The National Capital Commission set a goal of "the middle of January" for the opening of the 42nd season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Sunday, right on Jan. 15, skaters were able to hit the world's largest skating rink for the first time in 2012.
The NCC announced the opening of a 2.2 kilometre stretch between the Bank Street bridge, near Lansdowne Park, and the Pretoria Bridge as of 10 a.m. Sunday.
"I was looking forward to it all season, I wished it would have opened earlier but I know with the weather you do the best you can," said Bob Toth. "This is best event of the year."
"When I was a kid in southern Ontario I had heard of people skating on the canal, it was always a dream I had," said another skater. "Ever since I ever moved to Ottawa it's something I love . . . it's a lot of fun."
The canal is opening up a week later than in 2011, but the NCC said it's still open in plenty of time for some big upcoming events.
"We're always looking forward to Winterlude of course which is in early February," said Michelle Comeau with the NCC. "This year we have an extra weekend of special events with the NHL (All-Star Game) being here the weekend prior to Winterlude, and there will be all sorts of activities around that."
As always, the Canal and its signature food was a big draw to tourists.
"I think it's amazing," said Kevin Gates, who's visiting from Pennsylvania. "I love to see all of the people here and how much room there is to go out there and have a good time."
"You have to skate a lot harder, there's more to weigh you down," said one woman from Peterborough after devouring a Beavertail.
The rest of the 7.8 kilometre canal, divided up into a portion between Bank Street and Dow's Lake and another from Pretoria Bridge up to the National Arts Centre, remains closed for now.
You can check ice conditions here at the NCC website.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
