The National Capital Commission has announced that the entire Rideau Canal Skateway will be open for skaters starting Monday morning. Skaters can now enjoy the full 7.8-kilometre stretch from the Rideau access point to south of Dow’s Lake near Carleton University as of 8 a.m. This marks the earliest opening date for the skateway since 2018, with a partial 3.8-kilometre section already opened on New Year’s Eve.
The NCC attributed the early opening to the cold weather in December, which created optimal conditions for ice formation. Additional sections of the skateway may open in the coming days as well. Over the weekend, another 800 metres were added to the skateway for the public to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the Patterson Creek skating area will remain closed this year due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Patterson Creek Bridge.
