Ottawa's Rideau Canal Is Officially Reopening For The First Time Since 2022
Lace up those skates! ⛸️
Who's ready to skate? Ottawa's iconic Rideau Canal has officially announced that it will be reopening its skating rink for the winter season and it's the first time since 2022.
The Skateway will welcome visitors from January 13 to March 3, 2024, weather permitting.
According to the website, the Rideau Canal transforms into the "world’s largest skating rink" at a total length of over 7.8 kilometres. The Skateway has been a winter tradition for locals and visitors since 1872.
Why you should care: The Skateway will be open seven days a week and offers free skating. This year, there are no reservations required in order to enjoy the rink. Visitors can stay warm and lace up their skates in the Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building.
What they're saying: "Members of the public are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy the historical Rideau Hall skating rink this winter season," a press release stated. "Tucked away on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the skating rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada."
ICYMI: This will be the first time the Canal has opened for skating since 2022 after mild temperatures made for "unsafe" ice conditions during the 2023 season, marking the sole instance in history when the canal didn't welcome skaters.
Full details including hours of operation can be found on the Governor General of Canada website.
Keep reading: Here are some other magical spots to skate around Ontario this winter.