���߲ݴ�ý

The skating season on the Skateway typically runs from January to early March, but it is weather-dependent. When it’s open, the Skateway is free and accessible 24-7.

But before it opens, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has a lot of work to do prepping and testing ice conditions.

What conditions are needed to open the Rideau Canal Skateway?

“We’re making use of the cold temperatures to speed up our preparations in optimal conditions,” said Benoît Desjardins, NCC strategic communications advisor. “We took advantage of the weekend to flood the full length of the Skateway, and we will continue to flood every evening to speed up ice formation.”

A — and the Ottawa area has been feeling the effect.

Before the NCC opens the Rideau Canal Skateway, Desjardins explains ice samples must show there is a good quantity of quality clear ice for safe public skating.

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

In light of climate change and milder winters, Desjardins said the NCC’s priority these past several years has been to adapt its operations.

“Our ongoing partnership with Carleton University is helping us identify strategies to adapt Skateway operations to the impacts of climate change,” he said. “Some strategies have already been implemented, like the use of lighter equipment on the ice and advanced techniques to allow us to create ice earlier in the season.”

The NCC continues to apply various approaches in upcoming seasons, such as early ice flooding, which can help build ice faster.

“We are also monitoring weather and water temperatures and using our findings to explore potential adaptation strategies,” said Desjardins. “We are analyzing the data and the results of our pilot projects with Carleton University and remain committed to applying what we learn going forward.”

Season overviews

Last year’s season only had 10 skate days, opening on Jan. 21, 2024. During the 2022-2023 season, the Skateway didn’t open at all. 

54th Season (2023—2024)

• Dates: Jan. 21, 2024 — Feb. 25, 2024
• Skate days: 10
• Length of season: 36 days
• Visits: Over 160,000

53rd Season (2022—2023)

• Dates: Did not open
• Skate days: N/A
• Length of season: N/A
• Visits: N/A

52nd Season (2021—2022)

• Dates: Jan. 14, 2022 — March 5, 2022
• Skate days: 41
• Length of season: 51 days
• Visits: 632,299

51st Season (2020—2021)

• Dates: Jan. 28, 2021 — Feb. 25, 2021
• Skate days: 26
• Length of season: 29 days
• Visits: 508,299

50th Season (2019—2020)

• Dates: Jan. 18, 2020 — Feb. 22, 2020
• Skate days: 31
• Length of season: 36 days
• Visits: 381,509

49th Season (2018—2019)

• Dates: Dec. 30, 2019 — March 10, 2019
• Skate days: 59
• Length of season: 71 days
• Visits: 1,493,524

48th Season (2017—2018)

• Dates: Jan. 5, 2018 — Feb. 22, 2018
• Skate days: 35
• Length of season: 48 days
• Visits: 968,983

For more information, visit the .