If you live in or happen to visit the Ottawa-Gatineau area and are searching for something fun to do, you’re in luck since the Rideau Canal Skateway has recently been opened in all its glory.
Thousands of individuals and families flock to the Rideau Canal Skateway to ice skate down in the frozen canal between Dow’s Lake and the National Arts Center during the winter.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is open for this winter’s ice skating season from January 14, 2022, until February 28, 2022, depending on the weather.
In the spring, summer and fall, many people roller skate, ride bicycles or walk along the tree-lined paved walkway on either side of the scenic canal as the boats cruise by in the water.
Other Skating Venues
You’ll never run out of options for ice skating throughout Canada’s national capital region.
Here are some of the highly recommended spots – a mix of skating rinks and skating trails in the Ottawa area.
Landsdowne Park Skating Court
Located south of downtown Ottawa next to the Aberdeen Pavillion is the Landsdowne Park Skating Court, an outdoor ice skating rink that is open to the public from November 26, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and is free.
Little Penguin
Located in Gatineau, Quebec, a 5-kilometer skating trail will welcome you at Little Penguin.
The trail built on the Touraine Golf Club opened in January 2021.
Its owners attributed the business’s early success to the pandemic.
Still, they were hopeful that it would keep people going back through time.
The trail’s president, Carl Chénier, is optimistic about it, stating in an interview that ice skating has always been an excellent activity for families during wintertime.
There is a daily access fee, but season passes are also available.
RiverOak
You’ll find the trail around 30 kilometers from the southeastern part of Ottawa.
It’s at the heart of an apple orchard in Metcalfe, Ontario, and also has meadows and a forest nearby.
The site is family and pet-friendly.
You can bring your dogs while playing hockey.
You can also enjoy other fun ventures, including sleigh rides, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
The owner, Trevor Jamieson, boasts of the trail park’s relaxing atmosphere.
He also relayed his plans of opening an ice-skating park sometime this year.
Jamieson admitted that the pandemic may have surprisingly boosted the business, but he sees that it’s the kind of trend that would not wear off even after many years had gone by.
Visitors can purchase a winter day pass, winter 3-day pass or a winter season pass to access the trail.
Icelynd Skating Trails
This is one of the newest sites to check out.
You’ll find this skating trail in Stittsville, and it was created by Chris Neil, a former ice hockey player with the Ottawa Senators, and some of his friends.
The park is open to everyone, including families.
It has ample space to play hockey, skate, and have fun.
A pass must be purchased to access the trail.
Ice skating is only one of the many activities that you could enjoy living in Canada!
