Skating on the Rideau Canal
 

The idea of skating through a city on a canal seems magical to me - and Ottawa is so much closer than Holland! But is it wonderful, perhaps even magical? Is skating on the Rideau Canal worth a weekend trip from the northeast, considering that I don't have unlimited funds for such outings? Is it scenic and fun and unusual, or is it a bit underwhelming? Does Ottawa have some of the magic that Montreal has? thanks

Ottawa is a really great place. Considering it's a nation capitol, it is a very relaxed and laid back city - much slower paced than most.

In February, they have the Winterlude Festival every weekend. Ice sculpture competitions, ice cream stands in the middle of the canal, etc.

Check out their website: http://tinyurl.com/9tq7t4

As for the magic, Ottawa has magic, but it's not the same as Montreal's.

Personally, a weekend trip to Ottawa any time of year would be a good thing.

I love Ottawa and do think it's worth a visit in the winter.
I have not skated for many many moons and a few years ago I amazed myself and skated the whole distance... It was fun and I was very proud of myself. There is a 'happy' mood everywhere.. everyone is all bundled up.
If you go , try to go during the Winterlude Festival. Amazing ice sculptures.

Definitely go for the weekend but do try to make it a Winterlude weekend. That is really special.

The ice sculptures are amazing. It is truly a celebration of winter and should be experienced at least once.

Ottawa has its own magic - a safe and lovely city - so easy to get around.

I've got my train ticket booked for the first weekend of Winterlude - it's a lovely place to skate, friend and I skated on the canal on Saturday and then at Rideau Hall on Sunday - you can also tour Rideau Hall which is the home of the Governor-General.

There's lots to keep you busy in Ottawa for a long weekend. Those ice sculptures are truly amazing, I agree.

You can tour the Parliament Buildings, too (http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/visitors/index-e.asp), go to the War Museum, the Museum of Civilization across the Ottawa River in Hull, the National Art Gallery and eat beaver tails in Byward Market. There's a casino in Hull, too.

http://www.ottawakiosk.com/museum3.html

I hope the darn buses start running soon but the city is very walkable once you're downtown.

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins...g=1&bhcp=1

Thanks so much to everyone -- very helpful. A friend kept telling me that a weekend in Ottawa would be like a weekend in Albany (I've been there -- a nice place to live, I'm sure, but not exactly a vacation spot). But you've proved him wrong! Ottawa (and perhaps parts of Albany) sounds lovely. Now to sharpen those skates . . . and my skills.

Enjoy!

We are in Ottawa now and just came in from skating! YES, come! More then worth the trip! We will be ehre for one week and I hear it is pretty quiet HOWEVER there is a lot of excitement for Winterlude!So if you can hold off until the February Festival ...
We get to Montrael often, this is a first for Ottawa -- different and yet equal as a great place to be, friendly people -- lots to do!