Ottawa City Hall Rink of Dreams
Ottawa's Rink of Dreams offers free winter skating amidst beautiful City Hall architecture, with lights and music creating a magical atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical lights and music
Ottawa City Hall Rink of Dreams
Best Time
Magical lights and music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ottawa's Rink of Dreams offers free winter skating amidst beautiful City Hall architecture, with lights and music creating a magical atmosphere.
"A magical outdoor ice skating rink at City Hall, perfect for a magical evening skate in the heart of downtown."
⛸️ Free Admission!
Entry to the Rink of Dreams is free. Bring your own skates to save on rental costs.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available at City Hall, but can fill up. Arrive early or consider public transit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rink of Dreams
Ottawa City Hall
A magical outdoor ice rink with colorful lights and music, perfect for all skill levels.
City Hall Architecture
Ottawa City Hall
Explore the blend of historic heritage buildings and modern design at Ottawa's functional city hall.
Art Displays
Ottawa City Hall
Discover local artworks on display and sometimes available for auction within the City Hall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonderland Fun
Skate Smart, Save Smart
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
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⛸️ Free Admission!
Entry to the Rink of Dreams is free. Bring your own skates to save on rental costs.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available at City Hall, but can fill up. Arrive early or consider public transit.
👍 Great for Beginners
The rink is well-maintained with handrails, making it ideal for those new to ice skating.
🎶 Enjoy the Ambiance
The rink is often lit up with colorful lights and plays music, creating a festive atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
⛸️ Free Admission!
Entry to the Rink of Dreams is free. Bring your own skates to save on rental costs.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available at City Hall, but can fill up. Arrive early or consider public transit.
👍 Great for Beginners
The rink is well-maintained with handrails, making it ideal for those new to ice skating.
🎶 Enjoy the Ambiance
The rink is often lit up with colorful lights and plays music, creating a festive atmosphere.
🏛️ More Than Just a Rink
Explore art displays and learn about Ottawa's history at the museum on the ground floor. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ottawa City Hall's Rink of Dreams to be a picturesque and enjoyable winter activity, praised for its free admission and suitability for all skating levels. The surrounding architecture and evening lights add to its charm. Some note that parking can be a challenge during peak times, and the building itself is functional rather than grand.
"Not too crowded. Picturesque buildings. Good place to walk around. Public transit is accessible."
Torogi on the Move
"Ottawa City Hall is not a grand or impressive building by any means, but it feels very functional and practical. The design is simple and modern, with open spaces that seem to serve their purpose well. It may not wow you architecturally, but it gets the job done as a working municipal building."
Eric L
"Precisely what a city hall should look like. I got a bit of history and facts about Ottawa from the Museum on the ground floor. In addition, there are beautiful artworks from different artists on display and some on auction to be purchased. The rink of dreams is located right in front of the city hall, and it's always a major attraction during the winter season. Plenty of multilevel parking 🅿️ available at very reasonable prices. The City Hall also has other offices, including a Canada service office. The hall also serves as an event centre, which is really cool."
Abimbola Ogundiran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ottawa City Hall is easily accessible by public transit, with many bus routes stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, with paid parking available on-site.
Yes, there is paid, multi-level parking available directly at City Hall. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times or events, as spots can fill up.
Numerous OC Transpo bus routes serve the downtown area, with stops conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall. Check the OC Transpo website for specific route information. [^Review]
Yes, there are bike racks available at City Hall, making it a convenient option for cyclists. Ottawa has a growing network of cycling paths. [^Review]
Ottawa City Hall is designed to be accessible, with ramps and elevators to assist visitors with mobility challenges. [^Review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Rink of Dreams is completely free! You only pay if you need to rent skates.
Skate rentals are available for approximately $20 for a 2-hour period.
The Rink of Dreams is typically open daily until 11 PM during the winter season. Hours may vary slightly during holidays.
There is no need to book time slots; the Rink of Dreams operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are no specific age restrictions for skating, but children should be supervised by an adult.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
The ice at the Rink of Dreams is generally well-maintained and smooth, making it suitable for skaters of all levels.
Yes, there are seating areas available around the Rink of Dreams for skaters to rest.
Yes, there is an indoor area available at the Rink of Dreams where you can put on your skates.
The rink often plays music, contributing to the festive and enjoyable atmosphere.
The rink has hand railings along the sides, which are particularly helpful for beginners and children.
📸 📸 Photography
Evenings are popular for photos due to the colorful lights. Sunset also offers beautiful lighting.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other skaters and avoid obstructing the ice.
The combination of the ice, surrounding city hall architecture, and evening lights creates a picturesque scene.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around public buildings. It's best to check with local regulations before flying a drone.
The area directly in front of City Hall offers great vantage points, as do the surrounding sidewalks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Bring your own skates to save money, or rent them on-site. The indoor area to change and seating around the rink provide comfort for little ones. Consider visiting during weekday mornings for fewer crowds, allowing kids more space to practice. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Paid parking is available but can be pricey; consider using public transit or walking if staying nearby. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The blend of historic and modern buildings provides a unique backdrop. Look for vantage points from the surrounding sidewalks for the best shots. Remember to be respectful of other skaters while you capture your perfect photo. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rink of Dreams Experience
+1 The rink is known for its well-maintained ice, making it accessible for skaters of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. For those who don't own skates, rentals are available on-site for a reasonable fee, typically around $20 for two hours.
+1 The rink also features helpful handrails along the sides, providing extra support for new skaters and children. +1 An indoor area is available to comfortably put on skates, and seating areas are provided for breaks. Beyond the skating, the Rink of Dreams is surrounded by the impressive architecture of Ottawa City Hall, which itself is a blend of historic and modern design. [^Review] This makes it a picturesque spot for photos, especially during the evening when the lights are on.
+1 The City Hall also houses art displays and a museum, offering additional cultural experiences before or after your skate. [^Review]Ottawa City Hall: More Than Just a Rink
Inside City Hall, visitors can explore various amenities. There are often art displays featuring local artists, with some pieces available for purchase. [^Review] The ground floor also houses a museum that provides historical facts and insights about Ottawa. [^Review] For those needing government services, a Canada Service office is located within the building, and the City Hall itself is a venue for various events and ceremonies, including court room weddings. [^Review]
The building's practical design and open spaces are noted for their functionality. [^Review] While it may not be an architectural marvel that 'wows' visitors, it serves its purpose effectively as a working municipal center. [^Review] Its central location and accessibility via public transit make it a convenient hub for both residents and tourists. [^Review]
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