Ottawa 
Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism
The Rideau Canal Skateway will open for the 2021 season on Thursday, January 28, 2021, 8:00 a.m. with a 2.4 km section of the Rideau Canal Skateway between Pretoria Bridge and the Bank Street Bridge allowing skaters on the famous ice.
The rest of the 7.8 kilometers of the skateway will open as soon as ice conditions are safe and weather permits.
This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, food and beverage concession stands, rentals and fire pits will be closed.
Masks are also required by all users.
Sanitizing stands will be available.
The Rideau Canal Skateway closed on February 22 due to warm weather and the NCC announced that it is closing the skateway for the season on February 25, 2021 after 26 days of consecutive skating.
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About Rideau Canal Skateway
Every year during winter months, Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes visitors from all over the world to skate the 7.8 kilometers stretching from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks. The total ice surface is equivalent to more than 140 National Hockey League rinks, or more than 122 Olympic-sized hockey rinks (223,400 square metres).
WHEN: Skateway when open, is accessible 24 hours a day and the skating season runs from early January until early March. Even after the skateway opens for the season, all sections might close because of varying weather conditions. The open sections vary depending on the weather and the duration of the skating season also varies.
Services are available in the open sections of the Skateway until 10 pm or 11 pm, depending on the day.
1971 was the very first season of the Rideau Canal Skateway.
The earliest the Rideau Canal Skateway opened was on the 18th of December in 1972 and 1981. The latest opening date was in 2002, with an opening on February 2nd.
For the first time in the history of the skateway, the full 7.8 kilometres did not open in 2020.
WHERE:
The total length of the skateway is 7.8 kilometres, stretching from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks. The open sections varies.
SEE HERE FOR THE INTERACTIVE MAP of OPEN AREAS
Rest areas: Rideau Street, Fifth, Bronson Avenue, Dows Lake
Skate Rentals are not available for 2021 season due to COVID-19. During other seasons they are available at Dows Lake Pavilion, Rideau (under Mackenzie King Bridge) and Fifth Avenue (between the 3rd and 4th km marker).
HOW MUCH
FREE to Skate
Skate Rentals are not available for 2021 season due to COVID-19.
PARKING
Free parking: World Exchange Plaza (free on weekends, paid parking on weekdays). Paid parking at various locations. See link for interactive map above.
For more details, see National Capital Commission Website