Sight guide · Ottawa · Canada
Visiting Rideau Canal Skateway
In a cold enough winter the canal freezes into a skating rink of about 7.8 km from downtown to Dow's Lake, with skate rentals, heated huts and food stands selling BeaverTails along the way.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Arctic.gnome assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Rideau Canal Skateway is an experience in Rideau Canal, Ottawa. Allow 1–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Rideau Canal
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, active, kids and couples
- Best months
- February and September–October
About Rideau Canal Skateway
In a cold enough winter the canal freezes into a skating rink of about 7.8 km from downtown to Dow's Lake, with skate rentals, heated huts and food stands selling BeaverTails along the way. Locals use it to skate to work. Mild winters have shortened or prevented the season in recent years.
Tip: Check the National Capital Commission's ice status before you plan around it; the best conditions are usually from mid-January to mid-February.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Rideau Canal.
Best time to visit Rideau Canal Skateway
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- February: -4°C (25°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Ottawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Ottawa itinerary visits Rideau Canal Skateway on day 2, together with National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History and ByWard Market.
- No. 3 of the 18 sights in our Ottawa things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Ottawa.
- A family favourite in Ottawa with kids.
If you like Rideau Canal Skateway
- Major's Hill Park — ByWard Market and Lowertown, 30–60 minutes
Staying near Rideau Canal Skateway
Where to stay in Ottawa compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Rideau Canal Skateway?
Plan 1–3 hours.
+Is Rideau Canal Skateway free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Rideau Canal Skateway?
February and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Check the National Capital Commission's ice status before you plan around it; the best conditions are usually from mid-January to mid-February.
+Do I need to book Rideau Canal Skateway in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Rideau Canal Skateway good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Ottawa. Ottawa is excellent for families: hands-on national museums, a Children's Museum inside the Museum of History, canal skating and Winterlude snow slides, and big parks.