Rideau Canal

“But the Rideau Canal, it’s really sad.”

While people in the Ottawa area were reluctant to admit it, the announcement on Friday was widely expected: For the first time since its creation 52 years ago, the Rideau Canal Skateway, which bills itself as the “world’s largest skating rink,” will not open this season.

Canada's renowned Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest natural ice skating rink, will not open this season for the first time due to a lack of ice, its operator said on Friday, blaming the closure on climate change.

“The Rideau Canal and festivals that take place across Canada to celebrate our winter life are woven into the psyche, rituals and experiences of citizens,” said Jay Johnson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Manitoba.

For many, the Rideau Canal Skateway represents more than an average rink.