Going Places: Fun on the Rideau Canal skateway

(NC) - Each winter, the National Capital Commission (NCC) transforms 7.8 km of the historic Rideau Canal waterway into the Rideau Canal Skateway: the world's largest skating rink. 

-  Hundreds of thousands of skaters and outdoor enthusiasts from all across Canada and around the world come to enjoy this unique experience of winding through the heart of Canada's Capital. 

- The actual skating surface is comparable to more than 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks. 

- The first skating season dates back to the winter of 1970-1971, when NCC staff cleared the Skateway using shovels. 

- The longest skating season to date was in 1971-1972, lasting 95 days, while the shortest was in 2001-2002, lasting 34 days (26 skating days). 

- Some 2,500 Christmas trees are recovered by the NCC and decorate the rest areas located along the Rideau Canal Skateway. 

- In June 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

- Every February, the Rideau Canal Skateway also becomes centre stage for the Capital's famous winter celebration, Winterlude. 

- Celebrities who have "hit the ice" of the Rideau Canal Skateway include: Alanis Morissette, Eva Avila, figure skaters Brian Orser, Emanuel Sandu, Ben Ferreira, Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini, the 2006 Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey club, and Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators hockey club alumni.

More information about the Rideau Canal Skateway is available by contacting the National Capital Commission toll free at 1-800-465-1867 or by visiting the website www.canadascapital.gc.ca .