What better way to enjoy a sunny winter day in the Capital than skating
along the famous Rideau Canal with the
whole family. The world's longest skating rink offers 7.8 kilometres
(4.5 miles) of uninterupted skating (from late December to late February,
depending on weather). Skate rentals are available on the canal across
from the National Arts Centre, Fifth Ave, and Dows Lake.
Until the NCC removes the barriers and gives the green light, the canal
is off-limits to pedestrians and skaters.
Anyone going on the canal faces a $100 fine for trespassing and the real
chance of a frigid, perhaps fatal, bath.
Canal conditions can be checked on the hotline at (613) 239-5234.
What You Should Know
During the first three weeks of February,
the Rideau Canal is the focal point for
Winterlude, North America's
greatest winter festival. The fun includes bed races on the Canal,
horse-drawn sleigh rides, figure skating shows and world-class ice
and snow sculpting competitions.
For winter romance, nothing compares to a
moonlight skate along the Rideau Canal Skateway. Gliding hand-in-hand
through the heart of the Capital has been a winter tradition among
couples young and old for more than 25 years!
While you glide along the Canal, stop for
a break at one of the many rest areas and treat the kids to hot chocolate
and other heart-warming goodies. They''ll love it!
