CTV’s Peter Szperling visits a one-of-a-kind skating rink in Perth, where a man has built an ice rink in the second-storey loft of his barn.
Setting up a backyard rink is a Canadian tradition, but this Eastern Ontario man is taking it to another level.
John Ryan constructed an ice rink in the loft of his barn, situated on his property in Perth, Ont.
“If you know me, I’m a packrat – and the first floor’s full,” Ryan shared.
Ryan mentions he first set up the rink 16 years ago for his kids.
“They needed somewhere to play,” he reminisced.
Perth barn ice rink John Ryan created an ice rink in the second-storey loft of his barn in Perth, Ont. Jan. 8, 2025. (Peter Szperling/ Ottawa)
Now, the rink serves his grandchildren.
“My grandkids now live behind me and my son has got a baby on the way. So, we’ll be doing it till we can’t do it anymore.”
He explains that he thought about building an indoor rink in the loft out of “laziness,” after attempting an outdoor one first.
“Tired of packing the snow down and watering,” he said.
Even though it’s indoors, the rink still depends on weather conditions; Ryan notes it’s especially sensitive to warmer days.
“You take the pucks and the nets off and let it puddle up; when she gets hard, she’s good to go again,” he explained.
Typically, he has the rink ready by New Year’s Eve and keeps it going until around March, depending on weather changes.
Perth barn ice rink John Ryan created an ice rink in the second storey loft of his barn, located on his property in Perth, Ont. Jan. 8, 2026. (Peter Szperling/ Ottawa)
“It’s great for the kids,” says Ishia Ryan, Ryan’s daughter-in-law.
“They’re able to come and skate at nanna and poppa’s anytime they want. It helps them practice their skills for hockey. They’re all into hockey, so that makes it a good place for them to enjoy.”
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