The Complete Guide to Skating the Rideau Canal Skateway
Canada is known as one of the top winter destinations in the world, and its capital is no exception. For three months each winter the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into the largest outdoor skating rink in the world stretching over 7.8km. The Rideau Canal Skateway is not only used for recreational skating, but also as a transportation highway connecting numerous neighbourhoods throughout the city to Ottawa’s downtown core. Residents and students can be seen gliding their way to work and school each day, and as Ottawa’s annual winter festival Winterlude starts up, the Rideau Canal Skateway becomes a hub of activity.
We’ve put together a complete guide with everything you need to know before you hit the ice, from access points and cool landmarks, to rest stops and tips on what to bring with you for a skate.
When to Skate: Ice Conditions
Being a natural outdoor skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway is completely dependent on weather conditions. The Skateway requires 30cm of solid ice which requires approximately 10-14 days of temperatures of -10°C or colder. The skating season generally begins mid to late January and lasts until late February or early March. Although there have been early opening dates in December, and late closing dates in mid March, you may be out of luck if you’re planning a Christmas or March Break visit. We recommend a mid-February visit for the best likelihood of the Skateway being open, and for optimal ice conditions.
The interactive map provided by the National Capital Commission (the NCC) is an extremely useful tool in determining what sections of the canal are open and closed, and the best places to skate based on ice conditions; which are updated daily throughout the season.
The canal is often closed prior to days of freezing rain, or prior to extreme warm weather events during the season to prevent deterioration of the ice surface, and for the safety of skaters. Snowfall is generally not a factor (barring a major storm), as the NCC Skateway maintenance team is extremely efficient at clearing the ice. This is done primarily overnight with a team of plows and the specially designed extra-wide zamboni called the “Froster”. Days after extreme cold generally produce the best ice conditions, and mornings will provide you with the smoothest ice from the previous night’s floods.
Skateway Entrances and Access Points: Where to get on the ice
There are 30 access points and 5 universal access ramps along the Rideau Canal Skateway’s 7.8km, allowing skaters to hop on and off the ice in different Ottawa neighbourhoods. Many access points are located near public transit (including the O-train – Ottawa’s light rail transit), and close to paid parking lots and free on-street parking (time limits apply). A full list and interactive map can be found here. Many skaters doing a one-way journey (who do not intend to make the 15.6km round trip) hop on at one access point, off at another, and take public transit or Uber back to their starting location.
Where to Leave Your Gear
When skating the canal you’ll want to travel as light as possible. There are cubbies (think elementary school days) at multiple access points along the canal where you can leave boots after you’ve laced up your skates. Ottawa is a safe town, so boot thefts are not common, although we would recommend bringing all valuables with you. The best option is to bring a backpack and skate with your boots on your back. This also provides the most flexibility in getting on and off the ice at different points. Many locals even wear their boots on their hands when making quick trips to work or school – a clever way to carry your boots while keep your hands warm!
Where to Rent Skates, Sleds and Ice Trikes
For those without skates there are several spots to rent skates, sleighs and ice trikes along the Rideau Canal Skateway. Look for rental locations at KM 0, Fifth Avenue and at Dow’s Lake. There is also a rental location at the Sens Rink of Dreams at Ottawa city hall, only a minute walk away from Skateway access points nearby.
Take a Break: Warming Huts and Rest Stops
Whether it’s to lace up at the start of the skate, or take a well-deserved break mid-skate, there are several warming huts located along the Rideau Canal Skateway. Look for red elongated buildings at Km 0, Fifth Avenue and at Dow’s Lake. There are also numerous benches and picnic tables at access points along the canal to provide a much-needed breather.
*Note that warming huts may be unavailable in 2022/2023 due to covid-19, and are only open during specific hours each day
Fuel Up: Where to Grab a Bite or a Hot Drink
Skating the Rideau Canal’s full 7.8km (or 15.6km round trip) takes energy, so you’ll want to take note of spots to fuel up along the way. Km 0 has the most variety of food vendors, from poutine and maple taffy, to Beavertails and hot beverages. Beavertail huts are also located at the Fifth Ave rest stop and at Dow’s Lake. Most rest stops have picnic tables and outdoor fire pits, making them a comfortable place for a mid-skate snack.
