Since I’m from the Caribbean, I really try to look for Afro/Caribbean inspired events, and Soca on Ice was one I stumbled upon unintentionally actually.
The name itself, Soca on ice seemed too interesting to pass up, and I had to check it out.
For those of you who may not know what Soca is, (pronounced "so-kah") this is a genre of music popular in the Caribbean, that originated from my sweet island of Trinidad & Tobago, that makes you want to jump, wave, dance, hug up your friends and sing out at the top of your voice.
I’d recommend checking out the Soca on Ice event if you;
↠↠ Don’t mind the cold eating away at your fingers, toes, cheeks etc.
↠↠ Know how to ice stake/don’t know how to ice skate, but don’t mind falling over a few times while your favourite Soca songs play in the background.
I went in early February when temperatures were still ridiculously cold.
I didn’t personally go will the full intention of getting on the ice since I don’t know how to ice skate (yet), and when we got there we realized there wasn’t any kind of railing around the ice rink to hold onto that we, as unexperienced skaters, could have used for support.
Neither me nor my friend I went with knew how to skate, so we stood on the side-lines listening to the music blasting on the big speakers watching people skate about instead.
After going weeks to months and not hearing any Soca music on a big speaker, you’d understand why just hearing it for that one night made all the difference, even as we felt like our fingers and toes were about to fall off as that BRISK winter breeze blew over our bodies every few minutes.
The vibe on the whole, whether you’re on the ice or off it, is still enjoyable.
It’s always a big fete whenever Caribbean people and those interested in the culture get together.
My advice though, is to go with people who know how to skate!
I have to do that next time because at the end I really wanted to get on the ice but I wasn’t trying to stumble and fall the whole time.
The event itself runs from December to February, in Downtown Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre.
It's hosted by DJ Dr. Jay, a popular soca DJ in Toronto, who's in charge of the tracks played.
If you do plan on skating, you’ll have to pay to rent skates (for 2 hours maximum). If you're going to be skating, also make sure you get there early because there’ll definitely be a line and the ice skates are rented on a first come first serve basis.
If you own your own skates however, then you’re good to go.
Also, and I can't stress this enough - Make sure you dress for the weather!
And as usual, with every post I note, check the forecast before you leave home. Don't fall victim to the unpredictable Canadian weather!
The time of year this event is held, is arguably the coldest of any other time. December - February is PRIME winter time, so pull out that winter jacket and throw on those layers.
Double guessing if you need to put on a scarf? Bring it just in case.
Don't forget those gloves and some thick socks too!
I tried getting a hot cup of tea from a nearby Starbucks before we got there, and within the 5 minute walk to the location, the drink was already cold. Winter weather is really something else.
Whether you're on or off the ice, you'll still have to face the winter weather, and I feel like it's arguably colder standing or sitting on the ice rink sidelines, because you're not moving your body around as much, warming it up as you skate about.
When just standing stagnant, you won't be keeping yourself as warm, so bundle up!
I will admit, seeing the little kids who are like 6 and under skating past effortlessly as I was trembling on the sidelines not knowing how to skate, it was such a shocking and amusing, and above all, humbling sight.
(Somebody split in di middle on the ice last year too 🥵 Here I am barely able to split on a regular, non iced floor)
THINGS TO NOTE:
❄️ Price/Entry fee: FREE! if you bring your own skates or don't go on the ice.
(About $13.00-$16.00 before tax for a 2 hour stake rental)
❄️ Time of year: December - February
❄️ Average amount of time expected to spend here: 1-2 hours
❄️ Location: Harbourfront centre, Downtown Toronto
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