A daring ski jump over the historic Rideau Canal in Ottawa, captured in a viral video, has led to a formal condemnation from Parks Canada and a warning about increased enforcement at the national historic site.
The Stunt That Caught National Attention
The slow-motion clip shows Tai How, a 21-year-old skier from Nelson, British Columbia, launching himself in an attempt to clear the 33-foot gap of the Ottawa Locks. The video, which garnered tens of thousands of views after being shared widely on social media, was part of a skiing montage posted to YouTube in December 2025 by the group Jetskis. The actual stunt, however, took place in February 2025.
How recounted that during his approach, he lost crucial speed after mishandling a small bump. "I take off and I'm in the air," he said. "I see the edge of the concrete, and I'm like, 'Am I going to clip it right now?'" His premonition proved correct. While How tumbled to safety on the other side, his skis fell into one of the canal lock's chambers and were later retrieved, broken, by a friend.
Parks Canada Issues Stern Safety Warning
In response to the video going viral, Parks Canada, which operates the Rideau Canal, released a strong statement. The agency made it clear that the UNESCO World Heritage Site is not an appropriate venue for such activities. "The Rideau Canal National Historic Site — including the Ottawa Locks — is not a place for unauthorized activities like ski jumping," the statement read. It further warned that enforcement has been increased and violations may result in fines.
The skier admitted he was unfamiliar with Ottawa's canals before his visit. While scouting locations, however, the Rideau Canal persistently stood out to him as a potential jump site. "Just thinking in a skier's mindset, you know, just looking at everything as a possibility," How explained. Confident in his abilities after skiing since age three and performing similar tricks in the Rocky Mountains, he believed the gap was manageable.
Reflections on Risk and Consequence
Miraculously, How escaped serious injury, suspecting only a broken thumb. "I was super glad that nothing hurt really," he noted, adding that "the airtime was pretty wicked." Despite the thrill, he acknowledged the risks taken over a year after the event. He expressed hope that his actions would not negatively impact public access or perception of the iconic canal for others.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between adventurous urban exploration and the preservation and safety regulations governing Canada's protected national historic sites. Parks Canada's firm response underscores its commitment to preventing similar unauthorized and potentially dangerous stunts on its properties.
