Don’t wait for the Rideau Canal to freeze—Ottawa’s Rink of Dreams at City Hall opens in early December, offering free outdoor skating in the heart of downtown on a refrigerated ice surface guaranteed to be ready when you are.
Located at Marion Dewar Plaza outside Ottawa City Hall, the Rink of Dreams provides 12,500 square feet of skating joy with a stunning backdrop of holiday lights and urban architecture—no ice conditions to worry about, no canal closure disappointments.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall is a FREE 12,500 sq ft refrigerated outdoor rink opening early December. Bring your own skates or rent on-site. Perfect pre-Rideau Canal skating option!
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Opening | Early December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Marion Dewar Plaza, City Hall |
| 🎟️ Cost | FREE (skate rental available) |
| ⛸️ Size | 12,500 square feet |
| ❄️ Ice Type | Refrigerated (guaranteed) |
Why the Rink of Dreams?
Guaranteed Ice
Unlike natural ice surfaces that depend on weather, the Rink of Dreams uses refrigeration technology to ensure consistent skating conditions throughout the season:
- Opens early December – No waiting for cold snaps
- Reliable surface – Temperature fluctuations don’t close it
- Well-maintained – Regular ice resurfacing
- Lights for evening skating – Extended hours possible
Perfect Location
Skating at City Hall puts you in the center of Ottawa’s holiday action:
- Adjacent to Sparks Street Winter Wander lights
- Walking distance to ByWard Market
- Near Parliament Hill holiday displays
- Surrounded by downtown restaurants and cafés
Image: Illustrative image only.
Opening Day: Christmas with the Mayor
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Rink of Dreams officially opens during Christmas with the Mayor, Ottawa’s beloved community celebration:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Time | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Admission | Donation to Ottawa Food Bank |
| Activities | Skating, marshmallow roasting, taffy on snow |
| Entertainment | Live music, horse-drawn wagon rides |
| Guests | Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe |
| Highlight | Official tree lighting ceremony |
Free Food & Treats:
- Hot chocolate
- BeaverTails
- Marshmallow roasting
- Taffy on snow
What You Need to Know
Skating Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | FREE to skate |
| Skate Rental | Available (fee applies) |
| BYOS | Bring Your Own Skates recommended |
| Skill Level | All levels welcome |
| Supervision | Staff on site |
Tips for Best Experience:
- Bring your own skates to keep it free
- Dress in layers – skating warms you up
- Wear gloves – essential for falls and cold rails
- Arrive during off-peak hours for more space
- Check hours before visiting
- Weekends are busiest, especially near Christmas
What to Wear:
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Skates | Hockey or figure skates (no double runners) |
| Pants | Waterproof or quick-dry preferred |
| Jacket | Warm but allows movement |
| Gloves | Essential for cold and protection |
| Hat | Covers ears |
Image: Illustrative image only.
Getting There
Location
Marion Dewar Plaza 110 Laurier Avenue West (Outside Ottawa City Hall)
By Public Transit
- O-Train Line 1: Lyon Station (2-minute walk)
- Multiple bus routes stop nearby
By Car
- Metered street parking available
- Parking garages downtown
- Consider transit—parking is limited
On Foot
- Easy walk from ByWard Market (~10 min)
- Connected to Sparks Street
- Part of downtown walking loop
Rink of Dreams vs. Rideau Canal Skateway
| Feature | Rink of Dreams | Rideau Canal |
|---|---|---|
| Opens | Early December | January (weather dependent) |
| Ice | Refrigerated (guaranteed) | Natural (weather dependent) |
| Size | 12,500 sq ft | 7.8 km (world’s largest) |
| Location | Downtown City Hall | Downtown to Dows Lake |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Experience | Urban, compact | Epic, scenic |
| Reliability | Very high | Varies by year |
Bottom Line: The Rink of Dreams is your December skating solution while waiting for the canal to freeze!
Nearby Attractions
Within Walking Distance:
| Attraction | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sparks Street | 1 min | Winter Wander lights |
| Parliament Hill | 5 min | Holiday illumination |
| ByWard Market | 10 min | Holiday shopping, food |
| Rideau Centre | 5 min | Indoor shopping, warming up |
| National Arts Centre | 3 min | Nutcracker, concerts |
Suggested Itinerary:
- Afternoon: Skate at Rink of Dreams
- Sunset: Walk Sparks Street Winter Wander
- Evening: Dinner in ByWard Market
- Night: Hot chocolate and holiday lights
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly does the Rink of Dreams open? A: The rink typically opens in early December, with the official opening during Christmas with the Mayor (December 6, 2025). Check Ottawa.ca for exact dates.
Q: Is the Rink of Dreams actually free? A: Yes, skating is free. You only pay if you need to rent skates.
Q: Can beginners skate here? A: Absolutely! The rink welcomes all skill levels. The smaller size makes it less intimidating than the canal.
Q: Are there lockers or places to store belongings? A: Facilities are limited. Keep valuables to a minimum and consider bringing a small backpack.
Q: What if I don’t have skates? A: Skate rentals are available on-site for a fee.
Q: How crowded does it get? A: Weekends and evenings near Christmas are busiest. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter.
Safety Tips
Skating Safety:
- Skate within your ability – Don’t try moves beyond your skill level
- Watch for other skaters – Especially children and beginners
- Skate in one direction – Follow the flow of traffic
- Get up carefully – Use hands and knees, then one foot
- Stay hydrated – Cold air and activity can dehydrate
If You’re a Beginner:
- Hold onto the boards when needed
- Start during less crowded times
- Consider lessons (check city programs)
- Don’t be embarrassed—everyone started somewhere!
Final Thoughts
The Rink of Dreams represents everything great about Ottawa’s approach to winter—embracing the cold, making outdoor activities accessible, and creating gathering spaces where community happens naturally.
While the Rideau Canal Skateway rightfully gets global attention, the Rink of Dreams deserves recognition as the reliable, central, free skating option that serves Ottawa residents and visitors throughout December when the canal is still months away from opening.
This season, don’t wait for perfect conditions on the canal. Lace up your skates, head to City Hall, and enjoy the simple pleasure of gliding on ice surrounded by holiday lights and the energy of Ottawa’s downtown core.
See you on the ice!
Source: City of Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa winter activities, visit Ottawa Events or explore Where to Go this season!
