Ottawa 
Events Description
Every year during 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).
2026 Season – 56th Season:
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.
On opening day, only access points located between Somerset Street and the Bank Street Bridge will be open.
Stop by the BeaverTails® kiosks at the Concord or Fifth entrances starting tomorrow, or try our other vendors, including new ones like 3Brothers, once they open in the coming days.
Changes this year:
Addition of an access point at Laurier East (Colonel By Drive side);
The Patterson Creek access point was moved to Monkland Avenue (Queen Elizabeth Driveway side) due to ongoing work.
Vendors
- Food and beverage vendors will once again be located at the four rest areas: Rideau, Concord, Fifth and Bronson.
- Popular BeaverTails® pastries, Dominion City, Dunrobin Distillery, Guylaine Café and Snack O’Shack.
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Coolest Outdoor Ice Skating Trails in Ontario
HOW MUCH
FREE to Skate, no bookings required
Rentals available
Ice Skates 2 hrs — $35
Sleigh; 2 hrs — $49
Ice Trike: 2 hrs — $53
Kicksled: 2 hrs — $35
Boot Check: $8
How to get tickets?
Buy Online
WHEN & WHERE
Opening: December 31, 2025
Status
The skateway, when open, is accessible 24 hours a day, and the skating season runs until weather permits.
Equipment rentals:
Rideau
Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
No equipment rented after 8 pm.
Fifth
Friday, 3 pm to 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
No equipment rented after 8 pm.
Note : When the rental location at Rideau is closed (due to closure of that segment of the Skateway), the Fifth rest area will be open (daily, 10 am to 10 pm).
WHERE:
The total length of the skateway is 7.8 kilometres, stretching from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks. There are 13 sections. The open sections vary depending on the weather.
