The Canal is right at our doorstep
The closest access point to 91精品黑料吃瓜 is the Somerset East entrance鈥攑erfect for quick skates between classes or late-night glides. Just lace up and go!
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You can also use this to check the ice conditions and see how far you鈥檝e skated.
Skating is an instant workout and stress reliever
Burn 400 to 600 calories an hour while skating, clear your mind, and soak in those winter vibes. It鈥檚 the perfect combo of fitness and fun to beat the winter term grind.
A second-year biochemistry student, Olivier Baril loves skating on the Rideau Canal. Originally from Dieppe, New Brunswick, it鈥檚 one of the reasons he chose Ottawa for his studies! .
No Skates? No problem!
- Borrow or buy: Ask friends, check second-hand stores or borrow locally.
- Rent skates: Visit Rideau or Fifth for rentals (it鈥檚 pricey though at $33 for two hours, $8 to check your boots). Rentals are available daily until 8 p.m. 鈥攋ust don鈥檛 forget the deposit! Check out the for information about rentals.
- Along the Canal there are shelves where you can leave your boots for free.
- Blade care: Get your skate blades sharpened at the Pro Shop on the main level of the Minto Sports Complex near the Mann Avenue entrance to keep gliding smoothly.
Safety first, skaters!
- Beginners should gear up with helmets and pads for knees, elbows and wrists.
- Beware of cracks or uneven ice鈥攁void skating too close to snow-covered edges.
- Stick to the right if heading south and to the left if heading downtown. Think of it as 鈥渋ce traffic鈥!
Snacks, washrooms and warm-up areas
The Skateway has everything you need鈥攃hanging rooms, washrooms and snack stops at various points along the 7.8 km stretch. And don鈥檛 miss the legendary Beavertails, a must-try treat since 1981!
Key facts
- The Rideau Canal is the world鈥檚 largest skating rink, stretching 7.8 km from downtown Ottawa to the Hartwell Locks.
- First opened in 1971, the longest skating season was 95 skating days long (1971-1972).
- There are 30 access points and five universal ramps.
What not to bring on the ice
To keep the Skateway safe and fun for everyone, you are not allowed to bring these items on the ice:
- Pets (except service dogs)
- Bicycles, skis or snowshoes
- Hockey sticks and pucks
- Alcohol and smoking/vaping items
Fun facts to impress your friends
- Beavertails were originally called 鈥淓lephant Ears鈥, but the name was changed to make them more Canadian.
- The 鈥淔roster鈥, which was introduced in 2011, revolutionized ice maintenance on the Canal.
Whether you鈥檙e skating downtown and back, grabbing a hot chocolate, or just enjoying the winter magic, the Rideau Canal is a must-do for any student in Ottawa. Now, grab your skates and embrace the skate!
Bonus: Make it a Winterlude adventure!
On your way back from skating, dive into ! Check out the stunning ice sculptures, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy live performances and activities happening all around the city. It鈥檚 the perfect way to cap off your Canal adventure!