A winter wonderland carved right into the heart of the nation’s capital is now officially open for the season, and it’s the perfect excuse for a quick escape from the 6ix.
For 56 years, the Rideau Canal Skateway has served as Canada’s ultimate frozen playground, and this season is already off to a solid start.
After a few years of unpredictable weather (failing to open entirely in 2023 and only open for a total of 10 days in 2024), the world’s largest skating rink is back in all its glory, with the full 7.8-kilometre stretch now open to the public.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site gives skaters a perspective of Ottawa you simply can’t get from the sidewalk. Once you lace up your skates, you can glide past iconic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and the Château Laurier. It’s also common to see students or professionals travelling to and from school or work via the canal.
Spanning the equivalent to over 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks, the sheer scale of the ice is breathtaking. Beyond ice skating, the canal has so much to explore. As you traverse the canal, you’ll find several rest areas equipped with cozy fire pits and heated change rooms to help you thaw out.
Of course, no trip to the canal is complete without stopping at a wooden kiosk for a world-famous BeaverTail (don’t be alarmed our non-Canadian friends – these are just made of hand-stretched pastry dough served hot with your choice of delectable toppings.)
The Rideau Canal Skateway is completely free to access and remains open 24 hours a day, though the best atmosphere is arguably found under the glow of the evening lights. If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry – skate rentals are available at multiple points along the route, including the Rideau and Fifth rest areas.
Located just a one-hour flight or four-hour drive or train ride from Toronto, the Rideau Canal opened on January 5 for its 2026 season. You can check the current ice conditions and find a list of open concessions on the National Capital Commission (NCC) website.