OTTAWA, January 16, 2026 — The headline provided by the National Capital Commission is “Back in action: Full reopening today at 4 pm!,” and Ottawa residents and visitors could not be happier. After an annoying bout of warmer weather in early January forcing its closure, the Rideau Canal Skateway has fully reopened this afternoon, Friday, January 16, at 4 pm.
The NCC says its team took advantage of the return of cold temperatures the past several days to sweep, flood and smooth the ice, which is now ready to welcome skaters and walkers.
Rental services, change rooms, and food and beverage concessions will also be open.
I know I speak for us all when I say, let’s hope the temperatures remain consistently sub-zero leading up to Winterlude taking place January 30 – February 16, this year!
Visit the Rideau Canal Skateway website for more details.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal Skateway beautifully snakes its way through the heart of Ottawa, from Carleton University to downtown, for a magnificent total length of 7.8 km of uninterrupted skating—unless you are stopping for hot cocoa or a BeaverTail!
The skating season typically runs from January to early March, but it is weather-dependent as we all know. When open, the Skateway is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
NCC Skate Rentals – Capital Skates
You can rent skates, sleighs, tricycles or sharpen your skates at one of two locations on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Here us where you will find skate rentals along the Skateway:
Rideau
Visit the Capital Skates website for more information, or call 819-921-6839.
Hours
- Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
- No equipment rented after 8 pm.
Rates
All rentals require a deposit. Reservation and payment online only.
Fifth Avenue
Visit the Capital Skates website for more information, or call 819-921-5743.
- Friday, 3 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
- No equipment rented after 8 pm.
Note : When the rental location at Rideau is closed (due to closure of that segment of the Skateway), the Fifth rest area will be open (daily, 10 am to 10 pm).
Rates
All rentals require a deposit. Reservation and payment online only.
by Terry Lankstead
photo by Julian Lankstead
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