Rideau Canal Skateway is fully open for the first time in years

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Skaters, rejoice.

The full 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway is open, as of Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8 a.m. — a rare full opening after recent seasons were disrupted by fickle weather and thinner ice.

The Rideau rest area will also open, with skate rentals available at the Capital Skates kiosk. However, food and beverage concessions at the location will remain closed for the weekend.

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Crowds turned out early for the initial four-kilometre stretch between Laurier Avenue and Bank Street that opened on January 11. Skaters hit the ice before the official 8 a.m. start, with lines forming quickly at BeaverTails stands, skate rentals, and rest areas near Fifth Avenue.

Ice conditions were rated “fair,” but after last year’s 10-day season and the total closure in 2023, skaters didn’t seem to mind.

The quality of the ice has since greatly improved, reaching “very good” — the highest rating — as of January 17.

An early-January deep freeze, with temperatures dropping to -21°C with windchill, helped crews make quick progress on ice formation ahead of the season launch.

“Conditions are ideal for our operations, and our crews are working day and night,” said National Capital Commission (NCC) spokesperson Maryam El-Akhrass.

“We took advantage (of the weather) to flood the full length of the Skateway, and we will continue to flood every evening to speed up ice formation,” she wrote in an email.

What it takes to open the Rideau Canal Skateway

The canal’s ice sheet must reach 30 centimetres in thickness to safely support skaters, maintenance equipment, and vendors. Last year, however, the NCC reportedly let skaters on the canal when the ice was just 27 cm thick.

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The process demands 10 to 14 consecutive days of freezing temperatures, a benchmark recent winters have struggled to meet.

“The Rideau Canal Skateway is not your average backyard rink. To open, we need high-quality ice that can support our visitors and our machinery,” the NCC tweeted on January 6.

Every fall, the canal is partially drained to create a stable base for freezing. Water levels are carefully managed to ensure consistent conditions, minimizing the risks associated with flowing water beneath the ice.

As temperatures drop, crews begin measuring ice thickness using specialized equipment, drilling holes at various points along the canal. The measurements determine whether the ice can withstand the weight of skaters and the machinery needed to maintain the surface.

“Ice samples must show that there is a good quantity of quality clear ice for safe public skating,” said El-Akhrass.

NCC crews often supplement the natural freezing process by flooding sections of the canal to build additional ice layers. The technique reinforces weak spots caused by uneven freezing or water flow and ensures a more durable surface.

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Snow acts as an insulator, slowing the freezing process, so snowplows and Zamboni-style ice resurfacers are used to maintain smooth ice.

“Since the Skateway is a floating sheet of ice on moving water, we also monitor the ice’s vertical movement and distribute weight as needed,” said El-Akhrass.

Evolving winters

Ottawa’s warming winters have made maintaining the Skateway increasingly difficult. Shorter cold spells and unpredictable weather patterns, linked to climate change, have drastically reduced skating seasons, with some years seeing none at all.

In 2022, skaters were able to enjoy the full 7.8 km of the canal on opening day for the first time in more than two decades. But in the 2023 season, the Skateway failed to open for the first time in its 50-year history. The 10 days skaters had to enjoy the ice in 2024 made it the second-shortest season on record.

The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival, once a flagship Winterlude event, announced its fifth consecutive cancellation in December due to unreliable ice conditions.

“It’s the canal itself that we can’t trust,” said festival CEO John Brooman.

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The NCC has since adjusted its operations to better adapt to changing conditions. Crews are now using lighter equipment to reduce strain on thinner ice and implementing advanced techniques to speed up early-season icemaking.

“Our partners at Carleton University are helping us collect data and develop strategies to guide the maintenance of the Skateway in the face of a changing climate,” the NCC said in a press release on Jan. 9.

The future of ice skating on the Rideau Canal

Lowering the ice thickness standard could extend skating seasons, though safety remains a concern. Artificial freezing technology has been suggested as a long-term solution, but high costs and logistical hurdles have kept the idea on ice.

“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,” the NCC wrote. Some strategies have already been implemented, like the use of lighter equipment on the ice and advanced techniques for early season icemaking.

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The Skateway is the world’s largest natural skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In its second season more than 50 years ago, the canal offered 95 days of skating — still the record. More recent years, however, have been far less forgiving.

Still, NCC crews have pressed forward with preparations for 2025.

“Conditions are monitored multiple times per day. The decision to open the Skateway is made only when the ice is deemed safe,” said El-Akhrass.

“In the meantime, we ask the public to stay off the ice until we raise the green flag.”

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FAQs

When will the canal open this year?

The Rideau Canal Skateway began its 55th season with a four-kilometre stretch opening on January 11 between Laurier Avenue Bridge and Bank Street. Three days later, on January 14, the Skateway expanded to 7.4 km, reaching Dows Lake. The canal will fully open on January 18 for the first time in years, giving skaters access to the entire 7.8 km route starting at 8 a.m.

How long does it take to skate the full length of the Rideau Canal Skateway?

The time required to skate the entire Rideau Canal Skateway varies based on pace, experience, and ice conditions. Recreational skaters moving at a steady speed could finish in 45 minutes to an hour. Those more skilled on the ice could complete the distance in under 40 minutes, while beginners or families taking frequent breaks may spend 90 minutes or longer.

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How is the ice thickness measured?

Crews drill sample holes at various locations along the canal. They also use sonar technology to monitor consistency and detect weak spots.

How can I check the status of the canal?

The NCC’s Rideau Canal Skateway website provides regular updates. You can also check the canal’s live status on this map:

Canal event calendar

Winterlude: January 31 to Feburary 19, 2025 (dependent on conditions)

Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival: Cancelled for 2025

Tips for skaters

Access points: Laurier Avenue, Bank Street, and Dows Lake are major access points for the Rideau Canal Skateway. From one end to the other, there are approximately 30 staircases and five universal access ramps — at Rideau, Mackenzie King West, Holwood, Bronson, and Dows — granting entry to the rink. With the downtown section fully reopening, the popular National Arts Centre (NAC) entrance will also be accessible.

Rentals: Skates, sleds, and lockers are available at kiosks (check availability).

• Ice Skates: 2 hrs — $33
• Sleigh: 2 hrs — $49
• Ice Trike: 2 hrs — $53
• Kicksled: 2 hrs — $41
• Sharpening: $17
• Boot Check: $8

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Safety: Even if the full Skateway is open, some sections may remain closed due to uneven ice thickness or active maintenance. Respect signs and barriers indicating restricted areas. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so layer appropriately to stay warm. Make sure your clothing allows for easy movement, and wear gloves, hats, and waterproof footwear to protect against exposure.

smisenheimer@postmedia.com

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