What to Know Before Skating the Rideau Canal
The world’s largest outdoor skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal, is a must visit for locals and visitors alike. The entire length of the skateway is 7.8 KM, beginning at Dow’s Lake toward the National Arts Centre downtown. Check out this interactive map for a detailed view.
Note, the National Capital Commission is asking residents not to travel to skate on the canal. Stay close to home this winter and use amenities nearest you.
Ice Quality Report
The National Capital Commission keeps daily updates online regarding the ice conditions of the canal. They have split the canal into 13 sections, with ice ratings ranging from closed to good condition. You can also call the number (613) 239 – 5234 for a prerecorded message of the ice conditions.
Always check this before skating! Some areas of the ice may be in fair conditions while others are poor. Find the details HERE.
Skate Rentals
There are three locations along the canal where you can rent skates; Rideau (Rideau St & Colonel By Dr), Fifth (Fifth Avenue & Queen Elizabeth Dr) and Dows (Dows lake off Preston St). Ice skate rentals are available through Capital Skates as well as the Dow’s Lake Pavilion. Skate sharpening and rentals of sleighs and safety equipment are also offered. Hours of operation differ slightly, but typically there are no rentals after 8:00 or 9:00pm. CLICK HERE for more information regarding hours and rates.
These three rental locations also have heated rest areas, along with a fourth at Bronson Avenue. (Keep in mind the 2021 skating season will have new guidelines and restrictions due to Covid-19). Washrooms are also located at these stops, along with a Patterson Creek washroom on land, and one at Dow's lake.
Beavertails
A Canadian treat and tradition that originated in Ottawa, Beavertails are a must have snack when visiting the canal. Enjoy hot drinks and treats from Beavertails at the rest areas Rideau, Fifth and Bronson. There are typically other food vendors at the Fifth rest area, or you can visit restaurants at Dow’s Lake pavilion.
Ice Entrances and Nearby Parking
Note: Most 'Entrance' names correspond to the cross street name.
To gain a clearer visual of entrances, parking lots and nearby streets, zoom in on the NCC’s Interactive Map.
|
Entrances (Streets) |
Parking (Lots) |
Other Information |
|
Library |
Carleton University 5A-B & P6 |
O-train Carleton Station |
|
Dows | Kippewa |
Dow’s Lake |
O-train Carling Station |
|
Bronson | Bronson Bridge |
Bronson Avenue |
Rest area at Bronson |
|
Lakeview |
** Side street parking (1 Hr limit) |
|
|
Bank South |
Bank Street (2 Hr Limit) |
|
|
Bank North |
Lansdowne Park |
|
|
Avenue |
** Side street parking (3 Hr limit) |
|
|
Lansdowne |
Lansdowne Park |
|
|
Holmwood | Fifth |
Lansdowne Park |
Rest area at Fifth |
|
Clegg | Herridge | Hazel |
** Side street parking (2 Hr limit) |
|
|
Second | Patterson |
O’Connor & Pretoria |
|
|
Hawthorne |
** Side street parking (3 Hr limit) |
|
|
Pretoria | Argyle |
O’Connor & Pretoria |
|
|
Delaware | Waverley |
** Side street parking (1 Hr limit) |
|
|
Somerset East |
University of Ottawa Mann |
O-train UOttawa Station |
|
Somerset West | Lisgar |
Cartier & Cooper |
|
|
Mackenzie King E | Rideau |
Byward Market |
O-train Rideau Station |
|
Mackenzie King W |Queen |
Byward Market National Arts Centre |
O-train Rideau Station O- train Parliament Station |
** Free parking
Many nearby areas and neighbourhoods have free street parking. If you choose this option, always be respectful to residents and cautious of driveways and parking signs, including time limits. Be mindful of any parking restrictions and laws.
Safety
Always be mindful of ice conditions and of those around you on the ice. The Rideau Canal has a flag system – green means open, red means closed. Dress warmly, stay with a buddy, and have children wear helmets.
There is a first aid trailer located on the ice at the Fifth Avenue rest area and skate patrollers midday on the ice. If you are skating in the early morning or at night, there are no ice patrollers, another reason to be extra careful.
Visit the National Capital Commission website for more safety tips.
If you are looking for other Ottawa activities, check out these blogs:
5 Reasons to Visit Ottawa in Winter
A Winter Weekend in Ottawa
Where to Feed Chickadees in Ottawa
Outdoor Adventure Guide
Looking to come February 8 or 9 for my husbands birthday 2022. Any information will be helpful. He has his own skates and I would rent for one day. Happy 70th Birthday