Winter Runners Discover Safe Haven on Rideau Canal Skateway
While the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway typically conjures images of gliding skaters, a growing community of Ottawa runners is embracing the frozen waterway for an entirely different purpose. They're trading their skates for running shoes and discovering that the Skateway's designated walking lanes offer a surprisingly safe and enjoyable winter running experience.
A Safer Alternative to Icy Pavements
For Anthony Balatti, founder of The 25th Hour run club, the Skateway has become his preferred winter running route. "The biggest thing is getting over the fear of running on ice and thinking it's going to be really slippery, but it's actually really good," Balatti told the Ottawa Citizen. Unlike typical winter running routes plagued by unpredictable hazards, the Skateway's walking lanes provide consistent, reliable footing.
The National Capital Commission introduced these designated walking paths in recent winters, creating snow-packed and scraped surfaces that span from Waverley to Bank Street and from Lakeview to Dow's Lake. Since these lanes aren't flooded like the skating sections, runners report they're not particularly slippery, offering a stable surface even in sub-zero temperatures.
Benefits Beyond Safety
Balatti emphasizes multiple advantages to canal running during Ottawa's coldest months:
- Low-impact surface: "It's low-impact and easier on the joints. It has a lot of benefits, plus it's a unique experience," he said. "I would say it's as soft as a treadmill, if not even softer impact."
- Freedom from winter obstacles: The Skateway eliminates common winter running hazards like black ice, slush, and snowbanks that typically make pavement running treacherous.
- Community building: Every Thursday evening while the Skateway is open, Balatti leads his running group onto the frozen canal, often attracting more than 50 participants.
Embracing the Canadian Winter Experience
Some runners take their winter adaptation to impressive extremes. Balatti himself runs in shorts even when temperatures plummet to -20°C, explaining that proper clothing and gradual adaptation make this possible. "My tolerance is pretty good to it, but I always advocate to see what it's like when you wear certain clothing and test it out, and you notice your body will adapt," he advised.
Fellow runner Deirdre Hendrick describes the experience in almost summer-like terms despite the frigid conditions. "Running along the Rideau Canal in the winter feels like a beach run, Canadian style," she said. "The sun is warming your legs and the cold air encourages you to keep moving. There's no better feeling than being outside in a true Canadian winter."
A Growing Winter Fitness Trend
This emerging use of the Skateway represents more than just individual fitness routines—it's becoming a community phenomenon that reimagines how Ottawans can engage with one of their most famous winter landmarks. The walking lanes have effectively transformed a skating destination into a multi-use winter recreation space, providing runners with:
- A predictable, maintained surface throughout winter months
- A scenic route through the heart of the city
- A social running environment that builds community
- An opportunity to safely maintain fitness routines year-round
As more runners discover these benefits, the Rideau Canal Skateway is establishing itself not just as a world-class skating rink, but as an innovative solution to winter running challenges. This dual-purpose use demonstrates how urban winter infrastructure can serve multiple recreational needs while encouraging outdoor activity during Canada's coldest season.
