Rideau Canal Skateway temporarily closed due to mild temperatures

Several people enjoy a skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa. Feb. 15, 2026. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)

The National Capital Commission has temporarily closed the Rideau Canal Skateway to preserve the ice surface ahead of a stretch of warm weather.

Temperatures have been above average for the last several days, including a high of near 1 C on Saturday. Environment Canada is forecasting a high of 3 C on Tuesday, with freezing drizzle in the morning, and a high of 0 C on Wednesday. Overnight lows will also be above average.

On Monday afternoon, the NCC said this closure is not necessarily the end of the skating season.

“The recent and upcoming warmer temperatures and several sunny days have impacted the ice surface. This precautionary closure will help protect the Skateway and give our teams the opportunity to smooth the ice once conditions improve. We will reopen the Rideau Canal Skateway to the public as soon as possible,” the NCC said.

The 56th skating season on the Rideau Canal Skateway began Dec. 31, 2025. There have been 41 skating days so far, with more than 785,000 visits, including more than 141,000 this past weekend, the NCC said.

Last year’s skating season ended on March 10, 2025, after 52 skating days.

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