Rideau Canal Skateway closes for the season after 'fantastic' run
The Rideau Canal Skateway ended its 55th season 52 days after opening, rain and above-freezing temperatures ended its run.
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The National Capital Commission has declared the end of the skating season on the Rideau Canal, describing it as a “fantastic” year that attracted more than 1.1 million visitors.
“A fantastic winter of skating and walking on Canada’s iconic Rideau Canal Skateway has come to an end,” the NCC said in a statement on March 10, six days after putting a pause on skating because of wet, warmer weather.
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Overall, the 55th year of the Skateway was an icy success largely because of the sub-zero temperatures that descended on the region in January and never let up until a couple of weeks ago.
Crews from Capital Property Guardians, the company that’s been maintaining the ice surface for more than a decade, made the most of the ideal winter weather, sweeping the snow and flooding the ice almost every night. The ice quality was listed as “very good” more often than not during the 52-day stretch it was open.
Adding to the appeal of the world’s largest skating rink this year were the new, dedicated walking paths along the edge of the ice “that allowed even more people to enjoy this truly Canadian winter experience,” the NCC said.
Highlights of the season included the unfurling of a giant Canadian flag on National Flag Day and a Tom Green music video that was shot on the canal and featured background vocals by passing skaters. The song, I’m a Canadian, is Green’s patriotic response to the threat of an American takeover.
The Skateway was also a popular attraction during Winterlude despite the fact that organizers opted not to host events on the ice because of the unreliable weather of recent years. It was open for just 10 days in 2024, and failed to open at all in 2023 because the ice didn’t get thick enough. This year, it was open for 52 days.
The NCC said it was continuing to “navigate the challenge of climate change” through an ongoing partnership with researchers at Carleton University. “This work will enhance our ability to predict and adapt to changing conditions, helping the Skateway to remain more resilient for future generations,” the commission said.
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