On the 2nd weekend of The Rideau Canal Skateway opening, we went on a double date with our newlywed friends. Luckily, the temperature ticked up a few degrees to – 22C (Ottawa winter standard). I can’t remember the last time I went skating, maybe 2013. Growing up in the Middle East before the existence of any indoor skating (like they have now in Dubai), we didn’t have the opportunity to take on this hobby. I can promise you that if there was an indoor skating arena, my mom would not have shied away from enrolling us into some figure skating classes.

In our early years, my mom (like any Russian parent) made sure that we were kept busy throughout our childhood in Sudan, Libya and Syria. My siblings and I did Judo, swimming, and played chess, then in our teenage years we added music – piano or guitar. Frankly speaking, if I could or had the choice I would’ve liked to become a ballerina or learn any other form of dance. ( Fun fact: I tried ballet when I was 17 or 18 y/o, just a bit too late to fulfill that dream).

The Rideau Canal Skateway was added to the Guinness Book in 2005 World Records for being the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world. It took me 10 minutes to warm up and get used to my skates. It was undeniably the most magical skating experience ever! We skated away for 8 kms and can’t wait to do it again.

Skating on the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink is off the bucket list! I highly recommend it if you’re visiting Ottawa this winter. Here are few tips:

• Start at the beginning of the Skateway, from the National Arts Centre to Dows Lake. You’ll also see the distance displayed in kilometers on your right side.
• Don’t worry if you don’t have skates, they can be rented right on the canal for $11 per hour, with a two hour minimum.
• Depending on the weather, if it’s minus – 15 C or over make sure you have at least two layers of wool socks on.
• Enjoy the moment skating. It is such a liberating and beautiful feeling, even for a beginner.
• If you skate to the end of the Canal, you’ve earned yourself a beavertail! Indulge with some hot chocolate and the deep-fried beloved national treasure. 🙂

XO Dalia

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