Recent extreme cold in Canada's capital has helped open the 'world's largest rink' that ends near the Parliament buildings. Five kilometers of the naturally frozen rink were opened for free skating on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 8am - from Bronson Avenue to the Pretoria bridge.
On Saturday another two kilometers were added to the rink from Pretoria bridge to Rideau Street. There has to be a foot of ice to make the rink safe for the amount of people that enjoy this special winter attraction run by the National Capital Commission. It is estimated that appoximately a million people take to the ice each season. Warmer December temperatures hindered ice formation which was assisted by man made flooding which was started on Boxing Day.
This is the 48th season for the canal skateway and when the entire rink length is open there will be 7.8k ready for your skates. It will remain open weather permitting until mid-March. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owned by Parks Canada. There are a number of huts along the route providing skate rentals, food or even for warming stations. This is a great place to skate because when you are done you can visit some of the best attractions in downtown Ottawa including the Byward Market, Fairmount Chareau Laurier, Sparks Street pedestrian mall and the home of our federal politicians on the hill.
You can also still skate on the Canada 150 rink setup on Parliament Hill until February 25, 2018.
See more of Ottawa after the jump.
The Centennial Flame is back in the open now that Nunavut has been added to the monument
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