The return of winter weather to Ottawa has sparked a renewed effort to reopen the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway. After a period of unseasonably warm temperatures and rain forced its closure, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has confirmed that maintenance teams are officially back on the ice.
Crews Return to Ice After Temporary Closure
Maintenance work resumed in earnest on Friday, January 16, 2026, with crews focusing on critical tasks like snow removal and flooding the ice surface. This work is essential to build a safe, skateable layer after the thaw. The Skateway had initially opened for the season on December 31, but was forced to close temporarily just nine days later on January 8 due to the warm, rainy conditions.
The NCC has made a direct appeal to the public, urging people to stay off the ice while preparations are underway. "While we continue our work, please help us by staying off the ice," the commission stated in a social media update. No specific reopening date has been announced, as the NCC did not immediately provide a projected timeline when asked.
Favorable Forecast Brings Hope for Skaters
The resumption of work coincides with a promising weather forecast for the National Capital Region. According to Environment Canada, colder temperatures are expected to persist. Daytime highs over the weekend are forecast to hover between -1 and -4°C, with overnight lows plunging to around -12°C. Looking ahead to next week, even colder daytime highs between -11 and -15°C are anticipated, creating ideal conditions for making and maintaining ice.
Building on a "Fantastic" Previous Season
The push to reopen follows what the NCC described as a "fantastic" skating season last winter. In its 55th year, the Skateway partially opened on January 11, 2025, with the full 7.8-kilometre length becoming available on January 18. It remained open for a total of 52 days, attracting over 1.1 million visitors. This was a welcome rebound after a couple of challenging seasons with limited skating opportunities.
With maintenance crews now actively working and the weather cooperating, hopes are high that Ottawans and visitors will soon be able to lace up their skates and enjoy the world's largest skating rink once again.
