CTV reporter John Hua laced up the skates and glided down the entire length of the Rideau Canal Friday, Jan. 25, 2013.

'It was a pleasant day. A great way for people to spend a winter day", said Hua.

The canal was opened from downtown to Dow's Lake Friday.

Tourists from around the world can't wait to get on the ice.

"It's a dream for us. It's 7 kilometres of skate, a dream better than skiing," said Joelle Strauss from Belgium.

The world's largest skateway is also a boon for hotels, restaurants and bars.

"The minute the canal opens so do the floodgates for reservations", said Dineen Perrin, Public Relations Director at the Chateau Laurier.

Conditions on Friday were listed as good.

The National Capital Commission says there's an average 18 thousand visits every day on the canal during skating season.