Ottawa 
The Rideau Canal Skateway is now open for the 2025-2026 season.
Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Skaters can enjoy a 3.4-kilometre stretch from the Somerset West access point to the Bank Street Bridge.
The recent colder weather, combined with the National Capital Commission’s dedicated efforts, has produced a robust, safe skating surface.
Efforts are ongoing to safely open additional segments of the Skateway. The NCC advises against entering any closed areas of the Skateway for safety reasons.
Food and beverage concession stands, changing facilities, fire pits, skate rentals, boot cubbies, and picnic tables will be open.
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About Rideau Canal Skateway
Every year during the winter months, Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes visitors from all over the world to skate the 7.8 kilometres stretching from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks. The total ice surface equals more than 140 National Hockey League rinks or more than 122 Olympic-sized hockey rinks (223,400 square metres).
WHEN:
Opens on December 31, 2025, at 8 a.m.
The skateway is open 24 hours a day when open, and the skating season runs from early January to early March. Even after the skateway opens for the season, sections may close due to varying weather conditions. The open sections vary with the weather, and 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 of the week.
1971 was the very first season of the Rideau Canal Skateway.
The Rideau Canal Skateway opened on the 18th of December in 1972 and 1981. The latest opening date was in 2002, with an opening on February 2nd.
The full 7.8 kilometres were open to skaters on opening day in 2022, whereas in 2020, only 3.8 kilometres were open during the entire seaon.
The skateway did not open during the 2023 season.
WHERE:
On Wednesday, December 31, at 8 am, a 3.4-km section from the Somerset West access point to the Bank Street Bridge will open to skaters.
The total length of the skateway is 7.8 kilometres, stretching from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks. The open sections vary.
SEE HERE FOR THE INTERACTIVE MAP of OPEN AREAS
Rest areas: Rideau Street, Fifth, Bronson Avenue, Dows Lake
Skate rentals are available at Rideau and Fifth Avenue (between the 3rd and 4th km marker).
HOW MUCH
FREE to Skate
PARKING
Free parking: World Exchange Plaza (free on weekends, paid parking on weekdays). Paid parking at various locations. See the link for the interactive map above.
For more details, see the National Capital Commission Website
