C N Skate Palace

Bummer that this place is closed, really sad if just for nostalgia’s sake. Rite of passage for any mid-​2000s preteen/​teenager. Always an interesting mix of people, and never a shortage of emo couples making out. Always loved getting those little toys out of vending machines and of course the pizza. RIP CN Skate Palace, in my fading memories you will never die.

I wanted to like this place, as it is close to home, and my boys enjoy roller skating.
My first impression was made by a short, stout gentleman who very gruffly told me to keep my receipt out on the way through. Fair enough, but after spending $ 38 (myself and my 2 boys) to get in, I expected friendlier/​more professional interactions, especially with an adult.
I found the place to be clean and orderly, with fun music, video games, and a nice variety at the snack bar.
The snack bar seating is a bit of a wreck and could be managed better. Patrons are allowed to stow jackets and leave unfinished sodas at tables, leaving them unavailable for families buying dinner etc to sit down and eat. It’s really ridiculous. We were lead to an empty party room by one of the girls behind the counter, which was thoughtful and considerate, however, the man from the front door came to visit us– he walked in and asked «there are no open tables out there?» Not hi, nor excuse me, no smile. I had to explain that we were broight there, etc. He then told us to make sure we cleaned up after ourselves into a bin that was outside the room somewhere. Had I seen him before leaving, I actually would’ve had a word with him about our visit.
I have to say that just based on this individual, who I assume has to be a manager/​owner, I would not return. I am left with a very bad taste in my mouth after this experience and all told, I spent approximately $ 65 on the visit (admission/​skates/​dinner).

An oldie but a goodie. This place has been around for as long as I can remember and it’s still going strong… Friday and Saturday nights are always jam packed… They could use a little updating but it is what it is… It’s the only skating rink around that I know of. My youngest daughter (12 going on 13) goes with friends all the time and always has a great time!

My 8 year old likes it here — and it’s inexpensive enough — $ 6.00 to skate, $ 2 to rent skates or $ 3 for blades. Lunch chpices are pretty awful –pizza and INEDIBLE chicken grease-​bombs (aka nuggets). Chips, soda and slushies. Small arcade area.
Three TINY cramped party rooms — there is no way we’ll have a birthday party here — but we will take a bunch of kids skating and we are so GRATEFUL that they are open on school holidays and days when schools are closed.
Management is very nice and friendly over the phone.