I searched for “where to rent skates for Rideau Canal” and found that there wasn’t a website that provided me with all skate rental options and where to purchase skating rentals in Ottawa.
So I created my own page to help me & you for your next skating trip to the Rideau Canal!
UPDATED: All the businesses mentioned below are still open during the pandemic, so you can still rent skates in Ottawa near the Rideau Canal.
There are 3 places to rent skates for Rideau Canal skating! (Scroll down)
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List of Where you can Rent Skates for Rideau Canal Skating
I knew there must be places to rent skates on the Rideau Canal, but the Rideau Canal is HUGE! It’s literally the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world according to Guinness World Records. You can literally enter onto the ice at so many points along the 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles)
1. Rent Skates from Capital Skates on the Rideau Canal
Rental Name: Capital Skates
Where to Rent Skates: Capital Skates is located under the Mackenzie King Bridge as well as another location on Fifth Avenue. They are normally open every day, 10 am to 10 pm – weather permitting. You can book your skate rentals online under rentals for two-hour slot! Check capitalskates.ca to book.
Price: $22 for adult skates
Pros:
Cons: If you only want skate rentals for 1 hour, this is the most expensive option. If you use the skate rentals for 2 hours it’s the 2nd least expensive option. If you plan to skate for 2+ hours, I highly recommend option #2 as it’s the cheapest option.
2. Rent Skates from Cyco’s along the Rideau Canal
Rental Name: Cyco’s
Where to Rent Skates: Cyco’s is located at 5 Hawthorne Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. Cyco’s is open every day to rent skates from
Price: $8.00 for 1 hour or less, 2 hours $12.00, 4 hours $17.00, 8 hours $22.00, overnight $17.00, 24 hours $26.00, 3 days $37.00, and 7 days $57.00 (check cycosport.ca for updated prices)
Pros: #1 Cheapest option for renting skates short and long term! $8 for an hour or $12 for two hours is 50% cheaper than the other options. You can even rent skates for up to 1 week for $57.
Cons: Open hours aren’t as clear online and aren’t open as long as the other two options. You also can’t book and pay online. You will have to call ahead. It’s located right next to the Rideau Canal, where the others are on or attached to Rideau Canal.
3. Rent Skates from Dows Lake Pavilion on the Rideau Canal
Rental Name: Dows Lake Pavilion
Where to Rent Skates: Dows Lake Pavilion is located at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa, ON. Dows Lake Pavilion is open every day to rent skates from
Price: $17 for 1-hour (adults), $13 for 1 hours (child skates), $8 for additional hour (check dowslake.com for updated prices)
Pros: If you want to skate more than 1 hour, it’s only $8 additional per hour, which can be cheaper long-term if you want to skate all day or more than 2 hours. They also have adult skate trainers if you want to learn how to skate, and offer helmets for $5 and large locker rentals for $5.
Cons: All rentals require a $20.00 deposit and valid photo ID (Driver’s License – Health cards are apparently not accepted).
So there you have it! 3 great options to rent skates at the Rideau Canal in Ottawa based on your needs, personal price points and how long you plan to skate for.
Skating on the Rideau Canal is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (weather permitting), with lamps lighting the Skateway at night time.
Skating here is great for the whole family and a romantic idea for couples in or visiting Ottawa. There’s nothing more romantic than skating on the Rideau Canal, hand in hand with a loved one on the largest natural frozen skating rink in the world.
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Are you going skating on the Rideau Canal? Did I miss a skate rental place in Ottawa I should highlight? Let me know below!