For more than 150 winters, a skating rink on the grounds of Rideau Hall—the official residence of Canada’s governor general—has welcomed thousands of Canadians. It helped inspire the Stanley Cup and shaped our national game of hockey as we know it today. As one of North America’s oldest continuously operating rinks, it remains the beating heart of Rideau Hall.
Skaters at Rideau Hall, January 1902. Photo: William Topley, courtesy National Archives of Canada.
Renewed rink
On November 22, 2025, a newly refrigerated skating rink officially opened to the public at Rideau Hall.
The revitalization of the rink responds to challenges posed by changing winter weather and offers Canadians a more welcoming and accessible skating experience within a historic setting.
We are a nation of skaters, and this is Canada’s backyard rink.
His Excellency Whit Fraser spearheaded the drive to ensure the 150-year history of skating at Rideau Hall continues for future generations of Canadians from all walks of life.
His Excellency Whit Fraser gathered with members of the public at the rink opening, November 22, 2025. Photo: PO 2 Louis Dubé, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026
Enhanced programming
With more reliable and consistent ice, Rideau Hall is able to host a greater variety and number of events and activities.
Rideau Hall will continue to offer daily public skating, supported by knowledgeable guides who can provide interpretation about the rink and the Winter Pavilion.
In addition, Rideau Hall is working with community and national organizations that promote diversity, inclusion and sport to host a wider variety of inclusive activities, namely:
- Learn-to-Skate Programs: Specialized sessions for newcomers to Canada, hosted in partnership with community and diversity-based organizations.
- Sport Clinics: Unique opportunities to try sports like sledge hockey, ringette or curling.
- Educational Discovery: While visiting, guests can explore the Winter Pavilion to learn about the history of winter at Rideau Hall and the evolving role of the governor general.
Young skaters from the CNIB enjoy the smooth ice at Rideau Hall Rink. Photo: PO 2 Louis Dubé, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026
The revitalization of the Rideau Hall Rink was designed with the future in mind. It offers a space to celebrate Canadian identity: in winter, as a rink, and in other seasons, as a space for activities related to Canadian culture and sport.
Going forward, our hope is that this rink will become a focal point for culturally rich and diverse activities, year-round.
The design of the space provides room for a variety of programs and celebrations:
- Nature programming tied to the seasons.
- Celebrating Canadian stories, via outdoor concerts, film screenings and readings.
- Sharing circles led by Indigenous knowledge keepers.
- Literacy-based activities for young families.
As a versatile, open-air space, it also opens up possibilities for games such as lacrosse, soccer, badminton and pickleball, as well as opportunities for participation in such activities as tai chi, yoga and dance classes for all ages.
All in the healthy open air under the broad Canadian sky.
Young athletes from Ottawa Ringette for All and their coach enjoy skating at Rideau Hall Rink. Photo: Sandy Irvin, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026
Partners
The rink refrigeration project preserves the legacy of skating at Rideau Hall while securing its future for generations to come.
Conservation of this cherished winter tradition is made possible through a partnership with Power Corporation of Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation, and the National Capital Commission.
Skaters enjoy opening day at the Rideau Hall Rink. Photo: PO 2 Louis Dubé, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026