The Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skateway, with 7.2 kilometres of maintained ice, has now been open for 47 straight days, breaking the 46-day record set during the 2003/4 winter season.
But the same cold that has kept the canal frozen, has also kept skaters away.
“Last year for instance the number was 20,000 visits per day on the skateway and this year the average is around 17,000,” said Jean Wolff, spokesperson for the National Capital Commission, the organization that maintains the canal.
“Mind you if you look at the 45 seasons… this is right in the middle — 17,000 a day is the average.” he said.
The canal usually closes during the second week of March, depending on the temperature. Last year it was open 58 days (not consecutively) from December 31, 2013 until March 11, 2014
It’s one of the most popular destinations for Canadians visiting the capital city of Ottawa in winter.
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