World's largest naturally frozen skating rink open for the winter (PHOTOS)

The nation’s capital is embracing its Canadian identity by offering the largest skating rink in the world to the public. For free. Because, Canada.

Entering its 49th year, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway, winds its way through the heart of Ottawa over a total length of 7.8 kilometres, stretching from downtown to Dow’s Lake.

The longest Skateway on Earth is divided into 13 sections, four of which are currently open.

The National Capital Commission  (NCC) has created an interactive map of the canal’s length and which sections are open and closed, rest areas, concession stands and what its ice conditions are like.

Rideau Canal Skateway

Besides residents of Canada’s capital, thousands of visitors head to Ottawa each winter to enjoy this national treasure, And of course, next month, Winterlude will take place all along the beautiful Skateway.

Getting FOMO yet? Enjoy these photos and video until that Ottawa road trip.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Canadian Living (@canadianliving) on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:45am PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ora (@ora_artzy) on Jan 2, 2019 at 3:06pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barbara Faye (@ladybugsrun) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:53pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrew (@andrewpmeehan) on Jan 1, 2019 at 5:38pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @roamwhereyouwantto on Jan 1, 2019 at 11:08am PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Preston Square Ottawa🇨🇦 (@prestonsquare) on Dec 30, 2018 at 11:04pm PST

See also

• Justin Bieber got a face tattoo because of course he did
• Coachella 2019 lineup announced with headliners Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, and Tame Impala
• Finland stuns Canada in overtime in World Juniors quarter-final
• This shimmering Canadian ice castle opens January 4 (PHOTOS)