Every winter from about January to March, the world’s largest skating rink opens to the public in Ottawa. Access is free, but parking is scarce. Using public transport is advised as nearby streets have limited parking while downtown parking lots cost more than a rose on Valentine’s Day.
It’s usually quiet in the mornings and the crowds pick up in the late afternoon. Look for the flags that indicate which sections are open, the last thing you want is to fall through thin ice. Stay off the edges as they are more likely to contain tire tracks of maintenance vehicles and holes for flooding the ice. Occasionally, there are also holes in the middle marked with orange spray paint, stay off those.
Skate rentals, skate sharpening, and food stalls are typically available, but they were all closed in 2021 to keep people safe. Most skaters just leave their shoes under the benches, I certainly have never had my shoes stolen there before.
Beavertail stand 
Skate rental stand
My favorite part of the canal is whenever I skate under a bridge. During any other time of the year, you’d be walking or driving one of those, looking down at liquid water. It’s a very special feeling to be able to see the belly of the bridges.
Strollers and sleds are welcome subject to the rules of the ice. Check the latest information online to avoid disappointment and make sure that the section of the skateway you’re planning to go to is open. The skateway is open all day and all night with occasional closures for maintenance.
