Rideau Hall skating rink

Please note that the skating rink is now closed for the season.

Glide into history on the Rideau Hall skating 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 in 2025, to continue the tradition of skating at the Residence of the Governor General. 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!

Please note that, for the 2025 season, reservations are no longer available, in favour of open skating for all. The public is invited to visit the skating rink during the following hours:

PUBLIC SKATING:

January 6th to March 2nd, 2025 (weather permitting)

  • Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Last entry at 7:45 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Last entry at 7:45 p.m.

Special skating rink opening for Family Day

  • Monday February 17th, 2025, 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Last entry at 7:45 p.m.

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.

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.

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