The Top Outdoor Skating Rinks in Ottawa

Image via Karl Hornfeldt

Stay active and get outdoors this winter by participating in one of the city’s favourite winter sports: ice skating. There are plenty of outdoor rinks located all over Ottawa, making this a fun and COVID-friendly activity. What are you waiting for? Check out this list of the top outdoor skating rinks in Ottawa and get skating!

Skating Rink at Lansdowne Park

Head to Lansdowne Park, just south of downtown Ottawa for an unforgettable day of ice skating. The rink at Lansdowne Park is situated next to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, which makes it the perfect spot for snapping pics. Lansdowne Skating Court is open from December to mid-March between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm and is free of charge. Please note that skate rentals are not available at this Ottawa skating rink.

Rink of Dreams

Right in front of Ottawa City Hall sits the Rink of Dreams. This refrigerated and city-operated rink is free of charge and skate rentals are available. There is also a warming station, skate sharpening services, and a BeaverTails kiosk. The Rink of Dreams is open seven days a week from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm. 

Rideau Skating Rink

There’s no skating rink more famous in Canada than Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. During the winter months, locals and visitors alike flock to this naturally frozen rink. It is 7.8 kilometres long, making it the largest in the world (according to Guinness World Records). Admission is free of charge and it’s open seven days a week between January and late February/early March. There are also several rental locations along the skateway for those without skates, and don’t miss out on the food and drink kiosks nearby (did you really skate on the Rideau Canal if you didn’t also eat a Beaver Tail?).

If you’ll be in Ottawa this winter, then we strongly recommend participating in this fun winter activity. And if you need a place to stay during your visit, we’d love to have you at the Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre. We combine family-friendly amenities and a welcoming atmosphere with a prime location in downtown Ottawa.