7 Best Skating Spots in Ottawa

Rideau Canal Skateway

The 7.8-kilometre (4.8-mile) Rideau Canal Skateway is one of the world’s most famous skating sites, since it’s been designated by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink! Glide along the ice from downtown Ottawa all the way to Dows Lake and beyond, taking in scenic urban views as you go.

Warm up or rest along the way in one of the Skateway’s heated cabins which are equipped with washrooms.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week from roughly January to late February or early March (weather depending).

It’s completely accessible and admission is free.

If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent some—along with other skating accessories—at one of the rental locations on the Skateway.

Rink of Dreams

Ottawa’s refrigerated—and free—outdoor rinks are a great option. Located near the Skateway in front of Ottawa City Hall in Ottawa’s downtown core, the Rink of Dreams is a convenient spot to skate. Enjoy the sound of music over the speakers, and visit after sundown to see the rink lit up in multiple colours.

Hours: Open December to mid-March, seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A warming station is available on evenings and weekends, while skate rental and sharpening services, as well as a BeaverTails kiosk, are open on weekends.

Lansdowne Skating Court

Another refrigerated outdoor rink is located at Lansdowne, just south of Ottawa’s downtown core. The Skating Court is located next to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, which provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, as well as convenient washrooms.

Hours: oOpen from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from roughly December to mid-March.

Free!

No skate rentals available.

Brewery Creek Skating Rink

Less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, in the Outaouais region of Quebec, you’ll find the Brewery Creek Skating Rink (Patinoire du ruisseau de la Brasserie). At about 400 metres long (0.25 mile), it’s like a miniature version of the Rideau Canal Skateway that winds its way through a historic portion of downtown Gatineau.

Hours: Open from January through March (weather permitting).

Skate rentals are not available. 

NOTE: For the 2020-2021 season, access is only available to individuals who have a valid Accès Gatineau card, and a reservation is required. 

Skating trails through the forest

The bucolic rural regions around Ottawa are fully embracing the hottest skating trend: skating trails through the forest!

Hours: Open between mid-December to early March (weather depending). 

1. Just 30 minutes south-east of downtown Ottawa, RiverOak Estates offers a 3-kilometre (1.8 mile) skate through apple orchards, meadows and forests. Sports-lovers can even bring their hockey and ringette gear to play shinny on some of the rinks! Non-skaters can use the snowshoeing and hiking trails, and anyone can warm up in the cozy heritage barn. Skate and helmets are available for rent. Dogs and strollers are allowed.
2. Countryside Adventures in Moose Creek, a 45-minute drive east of Ottawa (1.5 hours from Montreal), also offers a 3-kilometre (1.8 mile) trail that twists through a woodsy natural setting. Other on-site options include snowshoeing, tubing, a food truck and a petting zoo. Skate and snowshoe rentals are available. Dogs and strollers are allowed.
3. Another option is the Skating Through the Forest attraction in the area of Lac des Loups, Quebec, about 45 minutes north of downtown Ottawa. Glide along the 3-kilometre (1.8 mile) open-air ice loop which winds through tall trees, or snowshoe or walk on designated paths. To warm up, just head inside the chalet. A limited amount of rental equipment is available.
4. About one hour south of Ottawa in the lovely community of Perth, Perth Outfitters offers a 400-metre (0.2 mile) skating trail through the woods. There’s also a shinny hockey rink, log cabin and warm treats. A few communal skates are available on a first-come first-serve basis, so it’s best to bring your own.

Lansdowne

Ottawa’s newest refrigerated outdoor skating rink is featured prominently in the City’s winter programs. You’ll find a rink at Lansdowne at 450 Queen Elizabeth behind Aberdeen Pavillion.

Hours: 6AM-11PM

Cost: Free, reserve your spot here

Skate rentals are not available. Bring your own skates. 

Benjamin Franklin Place 

The Ben Franklin Place skating rink is set to open Monday, December 7.

Address: 101 Centrepoint Drive

Hours: Daily 7 am-11 pm (weather permitting)

Cost: Free, reserve your spot here

Skate rentals are not available. Bring your own skates.