If you’re planning on a visit to Ottawa in Canada, strap on your skates and get ready to soar the Rideau Canal. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal is the world’s longest skating rink, covering a distance of more than 7 km (just over 4 miles).

It’s a long-time favorite pastime for Canadians and tourists alike, and the canal today is a live artery to the pulse of the local vibe. All through the winter you can enjoy hot apple cider, cocoa and even the world famous ‘Beaver Tails.’ My friend James tried one recently in Quebec (just over the river) and he says it’s a mouth-watering combination of flat bread, butter and sugar – the absolute best way to enjoy carbs after an afternoon on the canal.

While the canal is a fun place to while away the winter months, it’s also a busy commute for the locals. Can you imagine being able to skate to work all winter? It sure beats being stuck in traffic.

What’s that? You don’t have skates? Problem solved – you can rent skates at a number of points a long the canal for only $15.

Kim Bowerman,
Nomadik Personal Fitness Expert