Learn-to-Skate

Thornhill is proud to offer Skate Canada’s learn-to-skate program, CanSkate. This dynamic program focuses on building fundamentals, skill development, physical activity, participation and most importantly, FUN!  On-ice lessons are always taught by Skate Canada Professional Coaches.  

We also offer a fully instructed Pre-CanSkate for true beginner skaters between 3 to 5 years old. This foundational program focuses on basic movements such as balance, moving forwards & backwards. 

2026 FALL SCHEDULE

(SEP. 18th - DEC. 20th, 2026)

Friday 6:00 pm - 6:50 pm & 7:00 pm - 7:50 pm

Saturday 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm & 4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Sunday 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm & 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

ALL SPACES FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE

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CanSkate

For Beginners Ages 5-17

Three rows of colorful skates and matching shapes showing the equivalence of skate color codes and shape codes for skate Canada, with the first row in green, red, blue, the second in green, red, blue, and the third in green, red, blue. Each row indicates the full set of Skate Canada colors and shapes, with the shapes changing from ice skate icons to rounded shapes, all numbered from 1 to 6.

WHY LEARN TO SKATE AT THORNHILL

We go above and beyond the national standard at TFSC.  Our average CanSkate coach to student ratio is 1:7 and even lower on Pre-CanSkate being 1:5.    

For our skaters who show potential in figure skating, we have our very own Talent ID program for skaters aged 5-7. This is a highly regarded program that introduces competitive figure skating at the perfect age range. 


Children ice skating at an indoor rink, wearing helmets and winter clothing, supervised by an adult.

PROGRAM DETAILS

TFSC offers 6 convenient weekly classes on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. For detailed class times, please see the header above or visit our schedule page. Each session includes:

  • 15 minute warm-up activity

  • 30 minute group instruction

  • 5 minute cool-down 

CanSkate students will learn from a comprehensive six-staged nationally standardized program focused on the ABC’s of skating – Agility, Balance & Control. Skaters will be assessed each class to promote development and success at their own rate. Skills learned are adaptable to all ice sports, including hockey, ringette, and speed skating. Sign up to learn a lifelong love for one of Canada’s favourite sports.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons with a coach can be a valuable part of your skater’s development. Our coaches can provide one-on-one attention tailored specifically to your skater. Private lessons can be arranged directly with any of our highly qualified coaches.  Please feel free to contact any of our coaches to inquire about availability & rates.

Pre-CanSkate

For Beginners Ages 3-5

Pre-CanSkate introduces skating to young children ages 3 & 4 on the first day of the program. Skaters will learn the basics of moving forward, moving backwards, and standing up FULLY INSTRUCTED program using teaching aids, games and a wide variety of activities for an enjoyable time on the ice. Skaters are not required to have any previous skating experience to participate in Pre-CanSkate.

Skaters are required to have skates, a warm jacket, snow or waterproof pants, mittens and a CSA approved hockey helmet (face mask highly recommended)

2025-2026 SCHEDULE

Friday 6:15 - 6:45 pm & 7:15 - 7:45 pm

Saturday 3:15 - 3:45 pm & 4:15 - 4:45 pm

Sunday 12:15 - 12:45 pm & 1:15 - 1:45 pm

Group of children and two adults ice skating at an indoor rink, with some children in pink winter gear and helmets, and two women helping them.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Our classes are taught by nationally certified coaches who have passed rigorous courses and a practical examination to teach the program.

  • Unfortunately we do not supply equipment on-site. We recommend the Figure Skating Boutique or Esta Skate Store for Skates. Helmets can be purchased at any sporting goods store.

  • Your skater will need the following:

    • Skates

    • CSA approved helmet (bike or ski style helmets are not allowed)

    • Gloves or Mitts

    • Warm clothing (but not bulky)

  • There are 6 levels in CanSkate. Each level has 3 sections: Balance, Control & Agility. When a skater completes the skills in all 3 sections, they pass that level.

  • Skaters are assessed every week to ensure they are developing at their own rate. If you are new to TFSC, your skater will be assessed on their first day to ensure they are placed in an appropriate group.

  • Yes! CanSkate is a general learn-to-skate program with skills that are transferrable to all ice sports.

  • The time it takes a skater to finish CanSkate will depend on a variety of factors: individual ability, how many classes are taken as well as private lessons. Private lessons can be arranged with our coaching staff at an additional cost.

  • Private lessons can be arranged directly with any of our coaches. We recommend watching your child’s class to see if you like a coach and their teaching style. You can find their contact information on the coaches page. All coaches are independent contractors and schedule their own lessons with their own fees. Private lessons are given at the beginning of the CanSkate class you have registered for.

  • Each coach will have their own lesson rate depending on their national coaching certification & experience.

  • Private lessons are a 15-minute one on one session with the coach that occur at the start of the skater’s registered Learn-to-Skate class. Guidance during private lessons are personalized to the individual skater’s needs.

  • When your skater graduates from CanSkate (Passed Level 6), they can join the StarSkate program on our Star 1 session. The Star 1 session functions differently than CanSkate and requires a private coach. Your coach will guide your skater into the journey of figure skating teaching them stroking, jumps & spins.

  • The Skate Canada fee is a mandatory yearly insurance fee set by our parent organization, Skate Canada. It is valid from Sept. 1 of each year. The entirety of the fee is paid to Skate Canada and cannot be pro-rated.