Rideau Canal Skateway
A 7.8 km stretch of the canal through downtown that freezes into a skating rink, usually open from late December or January into February, weather permitting.
- Opening date: depends entirely on the cold. Check the NCC's ice status the morning you go; flags show which sections are open.
- Tips: go early on weekend mornings for the best ice. Use the ramps and stairs along the length to get on and off, and warm up at the chalets.
- Rentals: skates can be rented beside the canal in season.
More skating near Ottawa
Patinage en Forêt in Lac-des-Loups, about 45–60 minutes north, has about 6 km of ice trails through the forest. There's an admission fee, and conditions are posted daily. For city rinks, Ottawa has dozens of outdoor community rinks.
Sledding hills
The city lists more than 70 approved toboggan hills. Favourites include Green's Creek (wide and lit at night), Carlington Park (steep and fast), Walter Baker Park and Conroy Pit. Mooney's Bay has been closed to sledding since 2021; the city is studying a redesigned hill there.
Ski hills near Ottawa
- Camp Fortune (Chelsea): the closest, with lit runs for night skiing
- Mont Cascades (Cantley): also offers night skiing
- Calabogie Peaks: the biggest vertical, about 1 hour 15 minutes away. See the Calabogie guide.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Gatineau Park has the region's main groomed network (pass required); beginners should start with the easy trails near the park's south entrances. Inside the city, Mooney's Bay Ski Centre has lit trails, and the NCC grooms free winter trails such as the Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail along the river.
Dog sledding near Ottawa
Outfitters in the Outaouais, such as around Saint-Sixte and Otter Lake (about 1.5 hours), run guided runs where you can drive your own team. Book a few weeks ahead for weekends.
Winterlude
The big festival runs January 29 to February 15, 2027. See our Winterlude guide for dates, sites and tips with kids.
FAQ
When does the Rideau Canal Skateway open?
It depends on the weather. It usually opens sometime between late December and January and runs into February. Check the NCC's ice status on the day.
What are the best sledding hills in Ottawa?
Green's Creek, Carlington Park, Walter Baker Park and Conroy Pit are among the most popular. Mooney's Bay has been closed to sledding since 2021.
Where can you ski near Ottawa?
Camp Fortune in Chelsea is closest and offers night skiing; Mont Cascades and Calabogie Peaks are the other main hills.
Where can you skate through a forest near Ottawa?
Patinage en Forêt in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec, about 45–60 minutes north, has about 6 km of forest ice trails.
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