What a time to be Canadian! The Rideau Canal, the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world is up and running! During January to late February/early March, the Rideau Canal Skateway is the most known tourist attraction in Ottawa!
As a resident of Ottawa, I thought it would be interesting to share with you why the Rideau Canal is so great.
http://www.ottawafamilyliving.com/woo-hoo-its-winterlude/
Starting with the history, the canal was created in 1832 by Canada originally used as a precaution in case the United States declared war again Canada. The canal stretches 202 kilometers connecting the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. It is now being used in the summer for pleasure boating and swimming and in the winter, it is used for skating! People come from all around the world to visit the Rideau Canal. Nearly one million people visit this attraction per year!
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https://davestravelsblog.com/rideau-canal-cruise-control/
This historical Skateway travels through the heart of Ottawa stretching to 7.8 kilometers. It is used for physical activity and exercise, it is an effective use of transportation and it is also there for our entertainment and pleasure.
The Rideau Canal is made for everyone, you can bring your own skates or you can rent them right on the ice. What a great place to learn how to skate for free! You can also find many great things on the Rideau Canal! You can find heated shacks to warm up and get changed, there is hot chocolate, maple syrup toffee, soup, and let's not forget BeaverTails! Other snack stations are also set up on the ice throughout the winter months. It doesn't get more Canadian than this!
Each year, the first three weeks of February, Ottawa is filled with winter fun! During these weeks, the national capital of Canada hosts the Winterlude festival hosted primarily at the Rideau Canal. During this festival, this ice rink hosts the ice dragon boat race, the international ice-carving competitions, the snowflake Kingdom for children and more! This is an experience you do not want to miss!
http://www.champion-international.net/en/index.php?p=pic_show&id=107&lanmu=7
http://www.ice-impressions.com/competition-ice-sculptures.htm
The Rideau Canal is a wonderful adventure for your family and friends! Don't miss out on making Canada proud!
- Emily