*Note that the variety of concessions may be limited due to covid-19, but Beavertail huts are open!
What to Wear, What to Bring, and What to Leave at Home
Outdoor skating requires careful preparation, and knowing what to bring and what to wear is important in making your skating experience the best possible.
Ottawa is known for it’s cold winters (often reaching -30 C) so we recommend snow pants, or windproof/waterproof loose pants with a base layer underneath to keep your legs warm. We also highly recommend long johns or thermal underwear on cold days. Hats, scarfs and proper mittens or gloves are also extremely important, and a couple of hand warmers in your pockets can make all the difference on chilly winter days.
Strollers and snow sleds are permitted on the ice, and come in handy to tow little ones or for hardy pets (pets are not permitted on the ice surface). Hockey sticks and pucks are not permitted, so leave that gear at home to avoid potential fines.
Cool Landmarks and Photo Spots
With over 7.8km of ice surface to cover, if you’re not looking to skate the full length of the Rideau Canal Skateway, it’s worth knowing some of the best spots for a scenic skate. From stone bridges and cool offshoots, to iconic views of Parliament and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, we’ve put together out list of must-stop spots.
Patterson Creek
This small pond offshoot is one of the highlights of a skate down the Skateway. Keep your eyes peeled for a small rock-arch bridge from the main canal, and glide underneath into the frozen Patterson Creek. This is a popular spot for skaters looking to refine their skills in a quieter setting, or stepping onto the ice for the first time.
KM 0 and KM 7.8 Signs
Did you really skate the canal if you don’t have a pic with the beginning and end signs? Located at KM 0 and KM 7.8, a photo here will prove you’ve skated the full length of the Rideau Canal Skateway (or headed out twice at opposite ends – don’t worry we won’t tell!).
Parliament, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and the Shaw Centre
Hop on the canal at any of the access points from Waverley to KM 0, and you’ll get a stunning view north of a fairy tale winter castle – ie. the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. As you head closer to KM 0 Parliament comes into view creating the ultimate Skateway photo op.
Photo Worthy Bridges
If you’re not steady on skates, but are looking for the ultimate Rideau Canal Skateway pic, head to one of the bridges over the canal. Our favourites for epic photos of skaters on the canal are the Mackenzie King Bridge, Laurier Bridge, Corktown Footbridge, Flora Footbridge, Pretoria Bridge, Bank St Bridge, and the Bronson Bridge. Skating underneath these bridges is equally as amazing. The unique architectural design under the Laurier bridge makes for an epic selfie spot, and the stone Pretoria Bridge and Patterson Creek bridges give you that old-world feel.
Skating Under the Stars – Night Skating
Open 24hrs/day, skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway at night is a unique and exhilarating experience. While the canal is not lit, city lights flood the ice with enough light to safely navigate the 7.8km, while moonlit nights are one of our favourite times for a night skate. The section of the Skateway leading to downtown is especially enchanting with the Shaw Centre, Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Parliament acting as beacons in the night. The glowing Beavertail huts open past dark provide a welcome stop for an evening snack and are often open late. Bring a small flashlight or headlamp, skate slowly for safety, and be sure to watch for ice maintenance vehicles gliding through the night.
Nearby Neighbourhoods to Visit Along the way
Winding its way through the city, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a great way to explore many Ottawa neighbourhoods. Full of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and the Rideau Centre shopping mall, the ByWard market is a great neighbourhood to start or finish any skating adventure, located at KM 0.
Midway down the canal, the vibrant community of the Glebe is also a great spot to stop. With many quaint cafes, restaurants and shopping, it’s just a few minutes walk away from the Lansdowne and the Bank North access points.
Old Ottawa South, with it’s plethora of antique shops, coffee spots and cozy cafes, is just steps away from the Skateway. You can access this neighbourhood from the Bank St South access point.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, Ottawa’s Little Italy is the perfect place to chow down on authentic Italian cuisine. Get off at Dow’s Lake and take the short walk to nearby Preston St.
