Ottawa canal watchers !
 

Hey hey, going to work today and I saw the crews out on the Canal clearing off the snow. They're not using any heavy equipment yet but everyone is hoping for an early start to the skating season. <BR><BR>There has to be some compensation for the unseasonably bitter weather !

Lets hope this wasnt the same truck that fell in!! Guess its not quite ready yet :)

Need a few hotel names ...<BR><BR>I'm going to Ottawa on the 23rd for the Rock vs Rebel lacrosse game ... looking for a hotel downtown near the canal for $100CDN (hoping to get some skating in before the game)

Cartier Place Suites Hotel is about $95US a night, plus taxes. It's at 180 Cooper St., a very short walk to the Canal - which is starting to look good but is not yet ready for blades.

The canal is now open. Ice condition is fair to good. However it is really cold.<BR><BR>A better bet for a hotel, than the one I posted in my last message, is the Ramada at 111 Cooper. Closer to the canal and rates start at $69.

Thanks for the advice.<BR><BR>I'm considering booking the Ramada.<BR><BR>I booked the Howard Johnson for $76CDN including full breakfast, but can't find reviews anywhere, sounds too good to be true (I was told older HoJo properties aren't very good)

The Howard Johnson used to be the Roxborough Hotel and before that it was a YWCA, so you have some idea what to expect. The location is fine - not as close to the Canal as the Ramada but close enough, also a bit closer to other downtown amenities and sight-seeing stops.