Rideau Hall Rink

Glide into history on the Rideau Hall Rink!

Dating back to 1872, the skating rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada. Women’s hockey traces its roots back to Rideau Hall, as the first known image of women playing the sport was taken here in the early 1890s. Rideau Hall is pleased to welcome the public to continue the tradition of skating at the Residence of the Governor General.

A newly refrigerated skating rink officially opened to the public at Rideau Hall on November 22, 2025. 

Don’t miss the Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building where you can warm up and lace up your skates. See this historic place for yourself while skating with family and friends this winter!

PUBLIC SKATING:

November 23, 2025 to March 29, 2026 (weather depending)
Weekdays: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Weekends: 1:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Please note that the rink will be closed December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026, inclusive.

ACCESS:

  • Pedestrian access via Princess Gate at 101 Princess Avenue: Monday – Sunday (no vehicle access)
  • Pedestrian access via Sussex, MacKay and Thomas Gates: Saturday – Sunday until 4 p.m. (no vehicle access)

PARKING:

  • There is no on-site parking, but free street parking is available on the surrounding streets.
  • Visitors with reduced mobility can be dropped off and picked up at a specific location on-site. Contact us to authorize your access to the residence.

GUIDELINES FOR USERS:

Hot Chocolate icon
Light snacks and
non-alcoholic
beverages
are permitted		 Skaters on ice icon
Enjoy the rink
with family,
friends, teammates
and colleagues

Hockey Helmet icon
Helmets are
recommended

 
No Hockey icon
No hockey, pucks,
figure skating
or roughhousing

No dogs logo
Only service
animals are permitted

 

 No Smoking icon
Alcohol, cannabis,
smoking and vaping
are prohibited

For additional information regarding the skating rink or other programming at Rideau Hall, please call 1-866-842-4422 or email guide@gg.ca.

Rideau Hall is an official residence and workplace. Last-minute changes may be made to the rink schedule at any time due to official events.

As this is an outdoor facility, the schedule may vary during the season according to weather conditions. Please consult our website and social media platforms for up-to-date information on the status of the rink.

Related Content