The Rideau Canal Skateway Is Officially Closed for the 2025-26 Season

Spring is officially on its way. The Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest natural skating rink, has closed for the 2025-26 season, Ottawa Tourism confirmed. The skateway was open for a solid 56 days this winter, giving Ottawans plenty of time to lace up and take to the ice.

The 56th skating season of the iconic canal kicked off on December 31st and wrapped up this week, with warmer temperatures and softening ice signalling that winter's grip on the canal is finally loosening.

A Season to Remember

Fifty-six days on the ice is a good run. Whether you were an early-morning commuter gliding to work in your skates, catching a sunset skate with a hot Beavertail in hand, or doing late-night laps under the lights, the canal delivered the goods this winter.

Ottawa Tourism gave a shoutout to the photographers who captured the season beautifully, including Greg Kolz, Brock Wunder, and Nicholas Place, among others, whose images documented another winter of Canadiana at its finest.

Why the Skateway Matters

The Rideau Canal Skateway isn't just a tourist attraction. It's genuinely embedded in Ottawa's identity. For locals, it's a free, accessible, one-of-a-kind winter experience. For visitors, it's one of those bucket-list Canadian moments that actually lives up to the hype.

At 7.8 kilometres long from the Ottawa Locks near Parliament Hill to the Hartwell Locks near Carleton University, the skateway gives skaters a perspective on the city that no other activity can match.

Looking Ahead

With the skateway now closed, Ottawans can start thinking about spring, the canal's cycling and walking paths will start drawing crowds again soon. But for now, we can reflect on another good winter on the ice.

What was your favourite moment on the canal this season? 🛍️⛸️

Source: @ottawatourism on Instagram