Capital Skates.
Skate, sleigh, and ice trike rentals plus skate sharpening at two Rideau Canal Skateway locations in Ottawa
The brief.
Capital Skates is the private rental and skate-service concession on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, operating two locations along the 7.8-kilometre frozen surface that runs from downtown to Dows Lake. The Skateway itself is maintained by the National Capital Commission and designated by Guinness World Records as the world's largest natural ice rink; access to the ice is free. Capital Skates handles the gear: adult and children's skates in sizes 1–13, sleighs that fit two children or one adult, ice trikes, on-site skate sharpening, and boot check. Kicksleds and support bars are also available for beginner skaters. The Rideau location at 55 Colonel By Drive opens daily 10am–10pm; the Fifth Avenue location at 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive opens Thursday–Monday, 10am–10pm.
6. ways in.
- 01
Adult Skates Rental
For: All ages — sizes 1–13 (men's hockey sizing; children's sizes included)When: 2026 winter season; Rideau location daily 10am–10pm, Fifth Avenue Thursday–Monday 10am–10pmTwo-hour skate rentals at both Rideau (55 Colonel By Drive) and Fifth Avenue (375 Queen Elizabeth Drive) locations. Sizing guidance: take one size smaller than your boots for men's, two sizes smaller for women's boot size. Skates are sharpened on a regular basis, and boot check is complimentary with every skate rental.
$33.00 per 2-hour rental; $50 deposit required
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Sleigh Rental
For: Families with young children, non-skaters, or anyone wanting a seated ride; fits 2 children or 1 adultWhen: 2026 winter season; same hours as the two rental locationsA pulled sleigh big enough for two children or one adult, available at both Rideau and Fifth Avenue locations. Lets non-skaters and tired children stay on the canal with the rest of the group. Same 2-hour rental window and deposit as adult skates.
$49.00 per 2-hour rental; $50 deposit required
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Ice Trike Rental
For: Riders who want a seated pedal-driven ride on the canal — including those less skilled on the iceWhen: 2026 winter season; currently Fifth Avenue location only (Rideau Ice Trikes closed for the rest of the season)Designed specifically for Capital Skates as an alternative to skating on the canal. Useful for giving a companion who isn't comfortable on skates a way to share the ride. 2-hour rental window with the standard $50 equipment deposit. Available at Fifth Avenue (375 Queen Elizabeth Drive).
$53.00 per 2-hour rental; $50 deposit required
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Skate Sharpening
For: Anyone bringing their own skates to the canalWhen: Rideau open for the season 10am–10pm; Fifth Avenue Fri 3pm–10pm and Sat–Sun 10am–10pmOn-site sharpening while you wait at both Rideau and Fifth Avenue locations. Hours differ between the two storefronts — the Rideau location runs full daily operating hours all season, while Fifth Avenue narrows to Friday 3pm–10pm plus Saturday and Sunday 10am–10pm. A useful add-on for skaters bringing their own gear who want a quick edge before heading onto the canal.
$17.00
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Boot Check
For: Anyone with boots they want to store securely while on the iceWhen: 2026 winter season; per-location hoursBoot check at both Rideau and Fifth Avenue locations, included free with every skate rental and $8 on its own. A practical add-on for visitors who arrive in winter boots, want them stored warm and dry while they skate, and don't want to lug them along the 7.8-kilometre Skateway.
$8.00 — complimentary with every skate rental
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Group Reservation (25+)
For: Groups of 25 or moreWhen: 2026 winter season at both Rideau and Fifth Avenue locationsGroup form for parties of 25 or more, available at both locations. Pricing handled by inquiry; the form on the operator's site collects group details and routes to the relevant location.
Contact for details — discounts on rentals for qualifying groups
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Worth knowing.
- 01Operates two rental locations on the Rideau Canal Skateway: Rideau (55 Colonel By Drive) and Fifth Avenue (375 Queen Elizabeth Drive, beside the First Aid Station at distance marker 3.4 km)Source ↗
- 02Rentals are 2-hour blocks with a $50 deposit required on all equipment rental (skates, sleigh, ice trike)Source ↗
- 03The Rideau Canal Skateway is a 7.8 km (4.8 mi) surface running from downtown Ottawa to Dows LakeSource ↗
- 04The Rideau Canal is designated by Guinness World Records as the largest natural ice rink in the worldSource ↗
- 05The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the only one in Ontario, per the operator)Source ↗
- 06The Skateway is maintained by the National Capital Commission (NCC), not by Capital Skates; access to the rink is freeSource ↗
- 07The NCC reports a daily average of 19,000 visitors during the winter months (per operator's About page)Source ↗
- 08Boot check service is complimentary with every skate rentalSource ↗
- 09Skate sharpening offered on-site while you wait at $17Source ↗
- 10Groups of 25 or more may qualify for price reductions on rentalsSource ↗
Get in
touch.
- Website
- rideaucanalskateway.com
- Phone
- 819-921-6839
- Phone (Fifth Avenue location)
- 819-921-5743
- Address
- Rideau location: 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON. Fifth Avenue location: 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa, ON (next to the First Aid Station, distance marker 3.4 km)
- www.facebook.com/capitalskates