Have you always dreamed of skating on the world’s largest natural ice rink? In Ottawa, the Rideau Canal Skateway stretches 7.8 km and covers 165,621 m², offering a unique winter experience. A skating rink of exceptional dimensions, earning it an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. A natural wonder that may not be in Paris, but it’s a must-see at least once in your life…
Skating on an icy canal… an experience like no other!
Just imagine: every winter, in the heart of Canada’s capital, a canal is transformed into a monumental ribbon of ice. The Rideau Canal Skateway stretches for 7.8 km and offers an ice surface of 165,621 m² (the equivalent of 90 Olympic rinks, no less.) This natural skating rink, maintained every season, was officially entered in the Guinness World Records in 2005 as the “largest natural skating rink in the world”.
Gliding over kilometers of ice, crossing neighborhoods, skirting historic buildings… It’s much more than just a skate, it’s an immersive, magical experience, unique in the world. Every winter, tens of thousands of skaters (locals and tourists alike) come to experience this monumental icy adventure. What’s more for families? It’s even possible to go ice biking, sledding and even scootering on ice… You can rent all the equipment on site.
Ottawa has the world’s largest natural ice rink, but Paris has nothing to envy, with the world’s largest indoor ice rink.
Paris may not have the world’s largest natural ice rink, but it does have the world’s largest indoor ice rink. And that’s no mean feat… Once again, since last winter,the Grand Palais des Glaces has temporarily transformed the great glass nave into an indoor ice rink, offering a spectacular icy backdrop over an area of almost 2,700 m². But for those who dream of gliding through an infinite space, feeling the cold, breathing in the winter air and losing themselves in 7.8 km of ice, the Rideau Canal Skateway remains without doubt the most spectacular option: natural, immersive and unique in the world. It’s a dream getaway into the Canadian wilderness.
Lovers of ice, getaways and wide-open spaces: how do you get to the world’s largest natural skating rink from Paris?
The easiest way to reach the Rideau Canal Skateway from Paris is to fly from Paris to Ottawa. Allow around 7 to 8 hours non-stop. Once you’ve arrived at Ottawa airport, you’re usually just a short cab or public transport ride from downtown, where you’ll find this spectacular open-air skating rink.