Outdoor rinks

Listed below are the regular hours for the City of Ottawa refrigerated rinks, weather permitting. Hours may change during holidays or extreme weather conditions. Check the rink location before going.

Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink (Canterbury)

Lansdowne Park skating court

Rink of Dreams (City Hall)

Ben Franklin Place skating rink

Ensure a safe and pleasant skating experience by following the outdoor skating rink rules.

The interactive map and table below display the locations of the City's outdoor rinks. The number of rinks listed in the table will expand or contract as you zoom in, zoom out or pan the map view. Navigate to an area of interest by searching for a park name, address, intersection, street segment or city facility in the “Find address or place” search box. Click on a rink for more information about that location. Outdoor rink information is also available in the City’s Open Data Catalogue.

Ensure a safe and pleasant skating experience:

• Follow the capacity limits posted on-site and do not go on the ice when the rink is at capacity.
• Please note that there is a maximum capacity of 12 skaters on puddle rinks.
• Use the rink at your own risk. You voluntarily assume all risk associated with any sport or event. The City of Ottawa does not accept responsibility for any related risks or injuries.
• Follow all direction from rink attendants and City staff.
• Report all accidents, injuries, misconduct and foul-language to staff immediately.
• It is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA-approved helmet while on the ice.
• Respect the posted schedule.
• Stay off the rink during inclement or mild weather.
• Children seven years and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person 14 years or older.
• You are personally responsible to ensure you are fit to participate in physical activities.
• Anyone with a condition affecting their ability to participate must take appropriate safety precautions to ensure their safety and are encouraged to be accompanied by an adult who understands their condition.

Activities that are not permitted at outdoor rinks:

These activities could result in you being asked to leave the facility.

• Hockey and other team sports are not permitted on unboarded surfaces.
• The use of hockey sticks, pucks and balls is not permitted on refrigerated ice surfaces (except Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink). 
• Carrying children on the ice (including baby carriers).
• Dogs are not permitted on outdoor rinks. Salt from paws and claws damage the ice surface.
• Smoking, vaping or loitering on the ice or near the facility.
• Bringing food or drinks on the ice.
• Accessing the park or rink between 11 pm and 6 am.
• Selling or distributing products or services anywhere in the park, unless authorized by the City.
• Using alcohol or drugs on City property.
• Rough play, speed and figure skating, and multiplayer games (such as tag and races).
• Foul language or inappropriate behaviour.

Wheelchairs, strollers and skating aids:

• Only E-Z gliders are permitted as an aid.
• Babies must be secured in their strollers.
• CSA-approved helmets are required for people in wheelchairs and strollers.
• Clean sand and salt off wheels before getting on the ice.

Assumption of risk: 

Patrons using the rink do so at their own risk and voluntarily assume all risk associated with any sport or event. The City of Ottawa does not accept responsibility for related risks or injuries. 

In the event of an emergency, immediately contact staff. If staff are not available call 9-1-1. 

Make a difference in your community: join hundreds of volunteers who devote their time to provide access to winter activities for all. We are looking for community members to operate or support neighbourhood outdoor rinks. Grants are available.

How to get involved

• Operate an outdoor rink
• Assist with the maintenance of the ice surface
• Supervise the rinks and field house
• Run weekly children's programs
• Organize a winter carnival at your rink

For more information or to become a community outdoor rink operator or volunteer, please email seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca.

In order to continue growing as an environmentally-conscious leader, the City of Ottawa is in the process of upgrading its parks to more environmentally-conscious infrastructure. This includes a push-button light system, which helps conserve hydro when the park is not in use. When using your local rink, please push the labelled button for the park lights, and enjoy!

Bookings at outdoor rinks are managed by community volunteers. City staff will forward your rental request to the responsible volunteer who will then confirm your booking. Not all outdoor rinks are available for booking. Sites available for booking are listed in the permit request form.

Submit a permit request form five to fifteen business days before the requested date(s). A rink operator will contact you to confirm your booking.

Ottawa’s outdoor rink season depends on the weather. Changes in it may affect your booking. Traditionally, the outdoor rink season runs from mid- to late-December until mid-February.

Outdoor rinks are operated by local community volunteers through a service agreement with the City. Operators devote their time and energy to maintain local outdoor rinks on behalf of the community.

Outdoor rinks are free to use.

Permit guidelines

• The City recommends a minimum of 12 skaters be present throughout your allotted time.
• Permits are issued for specific dates and times. They are not transferable.
• Rinks may be closed due to inclement weather during the time specified on the permit. To find out if the rink is open, contact the rink operator.
• Please refrain from skating during mild weather. This is a safety hazard and will damage the ice.
• A permit may be cancelled if participants do not show up for their allotted time on two consecutive occasions. Please contact your rink operator if you will miss your scheduled time.
• Bring a copy of your permit to the rink.
• Follow the direction of the rink attendant and/or the City representative.
• Only a responsible adult can have access to the field house or change station (if applicable). Keys cannot be duplicated. The key holder is responsible for the changing facility and supervision during the permit time.
• Children 10 years and under must be under adult supervision at all times.
• Scrape and clear the ice at the end of your booking. You may need to scrape or clear the ice before your rental time.
• It is highly recommended that all users wear a CSA-approved helmet while using the rink.
• Leave snow banks around un-boarded ice surfaces intact and ensure snow is completely shovelled over the boards at boarded rinks.
• All rinks close at 11 pm. Lights are turned off at this time.
• When leaving the location, please ensure that:
  • All scrapers and shovels are returned to the facility.
  • Windows are closed and locked.
  • Lights are turned off.
  • Doors are secured and locked.
  • The facility is clean.

Guidelines for school permits

• Students must be under adult supervision at all times.
• Please record daily attendance on the forms provided and send the total attendance for the season at the end of February by email to seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca.