Visitor Information
The following services are available on the ice of the Rideau Canal Skateway. Please note that services are available only in the open sections of the Skateway. Hours of operation may change without notice.
Skate and Sleigh Rentals, Skate Sharpening and Boot Check
Available on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the following locations:
- Mackenzie King Bridge (Capital Skates: 613-238-0134)
Mondays to Sundays, 10 am to 10 pm - Fifth Avenue (Capital Skates: 613-231-5861)
Fridays, 6 pm to 10 pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 10 pm - Dows Lake (Dows Lake Pavilion: 613-232-1001, extension 5)
Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 am to 10 pm
Saturdays, 9 am to 10 pm
Sundays, 9 am to 9 pm
Change Rooms (Chalets)
Put on your skates in a heated chalet. All change rooms are heated, and the majority are universally accessible. They are open weekdays, from 8 am to 10 pm and weekends, from 8 am to 11 pm.
Located on the ice near the following:
- Mackenzie King Bridge
- Concord Street North
- Fifth Avenue
- Bronson Bridge
- Dows Lake Pavilion
A change room is also located on land at Patterson Creek (not universally accessible from the ice).
Food and Beverages
Vendors are open daily, from 11 am to 10 pm or longer.
Located on the ice near the following:
- Mackenzie King Bridge
- Concord Street
- Fifth Avenue
- Bronson Avenue
- Dows Lake Pavilion
- Patterson Creek
Washrooms
Washrooms are open weekdays, from 8 am to 10 pm and weekends, from 8 am to 11 pm. Most washrooms are universally accessible.
Located on the ice near the following:
- Mackenzie King Bridge
- Concord Street North
- Fifth Avenue
- Bronson Avenue
- Dows Lake Pavilion
Located on land at
- Patterson Creek (not universally accessible from the ice)
- Dows Lake Pavilion
First Aid
A first aid trailer is located on the ice by Fifth Avenue.
Skate patrollers trained in first aid and CPR patrol the Skateway daily at these times:
- Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 pm
- Friday, noon to 11 pm
- Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm
- Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm
For immediate assistance, call 613-565-1899. In case of serious injury, call 911.
Lost and Found
The lost and found is located in the chalet by Fifth Avenue.
Any valuable objects found will be given to the Ottawa Police Department (613-236-1222).
For More Information
Skateway conditions are updated daily at 7 am and 1 pm, and are available online and by phone (613-239-5234).
In person, visit the Capital Information Kiosk at the World Exchange Plaza, 111 Albert Street, Ottawa.
