, please reference the Grandview/Poplar Bay Skateway.
✉️ CONTACT
For current skateway conditions, connect with the local community on the Pigeon Lake Positive Facebook Page.
All content copyright © 2023-2024 Leroy Schulz. All rights reserved.