Colder weather brings optimism for opening of Rideau Canal Skateway

As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.

The world-famous skateway was open for just 10 days last winter due to short and inconsistent winter temperatures.

This January, Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says the cold appears to be sticking around.

“If you look at this week in Ottawa, I see five days where the temperature in the afternoon, the daytime high is going to be below -10 C. All last winter we only had three of those days,” he said in an interview with CTV News.

“Our models are showing for the next two weeks, the next month, we call for colder than normal temperatures in the Ottawa area.”

That has all eyes turned towards an opening date for the canal.

In a statement, the National Capital Commission (NCC) would not confirm an opening date just yet, but said, “We’re 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 in optimal conditions.”

“Before the NCC opens the Rideau Canal Skateway, ice samples must show that there is a good quantity of quality clear ice for safe public skating. The decision to open the skateway is made only when the ice has been deemed safe for mass use. Conditions are monitored multiple times per day.”

Carleton University civil and environmental engineering professor Shawn Kenny has been tasked by the NCC to monitor and measure the thickness of the ice along the canal.

Kenny agrees the incoming weather is good news for the skateway.

“As long as the forecasts are as seen in the future, then I think it’s looking very positive for the canal to open,” he said.

He added the ice along the canal varies in thickness at different locations, and it is up to the NCC safety committee to determine when the public can skate on it.

“For skating, it’s 30 centimetres (that is needed) of what they call ‘clear ice.’ So that’s basically ice that’s grown without any significant amounts of snow, or snow ice,” he said.

“I can say that it’s trending in towards the 30 centimetres. But certainly, some areas are less than that.”

Across the city, Ottawa residents are embracing the cold weather.

Orléans resident Tyler Gallagher has his backyard rink up and running for the fourth year. He says he knows what it takes to create good ice for skating.

“You certainly need minus teens, anywhere from -15 C to -20 C is ideal,” said Gallagher. “But you need a few days of those.”

Gallagher says last winter was tough to maintain his rink with the fluctuating temperatures and is hoping this cold weather is a sign of how the rest of winter will go.

“We’re really hoping to push through all the way to the end of February. March is tricky, but usually by March break it is tear down time.”