Ottawa's skating rinks: The perfect complement to the holidays

Ottawa Travel Guide

|

Monday, 03 December 2012 16:47

Visitors to Ottawa this holiday season will be hard-pressed to avoid throwing on a pair of skates and gliding across icy ponds, lakes and enclosed rinks. With more than 200 outdoor rinks to choose from in the Canadian capital alone, including the popular Rideau Canal Skateway, visitors have every opportunity to try out this perfect holiday sport. Most of these skating rinks are located a short distance away from Ottawa hotels and accommodations, so those who travel to Ottawa won't have to walk far to get their skating fix.

The Rideau Canal
Considered to be the best outdoor skating rink in the world by National Geographic, the Rideau Canal Skateway is the quintessential destination for travellers who want to enjoy a few laps in the beautiful outdoor winter weather. Stretching 7.8km (4.8 miles) through downtown Ottawa, the rink is also the largest of its kind, spanning an area that is nearly 100 times larger than an Olympic-sized rink. In February, the canal acts as an official site of the awesome Winterlude festival.

Sandy Hill Park
The small and charming Sandy Hill Park rink is perfect for guests at nearby accommodations. Situated right on Somerset Street East just a couple blocks east of King Edward Avenue, the park is just a few blocks away from the Rideau Canal and all the action in downtown Ottawa. Visitors won't have to venture far from the rink to enjoy a warm bowl of soup or seasonal beverage at their favourite restaurant in the city.

There are also a number of rental facilities where travellers can borrow skates if they didn't pack them in their luggage. Capital Skates and Dow's Lake Pavilion are just a couple of the available options.

Jules Morin Park
This charming park, located along Cobourg Street, is currently being upgraded in order to welcome a new Olympic-sized ice rink this season, thanks to the Ottawa Senators Foundation.