Where to Rent Skates for Rideau Canal Skating

Where to Rent Skates for Rideau Canal

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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Where to Rent Skates on Ottawa's Rideau Canal

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) skateway. So where should you go to grab a pair of rental skates?

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: This is the 2nd cheapest option for up to 2 hours of skating. Located right near the Rideau canal to rent. Easy to book your time slot online. Also, they have a $5 Boot check service if you don’t feel like carrying your boots while you skate. If someone in your family has a pair of skates that need sharpening, they can sharpen your skates for $10 as well.

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.

rideau canal during winter in ottawa

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 10am to 5pm.

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.

where to rent skates 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 9:30am to 9pm (for last rental).

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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Out With Ryan

Ryan Thomas Woods is the voice behind Out With Ryan. He’s an LGBTQ+ Activist & Travel writer for this website and many other publications. He was recently voted 2018’s Travel Influencer of Year in Canada and dedicated the award to all LGBTQ+ travelers making the world a better & safer space for our community, as he strives to do on his website & social platforms.

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