Canada Ontario Ottawa

Rideau Canal

A historic waterway in Ontario's capital, connecting lakes and rivers through locks and bridges, becomes the world's largest skating rink in winter.

Tips from the community

Each winter, the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, freezes over and becomes the largest skating rink on the planet. Generally open from January until around March, the canal begins downtown and winds 8 km through the heart of Ottawa. On any given winter’s day, the massive skating rink welcomes some 20,000 visitors, where you’ll witness students traveling to the pubs, businessmen commuting to the office, and couples taking in the scenery. Stalls are set up along the canal offering warm beverages, such as hot chocolate and soups. Make sure to try a classic Beaver Tail, a local deep-fried delicacy topped with cinnamon and sugar.

braedentg 5 years ago

Each winter, the Rideau Canal freezes over and becomes the world’s largest skating rink. Stretching 8 km through the heart of Ottawa, the Rideau Canal Skateway is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll witness students traveling to the pubs, business people commuting to the office, and hand-in-hand couples taking in the winter scenery. Stalls are set up along the canal offering warm beverages, such as hot chocolate and soups.

braedentg 3 years ago

Rideau Canal Guides

  • World Heritage Sites in North America

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    Sprawling natural parks with unique wildlife, ancient and mysterious temples, world-renown monuments, and more- the continent of North America is one with a deep history to be uncovered. Explore some of humankind's most famous mysteries and witness nature's magnificence at these UNESCO designated world heritage sites across the massive continent.

Rideau Canal Articles

  • 35 of the Best Things to Do in Ottawa

    Ottawa is a place where old Canadian stereotypes come to life: bilingual, hockey-crazed, bike-friendly, outdoorsy, and home to some of the friendliest locals on the planet. Through its sparkling waterways and canals, Ottawa offers the unique opportunity to experience Canada’s rich history — while also proving itself to be a hip, dynamic city. In recent […]

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  • 44 of the Best Things to Do in Canada

    Canada measures more than 9,000 kilometers from coast to coast, so it should come as no surprise that nature plays a huge role in Canadian identity and the collective psyche. Here, there’s no shortage of heart-stopping landscapes or face-to-face encounters with nature — you can discover some of the world’s best national parks in Canada. […]

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