The outdoor skating rink was originally built in 1872, during the mandate of the Earl of Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general. He and his wife, Lady Dufferin—who quickly became a keen skater herself—organized many skating parties during his mandate at Rideau Hall. Today, you can step back in time and go for a skate on this historic rink. 

The skating season will begin in January 2023, when weather permits. The season may be affected by weather conditions. We thank you in advance for your co-operation and patience.

Public Skating Schedule

January 14, 2023, to March 5, 2023* (weather permitting)
Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (without reservations).
Please note that the last entry into the grounds for skating is at 4:15 p.m.

Group Reservations Schedule

Organized groups of 15-50 people may reserve the rink for a time slot of one (1) hour and 30 minutes for their group only.

January 14, 2023, to March 5, 2023* (weather permitting)
Monday to Friday: 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Reservation Procedures

Group reservations are allocated through a random draw. Completed request forms will be accepted until Friday, December 16, 2022, at 4 p.m. Rideau Hall may reserve the rink for more than one group per time slot to accommodate the largest number of people possible at the facility.

As of December 20, spots still available will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please contact guide@gg.ca to reserve.

Guidelines for users

• On-site parking is not available for weekend public skating. Parking is available on the adjacent streets in the neighborhood. Visitors must enter on foot through the Sussex Gate.
• On-site parking is not available for group reservations. Parking is available on the adjacent streets in the neighborhood. For reservations at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., or 4 p.m., please enter on foot through the Sussex Gate. For reservations at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., please enter on foot through the Princess Gate.
• The Winter Pavilion will be open this year.
• An outdoor space with a fire pit and picnic tables will be set up for visitors.
• The rink is maintained on a daily basis; however, we cannot guarantee the ice conditions or maintenance if a snowfall occurs during your visit.
• The rink at Rideau Hall is for leisure skating only. Hockey sticks, pucks and roughhousing are not permitted.
• Pets are not permitted at the facility.
• It is recommended that all skaters wear helmets.
• Light snacks such as cookies and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted. Appliances such as hot plates and crock pots are not permitted.
• Food and beverages must stay in the pavilion or on the picnic tables. Food cannot be delivered to the site.
• A wood stove will be kept lit for heating purposes of the pavilion. It cannot be used for heating or cooking food and beverages.
• Smoking, e-cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden on-site.
• Public washrooms will be open for use and cleaned throughout the day.
• While masks are not required, visitors are encourage to wear one when inside the Winter Pavilion.
• For your safety, please do not walk in the wooded area near the skating rink; remain within the designated skating rink area.
• Rideau Hall will provide music for your skating pleasure.

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 on Saturdays and Sundays for up-to-date information on weekend rink closures.