This year the “World’s Largest Skating Rink” will celebrate its 40th year of skating on the canal. I am all in favor of the improvements in amenities and services the canal provides. As we found out yesterday during our first skate, there are heated washrooms, change rooms, nice dry huts to put your skates on. Yummy Beaver Tails, Hot Chocolate, Hot Dogs and French Fries. Also, skate and children’s sled rentals.
We didn’t get on the ice until about 4pm (I needed to shop for snow pants) but enjoyed skating even when it got dark. Dylan is doing really well on her skates, especially since we got her a skate bar. It has boasted her confidence and she will soon be skating without it. Jack prefers the sled. He has skates but can’t stand up on them yet. Soon he’ll start using the skate bar.
This was the first weekend the canal was open, so the ice beckoned all skate enthusiasts experienced and novice. What quickly became apparent to me was to avoid the newbies. Unlike an indoor rink which has boards to hold up new skaters, outdoors its whatevers closest. If your not paying attention you will become someones breaks or crash pillow.
Many people bring their strollers on the ice and push the kids up and down the canal. Or use a sled like us. The only thing you can’t bring on are dogs and hockey sticks. Hockey sticks? Doesn’t seem very Canadian does it?
Note: For our Aussie relatives, Beaver Tails are large flat doughnuts served warm with sugar and cinnamon. Very tasty.
That’s awesome! I miss Ottawa. We haven’t had one snowfall here. Honestly. I miss Ottawa!! We loved it there. Victoria, not so much. Be sure to check out Gatineau Hills during the snow season as there are lots of amenities throughout there as well. For snowshoers and cross country skiiers there are little huts with fire places and picnic tables to get warm. Sooo cool. Also, check out the two ice festivals coming up (one in Ottawa and one in Gatineau, in February I think?). I’m sure you are all over it but just in case!!
Okay…who ate my beavertail…I left it on the pinic table. You guys are just having way to much fun. I need to see Dylan doing some twirls and Jacks slap shot. I think your next plan should be to do some Olympic events the next time you’re on the ice…..have fun. Luv Grandpa and Grandma K
Looks wonderful, I will need to sit on the sled with Jack… Aussie’s don’t skate at least this one doesn’t. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Adios from Mexico
xxx
PS Tell Dilly we are still on the watch for Dora and Boots
Love the new format!! Looks like you are enjoying the area, hopefully we will be able to make a trip up sometime. Maybe two trips, so we can enjoy winter and summer in Ottawa.
Greg made a little rink beside our house and both boys are enjoying skating on it. I will send pictures soon.
All the best,
Heather