it is open today:
"The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the Rideau Canal Skateway is officially opened for a 37th season of skating as of 7 a. m. Friday, January 26, 2007. The NCC Ice Safety Committee has deemed safe the surface between Pretoria Bridge and Lansdowne Park (2 kilometres), including Patterson Creek. Skaters will be able to access this section of the Skateway by using Pretoria, Patterson Creek, Second Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Mutchmore and Lansdowne entrances via Queen Elizabeth Driveway, and Hazel, Herridge, Clegg and Pig Island entrances via Colonel By Drive. Skaters are urged to remain on the designated skate track at all times and be cautious particularly along the edges where the ice surface is rougher. They are also asked to respect the barricades and signs installed at certain areas. The NCC is working to open other sections of the world’s largest skating rink as soon as ice conditions are safe and weather permits. Pedestrians and skaters are asked not to venture onto the closed sections of the Skateway, where ice thickness is not considered safe."