More than 35,000 skaters have already laced up to enjoy Ottawa's iconic Rideau Canal, NCC says
It's a scene that has defined Ottawa winters since 1970. The Rideau Canal Skateway is a winter postcard, known throughout the world.
Al Thompson is no stranger to this skateway.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"I moved here from France because of the canal. Thought it would be a nice place to live," says Thompson. "My first time was in like 1970-ish. In high school we came and we did one length and the hockey players, they did two or three, they just went back and forth."
Thompson and his group of friends, including Jennifer Solloway, spend countless days on the canal every chance they get.
"We make a point of coming as much as possible because every year it gets shorter and shorter and shorter," says Solloway. "So we make a point of coming every day that it's open."
After not opening at all last year due to mild weather, skaters rushed to get on the ice on opening day Sunday.
National Capital Commission CEO Tobi Nussbaum says, "Yesterday, we had over 35,000 skaters on the ice, which is amazing for an opening day. And it looks to be another glorious day here in the nation's capital."
Sunday marked the first time in almost 700 days that the ice welcomed skaters.
Katie Thibault remarks, "It's good exercise. Love to be outside. Winter activity."
For some, like Kyle Miller from Morrisburg, making the hour-long trip is worthwhile.
"We live in Morrisburg, so it’s a trip for us. And we don't know how often it’s going to be open, right?"
Xiaomei Shi appreciates the atmosphere, saying, "Fresh air. Nice view. I randomly talk to people," while skater Frank Hemming believes, "It gives you something to look forward to in the winter. It's nice to skate outside."
Despite milder temperatures in the forecast this week, the National Capital Commission says it will do all it can to keep the ice ready for skaters.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.