Ottawa takes skating seriously. The city and the National Capital Commission maintain an extensive network of outdoor rinks and skating trails every winter, making it one of the best places in Canada to lace up and skate. Here's where to find the best skating in Ottawa.
The Rideau Canal Skateway
The Rideau Canal Skateway is Ottawa's centrepiece — 7.8 kilometres of maintained ice that runs from the National Arts Centre area south to Dows Lake and beyond. It's the world's longest naturally frozen skating rink, recognized by Guinness World Records. The NCC grooms the ice daily when conditions allow, and there are warming huts, skate rentals, and BeaverTail kiosks along the way. Skating on the Canal is free; skate rentals are available at several huts for a fee. Season typically runs January through late February.
City-Maintained Outdoor Rinks
The City of Ottawa floods and maintains dozens of outdoor rinks across the city's parks and recreation facilities every winter:
- Brewer Park (Old Ottawa South) — a large, popular community rink with lights for evening skating
- Confederation Park (downtown) — central location for a quick skate near Parliament
- Windsor Park (Alta Vista) — a well-maintained neighbourhood rink popular with families
- Strathcona Park (Sandy Hill) — beautiful setting along the Rideau River
- McNabb Park (Centretown) — a reliable Centretown option
Indoor Skating Options
For indoor skating with a roof:
- Lansdowne Park / TD Place arena has public skating sessions
- Jim Durrell Recreation Centre and other City of Ottawa arenas offer public skating — check the city's website for schedules
- Carleton University Ice House is a modern arena that offers public skating
For more winter Ottawa activities, check things to do in Ottawa, see Ottawa events this weekend, or browse family things to do in Ottawa for rinks that work great with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skating on the Rideau Canal free? Yes — skating on the Rideau Canal is always free. Skate rentals (available at warming huts along the Canal) have a modest fee.
How do I know if the Canal is open for skating? The NCC posts daily ice condition updates on their website (ncc-ccn.gc.ca) and through social media. The Canal is typically open in January and February, depending on temperatures.
Are Ottawa's outdoor rinks lit for night skating? Many are — City of Ottawa outdoor rinks at parks like Brewer and McNabb are lit for evening skating. Hours typically run until 9 or 10pm on weekdays and later on weekends.
Do I need to bring my own skates to the Rideau Canal? No — skate rentals are available at several warming huts along the Canal. You can also bring your own skates and use the renting facilities just to warm up.
