Skating Rink
The skating rink at Rideau Hall was originally built in 1872, during the mandate of the Earl of Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general. Along with his wife, Lady Dufferin—who quickly became a keen skater herself—he organized many skating parties during his stay at Rideau Hall. Today, you can step back in time and go for a skate on this historic rink.
Schedule
- The skating rink is open from January 6 to March 9, 2014. As this is an outdoor facility, the schedule may vary according to weather conditions.
- Public skating: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. No reservations necessary.
Group Reservations
Organized groups of 20 people or more may reserve for 1.5-hour periods, from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends.
Reservations for the Rideau Hall skating rink will be allocated through a random draw. Completed request forms will be accepted until Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 4 p.m. The draw and allocation of reservations will take place from December 9 to December 14, 2013. Those selected will be notified by email or by telephone to confirm their reservation. From the time that the notification is sent, you have 48 hours to respond, in order to complete the reservation process. 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.
Rideau Hall is a working residence and official events may require unforeseen changes to your visit.
Reservations may also be cancelled for bad weather conditions.