If a magical outdoor skate is on your Ottawa winter bucket list, then you’ll want to head to some of these skating trails around the city.
Whether you're looking for a winding ice trail through an evergreen forest or a free urban rink that is close to other activities, the Ottawa region has you covered.
Here are nine different places to go ice skating around Ottawa that will feel like you're living in a winter wonderland.
Rink of Dreams
Price: Free
When: Open for the season
Address: 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can admire Ottawa's downtown as you cruise around this outdoor ice rink.
The skating rink is open from Friday to Sunday, and has a BeaverTails on site as well as skate sharpening.
Le Sentier Du Petit Pingouin
Price: $22 per adult
When: Opening date to be announced
Address: 312 Chem. Taché, Gatineau, QC
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting man-made ice trail is the longest in the Ottawa region after the iconic Rideau Canal.
The trail takes you through a golf course with snow-covered evergreens and there's a campfire where you can warm up with food truck eats.
Organizers have begun setting up the trail for its fourth year, however the opening date is still to be announced.
Countryside Adventures
Price: $17 per adult
When: Starting December 26, 2023
Address: 16495 Sixth Rd., Moose Creek, ON
Why You Need To Go: About 45 minutes from Ottawa, you can immerse yourself in nature and admire some beautiful views at Countryside Adventures.
The family-operated destination has a 3-kilometre skating trail that winds through a forest, as well as a well-maintained snowshoe trail with stunning scenery.
If you get hungry during your visit, an on-site food truck offers everything from poutine to maple taffy and hot chocolate.
Labyrinthe en patin, Éco-Odyssée
Price: $20 per adult
When: Opening mid-December, weather permitting
Address: 52 Chem. des Sources, Wakefield, QC
Why You Need To Go: Éco-Odyssée skating trail in the heart of nature takes you through several ecosystems, including marshes, forests, and fields, as you glide on the ice.
The park offers daytime and nighttime skating. The park says its winter activities, including skating and snowshoeing, will open in mid-December, weather permitting.
Icelynd Skating Trails
Price: $18 per adult
When: Opening January 13, 2024, weather dependent
Address: 6865 Fernbank Rd., Stittsville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can glide along this frozen forest trail that's over 2 kilometres in length.
In the evenings, you can glide under the stars, illuminated by charming twinkling and white string lights along the path.
Patinage En Foret
Price: $18 per adult
When: Opening December 2023 (exact date to be announced)
Address: 9 Mnt. Beausoleil, Lac-des-Loups, QC
Why You Need To Go: You can skate among towering trees surrounded by forest in the heart of Lac des Loups on this 3-kilometre trail.
Your admission includes access to the ice trail as well as snowshoe and walking trails. You can rent equipment including skates and sleds on site, and enjoy warm treats from the canteen.
Brewery Creek Skating Rink
Price: Free
When: Opening date to be announced
Address: 185 Ruisseau-De-La-Brasserie Pathway, Hull, QC
Why You Need To Go: This frozen creek near Ottawa's downtown is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor urban skating.
You can access the ice trail from Montcalm Street and enjoy a number of restaurants nearby post-skate. Skate rentals are available for Gatineau residents who hold a Gatineau access card.
Lansdowne Park
Price: Free
When: Open for the season
Address: 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy holiday lights as you glide across the ice on this city rink.
The rectangular ice rink is also close to a number of restaurants where you can warm up with a hot meal after your skate.
Rideau Canal Skateway
Price: Free
When: Expected to open in January, weather dependent
Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can skate on the world's largest skating rink, right here in Ottawa.
Spanning 7.8 kilometres, the Rideau Canal Skateway winds through the capital and is free for all to enjoy.
The rink is expected to open in January, though this is weather-dependent. Once open, the skateway can be accessed at several different points and you can also find equipment rentals, rest areas and food huts along the ice.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on December 31, 2022.
Camille Labonte with a dog sledding pup. 
Two women warming up by a wood fire in a cabin.
