Entire Rideau Canal Skateway to open Friday

The entire Rideau Canal Skateway will be open Friday, Jan. 25 at 7 a.m., according to a press release from the National Capital Commission.

The full length of the canal rests at 7.8 km long, making it the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.

The canal officially opened on Jan. 18 with an initial 2.2 km between the Bank St. and Pretoria Bridges. An additional 3.6 km was opened on Jan. 22 from Bank St. Bridge to Dows Lake.

The NCC encourages skaters to exercise caution on the ice, and wear protective gear whenever possible.

The canal is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and receives approximately one million visitors each year.