Boards Up! Rink Sports in the Square

Four days of fast-paced rink sports action take over Springer Market Square

Boards Up! Rink Sports in the Square brings the excitement of rink sports to downtown Kingston from January 22–25, 2026.

With boards installed around the outdoor rink in Springer Market Square, enjoy four action-packed days on the ice featuring curling demonstrations, ringette, adorable minor hockey matchups, and the annual Historic Hockey Game recreating Kingston’s very first game.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to skate with the Kingston Frontenacs in this celebration of winter sport and local history.

Schedule of Events

Day 1

Thursday, January 22

6 pm - 8 pm

Greater Kingston Curling Club Demonstration

Try Curling! Members of the Greater Kingston Curling Association will be on the ice to demonstrate and let visitors try their hand at curling!

8 am - 5 pm | 8:15 pm - 10 pm

Public Skating

Enjoy free public skating at Springer Market Square and take in one of Kingston’s must-try winter experiences!

Day 2

Friday, January 23

6 pm - 8 pm

Ringette - CANCELLED

8 am - 10 pm

Public Skating

Enjoy free public skating at Springer Market Square and take in one of Kingston’s must-try winter experiences!

Day 3

Saturday, January 24

1 pm - 3 pm

Historic Hockey Game

A reenactment of the first-ever hockey game played in Canada. The game was played in 1886 on the frozen Kingston Harbour. The reenactment game will feature the uniform/equipment of the time, including the square puck and the three original teams - Queen’s, RMC and RCHA Petawawa.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Skate with the Kingston Frontenacs - CANCELLED

8 am - 12 pm | 3:30 pm - 10 pm

Public Skating

Enjoy free public skating at Springer Market Square and take in one of Kingston’s must-try winter experiences!

Day 4

Sunday, January 25

9 am - 4 pm

Kids Minor Hockey Games- CANCELLED

4 pm - 10 pm

Public Skating

Enjoy free public skating at Springer Market Square and take in one of Kingston’s must-try winter experiences!

Historic Hockey: Canada's First Hockey Game

The Historic Hockey Game brings the early days of hockey back to life with a reenactment of the first game ever played in Canada on the frozen Kingston Harbour. Featuring period uniforms, vintage equipment, and even a square puck, the game offers a glimpse into how different hockey looked and felt in its earliest form, before modern rules and positions evolved. The tradition continues the historic rivalry between Queen’s University and the Royal Military College, joined by the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, whose roots trace back to Kingston garrison soldiers playing shinny on the harbour in the mid 1800s. Together, the teams honour Kingston’s role in hockey history and celebrate one of the oldest traditions in the sport.

Where?

Springer Market Square Ice Rink

In winter, Springer Market Square becomes a lively open-air skating rink in downtown Kingston. Weather permitting, it’s open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, though the ice may close during warm spells or bad weather. When the ice is ready, it’s the perfect place to glide, spin, and soak up the winter energy.

Address: 1 Market St, Kingston, ON K7L 1W8

Learn More

Catch the Action

This event is produced by the Downtown Kingston BIA, representing over 700 businesses and property owners in the downtown core, with generous support from the City of Kingston. 

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