Skaters finally return to Rideau Canal after a whole season off

Kelli Rickard January 22, 2024 8:29 am Last Updated on February 8, 2026 12:50 pm

The world’s largest skating rink is officially open after a long hiatus.

Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway announced Sunday it was kicking off its 54th season.

Last year, a mild, wet winter prevented the 7.8-kilometre skateway from opening for the first time in its more than 50-year history.

WE’RE SO BACK!

The green flag is up over the Rideau Canal Skateway, and a section between Fifth Ave and Bank.

The world’s largest skating rink is officially open for the start of our 54th season! #ottnews pic.twitter.com/u6ZnVSq5K5

— Rideau Canal Skateway (@NCC_Skateway) January 21, 2024

Author

Kelli Rickard

Kelli Rickard began her broadcasting career nearly 40 years ago and has worked at radio stations in New Brunswick, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Based in Halifax, she anchors morning newscasts and covers stories across Nova Scotia. Contact Kelli at rickardk@radioabl.ca.