The iconic Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is set to grow significantly this weekend, offering skaters an extended frozen playground. The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced on Friday that an additional 800 metres of the world's largest skating rink will open to the public starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Expanding the Frozen Pathway
This new section will stretch the available ice from Bank Street eastward to Rideau Street. With this expansion, a total of 4.2 kilometres of the Skateway will be officially open for gliding. This means more than half of the canal's full 7.8-kilometre length is now accessible, marking a major milestone for the early season.
The Skateway's season began promisingly with a 3.4-kilometre section between the Bank Street Bridge and Somerset Street West opening on New Year's Eve. That opening was notably the earliest start to the skating season since 2018, drawing thousands of enthusiastic skaters despite cold temperatures.
Services and Ice Conditions
To accommodate skaters, the NCC confirmed that Capital Skate rentals will be available at the Rideau rest area beginning Saturday. The popular BeaverTail pastries and skate rentals will continue to be offered at the Fifth Avenue rest area, though an opening date for the BeaverTail stand at the Rideau location is still to be determined.
As of Friday afternoon, ice conditions on the already-open section were reported as "good". The NCC did note that the Bank Street stairs will remain closed for the time being.
A Brighter Season After Lean Years
This winter's robust start is a welcome change from recent challenging seasons for the 55-year-old Skateway. Last winter, the canal partially opened on January 11, with the full length ready by January 18. That season was a success, lasting 52 days and attracting over 1.1 million visitors, which the NCC hailed as "fantastic."
This success followed two particularly difficult years. In 2024, the Skateway was open for a mere 10 days. The season before that, in 2023, it failed to open entirely due to persistently thin ice conditions, disappointing residents and tourists alike.
The current expansion downtown signals strong ice formation and favourable weather, offering hope for a long and vibrant skating season on one of Canada's most beloved winter landmarks.
