Rideau Canal Skateway to open on Saturday
The green flag will fly on the Rideau Canal Skateway on Saturday, the earliest opening of the world's largest skating rink since December 2018.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced a 3.6-kilometre section of the Rideau Canal Skateway, between Somerset Street and Bank Street, will open at 8 a.m. Saturday.
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The cold temperatures to start 2025 have allowed NCC crews to prepare the skateway to open for its 55th season.
"After a mild start, winter kicked into high gear over the last week. This provided NCC teams optimal conditions to prepare the ice surface," the NCC said in a statement. "Temperatures are expected to remain cold over the next several days, which will help open more sections of the skateway as soon as ice conditions allow."
The NCC says BeaverTails huts and rest areas will be open starting this weekend, and skate rentals will be available at Fifth Avenue.
"We’re thrilled to welcome residents and visitors to the Rideau Canal Skateway, Canada’s beloved winter classic," Tobi Nussbaum, NCC CEO, said in a statement.
"A combination of cold temperatures and innovative ways to prepare and accelerate ice formation have helped us get the Rideau Canal ready for skating. Come out for a skate and enjoy the best that winter in our beautiful nation’s capital has to offer."
The 2023-24 skating season began on Jan. 21, with only 10 days of skating between the opening and Feb. 25. The Rideau Canal Skateway did not open for skating during the 2022-23 season due to the mild temperatures.
The 2018-19 skating season began on December 30, 2018, with the canal open until March 10.
In 2022, the full 7.8 kilometres of the Rideau Canal Skateway opened on the opening day of the skating season. It was the first time in over 20 years that skaters were able to enjoy the full length of the canal on the first day.
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