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All 145 Ottawa Attractions »

Rideau Canal

Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B8, Canada
613-239-5234
Ranked #2 of 94 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 121 Reviews
Type: Bodies of Water, Trails, Historic Sites
Activities: Ice skating, Walking, Driving
Description: One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
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121 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    82
    36
    3
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Date Rating
Nancy P
Ottawa, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012 NEW

Great ice rink....lots of activities on ice and around city for Winterlude...lots of fun for everyone More

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DavidandStephanie_12
Quebec, Canada
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012 NEW

Excellent place to bring the family skating. We are a family with 3 boys aged 11, 8 and 3. They all enjoyed themselves, it's a must while visiting Winterlude. Bring your own skates to make it free fun! for further travel info go to www.mygreensneakers.com More

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unb12
p.e.i.
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012 NEW

Not all skate rentals were opened and could of had more people working at the rental shops More

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anotherdayPotsdam_NY
Potsdam, NY
Senior Contributor
31 reviews
11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012 NEW

Although we don't ice skate the frozen canal or kayak during the summer, it's one of the first "sites" upon entering Ottawa from the east. It's an historical engineering accomplishment, intended to lend a means of transportation & protection during the war. We walk along the beautiful paths and sit and enjoy all the pedestrians and bicyclists. We hope to... More

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Caroline G
Aylmer, Canada
Contributor
11 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2012 NEW

winterskating during the winterlube and eating a beaver tail and drinkg hot chocolat! More

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Joey L
Cornwall, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

you just can't beat the atmosphere on the canal in february! More

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ADKAdventurer
Saranac Lake, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

Skated the full almost 9 miles, towing two little girls in kindershuttle pulk sled. More

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paul m
Hammondsport, New York
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

Skating on the canal was an amazing expirience. Is it any wonder Canadiens are such good hockey players....toddlers to grand folks, thousands of people skating miles of the canal and yet really not too crowded. My first time & I will be back. It is not just all skating as there are places to stop & get something to eat... More

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MTPockets
Upstate NY
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2012 NEW

Canal is beautiful. Different level locks & interesting to see how the boats go up or down the locks. We visit this a couple times a year & the Tulip festival is a must. More

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Adriel7
Contributor
13 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2012 NEW

Skating season on the Rideau Canal is underway. This first weekend of Winterlude was fantastic. The ice itself was in great shape. The new huts, though expensive, are quite warm and spacious and offer a lot of places to tuck your boots/shoes while you skate. Lone Star - a local restaurant - can be found at Patterson Creek. Beavertails (a... More

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