First Canal Skate of the Season

The ice is a bit rough, but we expect that on the first day. Everyone on the Rideau Canal Skateway was just happy to have a 3.8 km portion of the world's longest skating rink open on a perfect winter afternoon -- sunny, minus 10 degrees, and no wind. Here's some pix.\

Skaters stopping for beavertails and hot apple cider at 5th avenue.

Skaters stopping for beavertails and hot apple cider at 5th avenue.

Folks warming up at Fifth Avenue.

Folks warming up at Fifth Avenue.

Skate-Change hut at Concord.

Skate-Change hut at Concord.

Somerset Bridge -- northern end--point of the 3.8 km of skateway opened today.

Somerset Bridge -- northern end--point of the 3.8 km of skateway opened today.

Bank Street Bridge -- southern end of the 3.8 km stretch of skateway opened today.

Bank Street Bridge -- southern end of the 3.8 km stretch of skateway opened today.