Learn about the history and rituals behind one of the most iconic Canadian winter pastimes: skating through frozen lakes, rivers and canals that become natural ice rinks throughout Canada's winter wonderland.
Natural Ice Skating Rink in Canada. Tom Fisk. CC0
According to Canadian legend, the history of ice skating can be traced back to the Iroquois, who used animal bones tied to their shoes as skates for transportation and recreation. The Iroquois not only used ice skating as a means of transportation or exercise but also in ceremonies and war dances. Additionally, skating was deemed an appropriate activity for all people and ages to participate in, not just men. Soon French explorers in the mid-1600s saw this practical activity and copied the tribe's skating techniques. Soon after, recreational skating rinks started to appear all over Canada, making ice skating an integral part of the Canadian way of life.
Canada is notorious for its long, cold winters, which have created a country centered on winter sports. Because of its incredible scenic views, the Indigenous tradition of outdoor skating became very popular as an activity to bond with friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors. Today, there are roughly 5,000 outdoor skating paths throughout Canada, where locals describe these rinks and the skating culture as a way of life.
Today, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa is the world's largest outdoor skating rink, taking skaters on a sprawling five-mile path through the city's capital. The naturally frozen canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that people use to commute to work or simply skate with family and friends. These natural rinks are free to the public, allowing people to come together and create a shared skating experience. Skating is a ritual in the Canadian winter wonderland.
People Skating on Rideau Canal. Vince Alongi. CC BY 2.0
However, climate change has impacted this cultural activity, as warming temperatures melt rinks. For Canadian officials to deem rinks safe for skating, there must be 15 consecutive days of freezing temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2024, Rideau Canal was only open for a few days; the year before, the rink never opened. Local communities are joining forces to save the ice through an initiative called RinkWatch, where skaters report on ice conditions to help others find safe rinks while monitoring environmental change. Unfortunately, locals are concerned about the future of ice skating, as temperatures continue to rise every year. While the future of the natural rinks is not guaranteed, spirits are still high when it comes to celebrating such a historical and meaningful tradition. Skating through one of Canada’s thousands of natural rinks creates magical memories while paying respects to the rich heritage of experiencing Canada's beautiful outdoors. Consider trying this once-in-a-lifetime winter activity.
Riley Torgerson
Riley is a senior at the University of California San Diego studying Communications and Environmental Studies. Riley hopes to use her communication and storytelling skills to help bring education and awareness about global social and environmental justice issues, specifically through the lens of power dynamics. She loves traveling the world, cooking, hiking, and doing yoga in her free time.