Ice ‘Crop Circles’ Have Appeared On Ottawa’s Rideau Canal & They Are Out Of This World

It's a rare phenomenon.
Ice ‘Crop Circles’ Have Appeared On Ottawa’s Rideau Canal & They Are Out Of This World
cressidaamber | Instagram joshrachlis | Instagram
Staff Writer

No, it wasn't an alien invasion. Over the weekend, large ice circles appeared on Ottawa's Rideau Canal that left locals mesmerized by their mysterious appearance.

But it turns out the frozen 'crop circles' isn't anything to worry about.

Editor's Choice: Toronto Zoo's Baby Red Panda Just Met Her Dad & They're Already In Love (VIDEO)

The National Capital Commission explained the ice patterns were created when using pumps to flood the surface.

Despite the canal freezing every winter, most locals may have never seen this sight before.

Large sections of the ice are dotted with circles, with each shape having a unique design.

The contrast between the dark frozen surface and white snow is rather striking and can be seen best at night.

According to Ottawa Tourism, the rare occurrence "needs the perfect combo of water, temperature, ice and snow."

The Rideau Canal isn't ready yet for skating so if you are eager to lace up your skates, you can head to the Rink Of Dreams at City Hall instead.

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 👀

8 unspoken Ottawa truths that everyone who lives in the city just accepts

From a local herself! 👀❄️🌯

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... 👀

You're not a true Ottawa kid if you didn't grow up doing these 9 things

Tell me you grew up in Ottawa without telling me... ⛸️🍁

This Ontario fall train ride takes you through a red and gold canyon with shimmering waterfalls

It's features "some of the most spectacular fall colours in North America."

Recalls for yogurt, croissants, chocolate, water and more items have been issued in Canada

A few Costco products are on this list.

I ranked Canada's 5 biggest cities after visiting them all this year — There's a clear winner

Get ready for some hard truths...😬

7 things I never realized Canada did so badly until I moved abroad

Canada, I love you, but we need to talk. 😬

Statistics Canada is hiring for jobs that pay you up to $90,000 a year to travel

You'll work as part of a survey collection team.

This monthly fall forecast reveals when Ontario will get the first snow of the season

Flurries and snow showers are coming soon!

11 stunning fall destinations every Ontarian needs to visit at least once, according to locals

How many have you been to? 👀 🍁

I'm a Toronto local — these are the most underrated neighbourhoods that you should explore

And what to do in each...