Dows
Lake Domes 
The outdoor changing facilities at Dows Lake, which have become known as the “domes” or the “igloos” over the past few years, are almost becoming an attraction in themselves in the wintertime. The domes, which are provided free of charge courtesy of Dows Lake Pavilion, are located on the Northwestern side of the Pavilion. They are open whenever the canal flag is green, twenty-four hours a day. These weather resistant domes provide skaters with a reprieve from the elements and it serves as an excellent place to change your skates, have a snack or a hot beverage purchased nearby, or simply as a resting point.
Guests agree that the domes provide a magical feeling that adds to the experience of skating down the World’s Longest Skating Rink. It is as if one is in an igloo, or taking shelter in a cave to escape a wicked snow squall. Children and adults alike find it to be a great way to add to the allure of the Rideau Canal.
How’d they do that?
The allure of the domes prompts much curiosity and staff at Dows Lake are often asked about the structure of the domes, and how they are assembled. The domes are geodesic domes. Here at Dows Lake, we assemble the domes as soon as the ice is thick enough to provide adequate safety for the workers. The domes are assembled over a few days. First, the base of the dome is outlined and secured together. Then, scaffolding is used to build the dome until all sides are joined at the top, much like a jungle gym, over sixteen feet above the ice. The second dome is then assembled in a similar fashion and lower portions of the steel frame are removed to insert the swinging doorways and to connect the two domes. A weather resistant cover is then carefully draped over the steel frame to give the dome that winterish feel that is so illustrious. Below are pictures of the different steps in the setup of the domes. For further information on geodesic domes, please visit www.littlewooddomes.com
So why not come on down and check out the domes at Dows Lake next time you go for a skate on the canal. They’re the coolest place to relax or change into your skates!