The National Capital Commission confirmed Wednesday night that the Rideau Canal Skateway and their winter trails will open during the stay-at-home order. However, not all amenities will be open and there are restrictions. If you are planning to head to the NCC’s outdoor attractions, you can only use them for exercise purposes and you must be local to Ottawa. In fact, the NCC is encouraging residents to stick closer to home when choosing their outdoor exercise activity.  

Planning to hit the ice? A few things have changed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Be prepared to bring your own skates to the Rideau Canal. Because the Skateway is meant for exercise-use only, concessions including outdoor equipment rentals and food and beverage stands, will not be open. This also includes fire pits. The NCC will add sanitization stands and bidirectional staircases where possible, as well. Keep your mask handy, as they are mandatory in the NCC‘s spaces, keeping in line with the stay-at-home order guidelines issued by the province earlier this week.  

If skating isn’t your thing, a section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to allow you to keep a safe distance on your walk.