Ottawa, ON, Jan 19, 2012 — Part of Ottawa's Rideau Canal Skateway opened for skating this past Sunday, kicking off its 42nd season. Once weather permits, nearly five miles of frozen canal will see heavy use for another month or two. The free skateway is a star attraction for Winterlude, coming up February 3-20. Sunday, just a short section was open, and the ice conditions were listed as poor.

Long time canal enthusiast Hugh Graham keeps a kick sled on hand for bad ice days. The sled looks like a light kitchen chair on long, thin runners. Wearing home-made studded boots, he can ride the runner with one foot, and push along at a good clip with the other. There's even room for some gear or a light passenger on the chair. Graham showed off his kick sled to Lucy Martin for today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Jan 06, 2011 — Thanks to a New Years Eve thaw, Ottawa's famed Rideau Canal Skateway is not quite open yet.

Officials won't kick off the 41st season of the world's largest outdoor rink until they measure nearly a foot of good quality ice. That's what it takes to safely support the hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors who flock to enjoy miles of winter fun.

Ottawa correspondent Lucy Martin wanted to get ready ahead of the rush. She dropped by a small riverside store that does it all: gas for cars and boats, video rentals, and waterfront restaurant...and skate sharpening.

Dan and Sonja Dunbar own Kelly's Landing, just south of Manotick. On a flurry-filled afternoon, Danny Dunbar set his snow shovel aside to move indoors, behind the grinder for today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Jan 03, 2006 — Ottawa's Rideau Canal is still not open for the season. But it won't be long before thousands of people hit the ice there -- businessmen with briefcases, moms with kids, tourists. The canal runs from the edge of the city, Dow's Lake, all the way downtown -- about five miles. While waiting for the ice to thicken, Lucy Martin spoke with Jasmin Simard, the owner of Figure Eight Skate Specialist, in Ottawa. With 30 years of experience in outfitting customers, he had some tips for a good skate -- when the green flags are flying.  Go to full article

Feb 06, 2002 — The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is open for skating. The recent cold temperatures enabled the National Capital Commission to open the popular skating rink--just in time for the Winterlude festival. From Ottawa, Karen Kelly has the story.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2002 — Despite the fervent wishes of many in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal skateway remains closed. Officials at the National Capitol Commission announced today that the ice is still too thin to open the canal this weekend. Karen Kelly has a report from Ottawa.  Go to full article