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 7 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 5 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.