Few winter experiences in Canada rival gliding along the frozen surface of the Rideau Canal. At 7.8 kilometres long, the Rideau Canal Skateway is officially the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink—a title it's held for decades and one that keeps visitors coming from across the globe.
The 2026 Season by the Numbers
The 2026 season was one to remember. The canal opened on January 16 along its full 7.8-kilometre length and stayed open for an uninterrupted 32 days straight—plus the first nine days of January, bringing the total skating days to 41 for the season. On the coldest days, with temperatures dipping to -20°C, the ice was at its absolute best and the experience was pure Ottawa winter magic.
The canal ice would cover over 100 NHL rinks end to end. Skating is available 24 hours a day, meaning you can enjoy the canal by starlight long after the crowds have gone.
What You'll Find Along the Canal
You don't need to pack everything—the canal is well equipped for a full day out:
- Food vendors: Hot BeaverTails, warm drinks, snacks and meals
- Skate rentals: Available at Fifth Avenue and other kiosks along the route
- Rest areas: Benches, warming huts, and shelters throughout
- Washrooms and change rooms: Multiple locations along the canal
- First Aid stations: For any slips or tumbles
- Free entry: No tickets, no bookings—just show up and skate
Getting There
The skateway runs from Dow's Lake in the west to the Ottawa Locks near the Rideau Centre and Château Laurier. The most popular entry points are at the Bank Street bridge, Fifth Avenue, and the Ottawa Locks near the ByWard Market.
Tips for First-Timers
- Check conditions first: Follow @rideaucanalskateway on Instagram for daily open/closed updates—the canal can close temporarily when temperatures rise above zero
- Dress warmly: Even at mild temperatures, wind chill makes it feel much colder on the ice
- Rent skates on site: If you don't own skates, rentals are available at Fifth Avenue
- Try it at night: The canal lit up after dark is spectacular and crowds thin out considerably
- Grab a BeaverTail: It's basically mandatory
The Experience
Skating the Rideau Canal isn't just exercise—it's one of those quintessential Ottawa experiences that residents and visitors return to year after year. Whether you're bundled up with a thermos of hot chocolate doing the full 7.8 km, or just sliding around near the Château Laurier for an hour before grabbing dinner in the ByWard Market, it never gets old.
The canal is free and open to all. Just bring warm layers, sharp skates, and an appetite for BeaverTails.
