Red flag

The Rideau Canal Skateway is currently closed.

Our team is preparing for the upcoming season of the Rideau Canal Skateway. The Skateway will open when a 30-cm thickness of good quality ice has formed. To get there, our ice experts need about 10 to 14 consecutive days of temperatures between -10°C and -20°C.

Ice Conditions By Section

Status Section Maintenance

Ice Condition Definitions

  • Limited number of pressure cracks
  • Overall ice is very hard and durable
  • Clean ice with a smooth surface
  • Very good gliding surface
  • Limited number of rough areas
  • A few pressure cracks
  • Hard ice surface
  • Clean ice with a number of smooth surface areas
  • Good gliding surface
  • Some patchy or rough areas
  • Many pressure cracks
  • Worn/soft ice surface, due to mild temperatures
  • Snow accumulation on the ice or/and a “pebbled” surface
  • Poor gliding surface
  • Numerous pressure cracks, due to mild temperatures
  • Soft ice surface with several rough or “soft/wet spots”
  • Risk of skate blades digging in and “scarring” the surface

When the skateway is open, ice conditions are updated twice daily, at approximately 8 am and 4 pm. For all other questions, contact us.