You Can Still Skate Ottawa's Rideau Canal This Year But It's Going To Look Super Different

Expect to see some big changes!
Rideau Canal Skateway In Ottawa Is Opening This Year But It's Going To Look Very Different
dponnu | Instagram caitbrownfield | Instagram
Staff Writer

This year when you go skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, things will look very different.

The NCC announced the famous outdoor rink would open to the public once it's ready.

Editor's Choice: 11 Easy Winter Hikes In Ottawa To Try Before The Snow Melts

But unlike in the past, you won't be able to glide to the Beavertails stands to get a sugary treat.

The area is to be used for exercise only, so food stands and the bistro at Remic Rapids will be shut down. 

You'll also want to bundle up with a warm jacket, as all rentals and fire pits will be closed.

Another significant change is that part of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When gliding across the ice, the NCC asks everyone to wear their mask and to maintain a safe distance from others.

No winter in the National Capital Region would be complete without enjoying some classic winter fun on the Rideau Canal, which opens weather permitting from January to March.

Rideau Canal Skateway

Price: Free

Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: You don't have to pay a thing to spin on the ice and enjoy the crisp air.

Website

OttawaCanadaThings To DoThings To Do
  • Stephanie White
    Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

You're not a true Ottawa local unless you've been to at least 10 of these 15 iconic spots

Let's see how local you really are 👀

I'm an Ottawa local and these are my 11 hidden gem spots in the city

I might be exposing Ottawa's best-kept secrets... 👀

7 Ottawa day trips I'd choose over downtown any day — as a tourist or local

If you're only sticking to downtown Ottawa, you’re missing out 🚗🖼️

If you're visiting Ottawa skip these 7 popular spots (and go to my hidden gems instead)

Not everything in Ottawa is worth the hype 👀

Ontario to move northwest regions to permanent daylight time

Ontario northwest region to end time changes

Rides closed at Canadian theme parks after deadly fall from Six Flags coaster in U.S.

Rides closed at theme parks after deadly U.S. fall

Ontario is home to Canada's only elevated park and it gazes over a colourful autumn valley

You can take in the views from above. 🍂

This lakeside village near Ottawa is bathed in fall colours and feels like a trip to Vermont

It's perfect for a quick fall day trip. 🍂

This is your last chance to get money from a $7.5M plant-based beverage class action lawsuit

You could receive $400 to $7,000 for less serious injuries.

I moved to Canada from Ukraine 4 years ago — These 7 things still completely surprise me

I've made Canada my home, but there are some Canadian habits I may never understand! 🫣

6 funny differences I noticed as a Canadian travelling in Europe that you wouldn't expect

Some of these I learned the hard way. 🇨🇦

Toronto vs. Victoria: I compared the cost of living in 2026 and didn't expect these results

Some of the differences were surprisingly small — others cost thousands a year. 💸

Backstreet Boys' larger-than-life Toronto residency adds 12th show

Backstreet Boys announce 12th Toronto show in 2027