A shimmering ribbon of ice is about to unfurl across the heart of Ottawa. The Rideau Canal Skateway, a beloved winter tradition, will welcome skaters on New Year’s Eve, offering a breathtaking start to 2026.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, a 3.4-kilometre stretch of the Skateway will be accessible, extending from Somerset Street West to the Bank Street Bridge. This initial opening is a testament to the remarkably cold temperatures experienced throughout December, creating ideal ice-forming conditions.
The National Capital Commission anticipates further sections will open as the ice continues to strengthen, promising an expanding skating experience in the days ahead. Each passing hour of frigid weather brings the dream of a fully accessible Skateway closer to reality.
Warm drinks and sweet treats will be readily available. Beloved BeaverTail stands and welcoming rest areas will open at the Fifth and Concord locations on Wednesday, with additional vendors joining them later in the week. Skate rentals will also be available at the Fifth Avenue access point.
While the Bank Street stairs remain temporarily closed, skaters can still easily access the ice. A temporary staircase has been constructed near Monkland Avenue to compensate for the closure of the Patterson Creek skating area, which is undergoing bridge rehabilitation this season.
The Skateway’s recent history has been marked by unpredictable winters. Last season, after 55 years of tradition, it partially opened on January 11th, eventually reaching its full 7.8-kilometre length by January 18th.
That season drew over 1.1 million visitors across 52 glorious days, a resounding success after two disheartening years. In 2024, the Skateway was open for a mere 10 days, and in 2023, it remained closed entirely due to dangerously thin ice.
While the average season lasts around 50 days, the winter of 1971-72 holds the record with an incredible 95 days of skating. This year, the promise of a strong start offers a renewed hope for a long and memorable season on the ice.
Teams are diligently working to ensure the ice is safe and ready for skaters. The message is clear: patience is key, and venturing onto the ice before it’s officially open is strongly discouraged.
