OTTAWA, January 9, 2025 – It’s finally opening! Ottawans and visitors will be excited to learn that the National Capital Commission took to social media today to announce that a section of the Rideau Canal Skateway will open on Saturday, January 11, 2024.
NCC says the section that will be opening as early as 8 am on Saturday is located between Somerset and Bank Street.
Their statement reads” “SHARPEN YOUR SKATES! Saturday is THE day! We’re putting the final touches on the ice, and a 3.6 km section of the #RideauCanal Skateway between Somerset and Bank will open at 8:00 am on Saturday, January 11th.”
We’re thrilled to welcome residents and visitors to the Rideau Canal Skateway, Canada’s beloved winter classic. A combination of cold temperatures and innovative ways to prepare and accelerate ice formation have helped us get the Rideau Canal ready for skating. Come out for a skate and enjoy the best that winter in our beautiful nation’s capital has to offer.
—Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission
NCC also released a press statement to say that much coller temperatures have allowed their crew to create optimal ice.
“After a mild start, winter kicked into high gear over the last week. This provided NCC teams optimal conditions to prepare the ice surface. Temperatures are expected to remain cold over the next several days, which will help open more sections of the Skateway as soon as ice conditions allow,” reads the statement from NCC.
Here are some tips for all those headed to the skateway
Planning a successful outing
Use the NCC interactive map to make the most of your time on the Rideau Canal Skateway. See the latest ice conditions per section, find washrooms and locate access points with stairs, and universal access ramps. Information on ice conditions is also available on the NCC website.
Rest areas and concessions located along the Skateway are perfect spots to slow down and take in the beauty of our winter capital.
Science on the Skateway with Carleton University
The NCC has adapted its operations to mitigate the effects of climate change on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Our partners at Carleton University are helping us identify strategies and collect data to guide the maintenance of the Skateway. Some strategies have already been implemented, like the use of lighter equipment on the ice and advanced techniques for early season icemaking.
Skate rentals – No skates? No problem!
Equipment rentals and limited-edition Rideau Canal Skateway tuques, mittens and neck warmers will be available at Capital Skates, located at the Fifth access points. Services include skate, sleigh and tricycle rentals, as well as skate sharpening.
The NCC thanks its contractors and vendors for their ongoing collaboration, as well as Access Storage–Cubeit, the official provider of Rideau Canal Skateway storage, and CEECAM, the official webcam provider for the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Useful LINKS
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway opens Saturday, January 11, 2025, National Capital Commission
- The Rideau Canal Skateway: World’s Largest Skating Rink
- Tackling Climate Change on the Rideau Canal Skateway
- National Capital Commission’s Climate Change Initiative
by Terry Lankstead with notes and quotes from NCC
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
