I am, admittedly, not a very good skater. But living in the National Capital Region, I’ve committed to learning over the past few years! And my toddler daughter is getting pretty good too.
Despite the number of skating rinks in Ottawa, I’ve never been a huge fan of them. There’s just not a ton of appeal to me to skating around and around in circles.
But I LOVE skating outdoors, somewhere that you can really stretch your legs for a reasonable distance. That’s why I think it’s so cool that we also have skating TRAILS near Ottawa. Here are the ones I’ve found that are closest to Ottawa.
Skating is a great way to spend the day outdoors!
The Rideau Canal Skateway
Perhaps the most famous of Ottawa’s skating trails, the Rideau Canal is an iconic destination. When it’s open anyways! The Skateway is 7.8 km long, meaning you can really stretch your legs. Plus there’s something so fun about seeing your city from a new angle.
All along the Canal are rest stops with washrooms and delicious treats- Like Beavertails!
Cost: Free
For more info: Rideau Canal Skateway – National Capital Commission (ncc-ccn.gc.ca)
Distance from Ottawa: Right downtown, with multiple access points.
Dogs Allowed: No
Universally Accessible: Yes
The Rideau Canal Skateway- a classic winter activity in Ottawa.
Éco-Odyssée
This ice skating trail is 5 km in total, and winds through marshes, forests, and fields. In the summer, you can paddle this same route. How cool to see an area in such unique ways during different seasons!
Cost: $20 for 3 hours (kids cost less)
For more info: Skating on an ice maze – Eco-Odyssey Nature Park (eco-odyssee.ca)
Distance from Ottawa: 30 minutes North (45.639453, -75.883884)
Dogs Allowed: No
Universally Accessible: No
Patinage en Forêt
I haven’t visited this 3 km trail in Lac des Loups yet, but it looks lovely! The trail winds through a forest of evergreens, giving it a gorgeous look after snowfall. Snowshoe and walking trails are available on site as well, in addition to a snack bar.
Cost: $18 per day (kids cost less)
For more info: Forest skating| In the heart of Lac des Loups (patinageenforet.com)
Distance from Ottawa: 45 minutes Northwest (45.685724, -76.204714)
Dogs Allowed: No
Universally Accessible: No
Skating trails for the win!
