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Outdoor Skating

Skating at Rideau Hall dates back to the mandate of Lord Dufferin, third governor general of Canada, who built the first outdoor skating rink in 1872. Some of the most famous skaters to use the rink were the sons of Lord Stanley—creator of the famous trophy named in his honour—who played hockey here during their stay in Canada at the end of the 19th century. Join the thousands of Canadians who have already laced up their skates and come enjoy this historic rink!

For additional information about the skating rink at Rideau Hall, please call 1‑866‑842‑4422

Operational schedule

The general public is invited to come and skate on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm

Organized groups of 15 people or more may reserve the rink for a 90-minute period from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. 

Group information

Guidelines

• Groups may only reserve for one time slot of 90 minutes per season.
• Rideau Hall may reserve for more than one group per time slot in order to be able to accommodate the largest number of people possible at the facility.
• The maximum capacity for the rink is 50 people at any time.
• The rink is maintained on a daily basis; however, we cannot guarantee the ice conditions or maintenance if a snowfall occurs during a reservation.
• The rink at Rideau Hall is for leisure skating only. Hockey and roughhousing are not permitted.
• Pets are not permitted at the facility.
• It is recommended that young or novice skaters wear helmets.
• Light snacks and hot, non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, but must be kept in the skating hut. Appliances such as hot plates and crock pots are not permitted.
• Food cannot be delivered to the site.
• A wood stove will be kept lit for heating purposes in the skating hut. It cannot be used to heat up or cook food or beverages.
• Rideau Hall will provide music for your skating pleasure.
• Parking on-site is available only after 5:30 p.m. Please use the Princess Gate.

Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence and official events may require unforeseen changes to your visit. Reservations for the skating rink may also be cancelled according to weather conditions.

Reservation procedures

• Opportunities to make reservations for the skating rink at Rideau Hall will be allocated through a random draw. Completed request forms will be accepted from Thursday, November 1, at 8:00 a.m., to Friday, December 14, at 4:00 p.m.
• The draw and allocation of reservations will take place from December 17 to 21, 2007. Those selected will be notified by email or by telephone to make a booking. From the time the message is sent, you have 48 hours to contact us to complete the procedure. Please note that if we do not receive confirmation from you in this time period, you will lose your reservation and it will be offered to someone else.
• After December 21, those spots still available will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Our goal is to allow for as many people as possible to use the skating ring during peak reservation times. Only one request per group, per season will be accepted.