NCC says Rideau Canal Skateway flooding continues, but opening day not yet set

Even though its been chilly in the capital, officials say it is not yet the time to get on the ice of the Rideau Canal. Dec. 5, 2025. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)

It’s the question that comes to every Ottawan’s mind as the weather gets colder: when is the Rideau Canal Skateway going to open? While crews are working hard to get the world’s largest skating rink ready for the public, the National Capital Commission (NCC) says the answer to that question is not yet clear.

“While we cannot yet predict an opening date, our teams are working diligently to welcome the public on the Skateway for a new season,” the NCC wrote in a statement to CTV News.

The Crown corporation says they recently plowed a portion of the skateway, and the upcoming cold weather will permit them to resume flooding in the coming days.

The NCC says the last flooding of the ice occurred Sunday, when “crews flooded the entire skateway from Rideau to (Carleton University) Library.”

While preparation on the canal continues, the NCC is reminding the public to stay off the surface.

“In the meantime, we ask the public to stay off the ice until the Skateway officially opens, for everyone’s safety and to help our operations.”

With files from CTV’s Josh Pringle.

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