As Ottawa Sees Constant Cold, Will Rideau Canal Skateway Finally Open?

With Ottawa’s temperatures consistently dipping below freezing this week, residents are anxiously wondering if the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway will open soon.

“Ottawa is in the middle of a prolonged cold snap,” said Kevin MacKay, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. “We’re going to go over two weeks without going above freezing, and every night will be in the minus double digits.”

These steady temperatures offer hope for skating enthusiasts after a disappointing stretch in recent years. The channel opened on January 21, 2024, for the first time in nearly two years, but was only available for skating for 10 days before closing on February 25, making it the shortest season in its history.

Not surprising since the temperature only hit -10 as a daytime high three times last year.

The Rideau Canal Skateway was forced to close after just 10 days of opening last year. Daytime temperatures only hit -10 three times in January 2024. (The Weather Network)

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While the weather is promising, it is National Capital Commission (NCC) has not yet confirmed an opening date. In a statement, the NCC shared its cautious optimism, saying: “We are pleased to see that very cold temperatures are expected to set in for several days in a row. This allows us to continue our preparations under optimal conditions.”