Rideau Canal Skateway is open

For the 48th season, the Rideau Canal Skateway between Dows Lake and the Pretoria Bridge is now open for skaters.

Weather permitting, the remainder of the skateway will soon be open as well.

Managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC) since the 1970–1971 season, the 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway receives close to one million visits every year, with an average of 20,000 visits each day that it is open.

“The Rideau Canal Skateway welcomes visitors from around the globe, said Dr. Mark Kristmanson, CEO of the NCC. "It is inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records and was recently chosen by USA TODAY readers as the best skating rink in North America." 

In addition to hosting recreational skaters, the skateway plays host to Ottawa's annual winter carnival – Winterlude, which will run from February 2 – 19 this year.

The Rideau Canal is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.