The 51st Rideau Canal Skateway season is over after just 26 skating days

(Via NCC)

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is saddened to report that the Rideau Canal Skateway will not reopen this winter, marking the end of its 51st season.

Following a temporary closure on February 22, 2021, along with three subsequent warmer days of weather, in addition to a snowstorm and warmer temperatures in the forecast for early next week, continued maintenance efforts would unfortunately not return the Skateway to safe conditions.

The 51st season started on January 28, 2021, and lasted continuously for 26 excellent skating days, creating additional space for exercise and well-being in the densely populated urban core.

The NCC urges the public not to venture onto the closed Rideau Canal Skateway. Please respect the barricades and the signs installed at access points.

The good news: winter is not yet over! The NCC invites residents to enjoy its increased Winter Capital offering of more than 450 km of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, walking, hiking and tobogganing throughout the National Capital Region.

To help ensure safe physical distancing, and disperse use throughout the recreational network, the NCC is publishing numbers at NCC sites along with tips for our most popular properties, updated weekly. We also have an interactive map on our website that can suggest more winter trails and pathways to discover.

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

The NCC proudly thanks Parks Canada, which maintains and operates the Rideau Canal.   

The NCC is grateful for the support of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway. The NCC would also like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Rogers; LiUNA!, presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway interactive map; Access Storage – Cubeit, the official provider of the Rideau Canal Skateway storage; Sportstats; Virtual Run Canada; CEECAM; and the Friends of the Rideau Canal Skateway (Claridge, Chartwell, Telus, Scotiabank, WSP, Moneris, GGFL, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada / ServicePlus and Canal Ritz restaurant).