Lace up your skates and embrace Ottawa’s favourite winter tradition! As December arrives, outdoor skating rinks across the city open their ice to skaters of all abilities. From the iconic Rink of Dreams at City Hall to neighbourhood community rinks, Ottawa offers countless opportunities to glide under winter skies.
Outdoor skating is quintessentially Ottawa. Whether you’re a seasoned skater looking for a workout or a beginner taking tentative first steps, the city’s rinks provide the perfect winter activity—often completely free.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s outdoor skating season is underway. The Rink of Dreams at City Hall is open daily 7am-11pm (FREE, rentals available). Community rinks operate throughout neighbourhoods. Refrigerated rinks open regardless of weather; natural ice rinks depend on temperatures.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | December 2025 - March 2026 |
| 📍 Featured Rink | Rink of Dreams, City Hall |
| 🎟️ Admission | FREE at most rinks |
| ⏰ Hours | Vary by location |
Rink of Dreams
City Hall’s Premier Skating Destination
The Rink of Dreams remains Ottawa’s most popular outdoor skating experience:
Location: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Details:
- 12,500 square feet of refrigerated ice
- Open daily 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- FREE admission
- Skate rentals available on site
- Skate sharpening services offered
- Heated change room for comfort
- BeaverTails kiosk for treats
Why Skaters Love It
The Rink of Dreams offers unique advantages:
- Refrigerated surface ensures consistent ice quality
- Downtown location easily accessible by transit
- Extended hours accommodate all schedules
- Beautiful setting beside historic City Hall
- Special events throughout the season
- Well-maintained by dedicated staff
Illustrative image only.
Types of Outdoor Rinks
Refrigerated Rinks
Ottawa operates several refrigerated outdoor rinks:
Advantages:
- Open regardless of temperature
- Consistent ice quality
- Earlier season opening
- Later season closing
- Better maintained surface
Locations Include:
- Rink of Dreams (City Hall)
- Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink (Lansdowne)
- Ben Franklin Place (Centrepointe)
- Canterbury Recreation Complex
- Check City of Ottawa for complete list
Natural Ice Rinks
Community-maintained rinks throughout neighbourhoods:
Characteristics:
- Weather-dependent operation
- Volunteer-maintained
- Neighbourhood atmosphere
- Traditional experience
- Located in parks and schoolyards
When They Open:
- Require sustained cold temperatures
- Usually late December/January
- Check local park for status
- Often have lights for evening skating
Community Rinks by Area
Central Ottawa
Sandy Hill:
- Strathcona Park rink
- Neighbourhood atmosphere
- Check park for hours
Glebe/Old Ottawa South:
- Lansdowne rink (refrigerated)
- Connected to TD Place area
- Evening skating popular
Centretown:
- Rink of Dreams at City Hall
- Most accessible downtown option
- Transit-friendly location
West End
Westboro/Hintonburg:
- Various community rinks
- Check City website for locations
- Volunteer-maintained options
Nepean:
- Ben Franklin Place (refrigerated)
- Multiple community centres
- Good parking availability
East End
Orleans:
- Ray Friel Recreation Complex area
- Community rinks throughout
- Check local listings
Gloucester:
- Various park locations
- Community-maintained rinks
- Neighbourhood focused
South End
Barrhaven:
- Walter Baker Sports Centre area
- Community rinks
- Growing skating infrastructure
Illustrative image only.
Skate Rentals
Where to Rent
Several options for those without skates:
Rink of Dreams:
- On-site rentals available
- Various sizes for children and adults
- Sharpening services
- Convenient downtown location
Rental Shops:
- Sports stores throughout the city
- Seasonal rental programs
- Better quality for regular skating
Community Programs:
- Some rinks offer loaner skates
- Library lending programs
- Community centre rentals
Rental Tips
Getting the right fit:
- Arrive early for best selection
- Bring warm socks
- Allow time for fitting
- Ask about sharpening
- Return on time to avoid fees
Skating Tips for Beginners
Getting Started
New to skating? Here’s how to begin:
Basic Skills:
- Start by walking on ice in skates
- Use boards/rail for balance initially
- Practice falling safely (bend knees, fall sideways)
- Glide with feet parallel before pushing
- Look forward, not at feet
Building Confidence:
- Visit during less crowded times
- Consider skating lessons
- Skate with experienced friends
- Start at slower community rinks
- Practice regularly for improvement
Safety First
Stay safe on the ice:
- Wear warm, flexible clothing
- Consider helmet for beginners
- Gloves protect hands in falls
- Check ice conditions before skating
- Follow rink rules and direction of traffic
- Stay hydrated
Special Skating Experiences
Holiday Skating
December offers festive skating:
- Christmas with the Mayor event (early December)
- Winter Lights viewing combined with skating
- New Year’s Eve skating possibilities
- Holiday markets nearby many rinks
Rideau Canal Skateway
The world’s largest skating rink opens later in winter:
- Weather dependent - typically January
- 7.8 kilometres of skating surface
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- BeaverTails and hot chocolate along the way
- Check NCC website for opening status
Practical Information
What to Wear
Dress appropriately for outdoor skating:
- Layers that allow movement
- Warm hat covering ears
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm socks (not too thick)
- Flexible pants (not too loose)
- Wind-resistant outer layer
What to Bring
Essential items for skating outings:
- Skates (or plan to rent)
- Extra socks
- Small backpack for belongings
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Cash for rentals/treats
- Phone for photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Rink of Dreams open? A: The Rink of Dreams typically opens in early December and runs through March, weather permitting. Being refrigerated, it operates even in mild temperatures.
Q: How do I know if community rinks are open? A: Check the City of Ottawa website or call 311 for information on natural ice rink conditions. Refrigerated rinks maintain posted schedules.
Q: Is outdoor skating free in Ottawa? A: Most outdoor rinks, including the Rink of Dreams, offer free admission. Some rentals and special programs may have fees.
Q: Can beginners skate at busy rinks? A: Yes, but consider visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings, early afternoons) when rinks are less crowded for a better learning experience.
Q: What if my skates need sharpening? A: Sharpening is available at the Rink of Dreams and at sports stores throughout the city. Dull skates make skating much harder.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s outdoor skating rinks offer one of winter’s simplest pleasures—the joy of gliding across ice under open skies. From the flagship Rink of Dreams at City Hall to neighbourhood community rinks maintained by dedicated volunteers, the city provides countless opportunities to embrace the season.
Whether you’re an experienced skater looking for a workout or a beginner taking your first tentative glides, Ottawa’s rinks welcome you. Best of all, most skating is free, making it one of the most accessible winter activities available.
Grab your skates (or rent a pair), bundle up, and join the countless Ottawans who make outdoor skating a winter tradition.
Source: City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa winter activities, visit Things to Do or explore Ottawa Events!
