Winter Rentals

Winter is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors at Dows Lake Pavilion! The lake freezes over in late December, and takes us into skating season. In wintertime Dows Lake and the Rideau Canal become the "world's longest skating rink" with over 7 kilometers of groomed ice taking skater from the Dows Lake Pavilion to the National Arts Center in the heart of Downtown Ottawa.

For more information on activities that are happening at Dows Lake and along the Rideau Canal please contact the N.C.C. Website.

Skate Rental Rates

All rentals require a $20.00 deposit and a valid photo ID (Driver's License - Health cards cannot be accepted).

* All Rates are for the first 2 hours

All Prices include Tax

All rentals require a $20.00 deposit and a valid photo ID (Driver's License - Health cards cannot be accepted).

Group Rates:

Please fill this form out below in its entirety a minimum of 24 hours before the requested group rental date.

Note: Any incomplete forms or forms not sent to mail@dowslake.com at least 24 hours before the requested group rental date MAY not be considered for discounted services and be charged up to the maximum fees for services.

All group bookings are taken on a first come, first serve basis and depend on availability. All group rental services are offered Monday to Friday (excluding holidays/stat) only. All rental items are subject to availability.

2024 Winter rental Group request form

If you do not have a confirmation number, you will not be eligible for a discount

We do not accept weekend reservations

Skates :

Dows Lake Pavilion rents Men's (hockey skates) Skates size 5-13 (with half sizes available) and Women's (figure skates) Skates in sizes 5 – 11 (no half sizes). We also have both hockey and figure skates in children's sizes (kids 5 to adult 4.5). All of our skates are sharpened and assessed to the condition of the canal regularly to ensure you have the best and safest time possible out on the lake.

Sleighs :

Our "Giant Santa Sleigh’s" are quite large and will accommodate two adults or three children. Our sleighs add a lot of fun to any skating trip. You can use them to carry your shoes and bags; bring along someone who doesn't know how to skate; or transport a child who's worn out by all the excitement! Sleighs are also perfect balancing tools for adults who are discovering the joy of skating. Our sleds are sturdy, made for cold weather and intense use.

Snow Shoes:

For any of our guests not wishing to skate on the canal, for the days when the canal is closed but there's still snow on the ground or anyone wishing to try something new, we now offer snow shoes in youth to adult various sizes. We suggest the picturesque arboretum or even Queen Juliana Park for beginners to stomp around in. Ask us for site map of places open to snow shoeing.

Skate Trainer:

We realize not everyone is an expert at skating on an outdoor rink surface and we offer two separate types of skate trainers at Dows Lake skate rentals. We offer a children’s skate trainer for kids learning to be independent on skates. And a trainer for any youth to adult wishing to hold their balance a bit better and new to skating.

Rental Hours

The Rentals Office is open 7 days a week. Please note hours of operation are reflective of canal conditions.

Rentals Office Doors will be locked one hour after last rental.

Canal Conditions

Link to NCC Ice Conditions page https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/skateway-ice-conditions

You can also call the "N.C.C. Ice Conditions" hotline (239-5234 press 1, 1) to get up to date information on Canal conditions.