Ottawa’s winter season officially kicked off with the opening of the 56th season of the Rideau Canal Skateway. Famous for holding the title of the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, the full rink only opened on Monday, February 5. Initially, a 3.4-kilometre section was accessible, connecting Somerset West access to the Bank Street Bridge.
This year, the entire 7.8 kilometres of the canal has been opened for skating, allowing residents and visitors to traverse the full length. However, the National Capital Commission (NCC) warns that, with above-freezing temperatures expected throughout the week, some sections may be temporarily closed again for safety until the ice conditions stabilize.
Meanwhile, many Brazilian families are eager to enjoy the city’s top winter attraction.
According to the NCC, which manages the canal, the cold temperatures in December created ideal ice-forming conditions. Every winter, the historic Rideau Canal—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—transforms into one of Canada’s most iconic public spaces, attracting residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation.
Beyond Skating
For Ottawa residents, the canal is synonymous with outdoor activities year-round. Brazilian resident Marcela Braga highlights the democratic and accessible nature of the space.
“In Canada, there are so many opportunities for outdoor activities, and people make the most of public spaces. The Rideau Canal really shows that,” she says.
In the summer, she participated in free canoeing activities, available through online registration. The program includes an introductory lesson, instructors, full equipment—life jackets, paddles, waterproof floating bags—and continuous supervision on the water.
“They first do instruction on land, then help everyone into the canoe. You practice between buoys before heading into the open canal. There’s always a supervisor. It’s very safe and very enjoyable,” she recalls.
The experience, she adds, was a family activity with her husband Alex and their eight-year-old son Lucca, emphasizing the inclusive nature of these programs.
A Space for Everyone
In winter, this variety of uses continues. While skating is the main attraction, the canal also welcomes people walking in snow boots, families with strollers, children on sleds, and visitors who just want to enjoy the scenery.
“Even people who can’t skate can enjoy it. The sides of the canal have uneven ice where you can walk. It’s really a democratic space,” Marcela explains.
She also highlights the initiative’s urban and tourist value:
“I have a degree in tourism, and one of the topics we always discuss is making the most of urban leisure areas and contact with nature. The canal does exactly that: it brings together residents and tourists, people from different cities and cultures.”
Tips for Hitting the Ice
Despite its charm, skating on the canal requires some precautions. For beginners, it can be challenging.
“It’s not like an indoor arena. The ice is natural, with cracks, bumps, and trapped leaves. Falling is normal if you’re unsteady,” she warns.
She recommends sharp skates, proper clothing for extreme cold, gloves, scarves, and maximum wind protection. Thermal insoles can help those whose feet get very cold. The canal offers access points with washrooms, heated areas, and vendors selling typical snacks—like the famous BeaverTails—and hot drinks such as hot chocolate. Hours are flexible, and the route can be skated in sections.
The idea to turn the canal into a skating rink began in the 1970–1971 season, initiated by then-NCC Chair Doug Fullerton. In January 1971, a small group of commission staff armed with shovels and brooms cleared a section between the Mackenzie King and Laurier bridges near the National Arts Centre. The experiment was so successful that the rink was extended to Dow’s Lake, forming a roughly 5-kilometre route. That first year, lighting and music were added for night skating. Despite heavy snow and long hours, teams managed to keep the rink open. The result was immediate: hundreds of thousands flocked to the new attraction, starting a tradition that has spanned generations.
Today, the Rideau Canal Skateway stretches 7.8 kilometres through the heart of Canada’s capital and serves as one of the main venues for Winterlude, the annual February winter festival. The average season lasts 50 days, with a record of 95 days set in the winter of 1971–1972.
Over the years, the rink has amassed impressive numbers. In the 2018–2019 season, it recorded 1,493,524 visits, an all-time high.
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