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Speed Skating in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide to Fast Ice

Why Try Speed Skating in Ottawa?

Speed skating is one of the most thrilling and physically demanding winter sports. It combines raw power, precise technique, and the thrill of moving at high speeds on ice. Whether you’re gliding down a straightaway or leaning hard into a tight corner, speed skating delivers an unmatched adrenaline rush.

Ottawa is a hub for Canadian speed skating, with top-tier indoor and outdoor facilities, a strong local speed skating community, and access to some of the fastest ice in the country. From training at the professional-grade Bell Sensplex to racing down the historic Rideau Canal, Ottawa offers a range of speed skating experiences for beginners and elite athletes alike.

Whether you’re pursuing competitive speed skating or simply looking to test your limits, Ottawa’s speed skating scene offers world-class facilities and a welcoming community of skaters.

Benefits of Speed Skating

✅ High-Calorie Burn – Intense cardio workout that increases metabolism.
✅ Leg Strength and Power – Builds quads, hamstrings, and glutes through powerful strides.
✅ Improves Balance and Coordination – Skating at high speeds demands precise body control.
✅ Enhances Cardiovascular Fitness – Boosts heart rate and lung capacity.
✅ Mental Focus and Reaction Time – Fast cornering and pack skating improve reflexes.
✅ Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion – Long strides and low stances improve flexibility.
✅ Community and Competition – Strong social and team environment.

“It’s not about how fast you skate. It’s about how much faster you want to go.” – Apolo Anton Ohno

Types of Speed Skating

Speed skating comes in different formats—each requiring unique skills and strategies:

🏆 Short Track Speed Skating (Best for Explosive Speed and Tight Corners)

  • Performed on a 111-meter oval (same size as a hockey rink).
  • Races involve tight turns and high-speed pack racing.
  • Focus on strategy, positioning, and explosive sprints.
  • Requires quick reflexes and tactical awareness.
  • Ottawa has strong representation in short track competitions at the national level.

🏆 Long Track Speed Skating (Best for Endurance and Consistent Power)

  • Performed on a 400-meter oval (Olympic-sized track).
  • Races range from 500 meters (sprints) to 10,000 meters (endurance).
  • Focus on technique, pacing, and sustained power.
  • Requires mental endurance and smooth, consistent skating.
  • Ottawa skaters frequently compete at national and international long track events.

🏆 Marathon Speed Skating (Best for Outdoor Adventure)

  • Performed on natural or artificial ice.
  • Races range from 5 km to over 100 km.
  • Focus on endurance and pack strategy.
  • Requires efficient technique and drafting skills.
  • The Rideau Canal Skateway hosts annual speed skating marathons.

Top Speed Skating Rinks and Venues in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to some of the best speed skating facilities in Canada, offering both indoor and outdoor options:

⛸️ Bell Sensplex (Best for Indoor Training and Competition)

📍 Location: 1565 Maple Grove Road, Kanata

  • Track Type: Short track (111 meters)
  • Ice Quality: Professional-grade
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
  • Special Features:
    • Home to the Ottawa Pacers Speed Skating Club.
    • Open skate sessions for speed training.
    • On-site skate sharpening and equipment rentals.
    • Spectator viewing area.
    • Professional coaching available.

🏆 Pro Tip: Book early—training sessions fill up fast, especially during competition season.

⛸️ Rideau Canal Skateway (Best for Long-Distance and Marathon Skating)

📍 Location: Downtown Ottawa

  • Length: 7.8 km
  • Track Type: Natural ice
  • Difficulty: Beginner to expert
  • Special Features:
    • World’s largest natural skating rink.
    • Groomed daily for optimal skating conditions.
    • Free access.
    • Multiple access points along the canal.
    • Hot chocolate and food stands along the route.

🏆 Pro Tip: Early mornings provide the smoothest ice and fewest crowds—perfect for speed work.

⛸️ Jim Durrell Recreation Centre (Best for Short Track Practice)

📍 Location: 1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa

  • Track Type: Short track
  • Ice Quality: Indoor
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Special Features:
    • Regular public skate times.
    • Home to local speed skating clubs.
    • Good for training and pack racing.
    • Skate rentals and sharpening available.

🏆 Pro Tip: Wednesday night sessions tend to have fewer skaters—great for focused practice.

⛸️ Elizabeth Manley Figure Skating Rink (Best for Technical Skill Development)

📍 Location: Gloucester

  • Track Type: Indoor
  • Ice Quality: Excellent
  • Difficulty: Beginner to expert
  • Special Features:
    • Professional-grade ice.
    • Great for working on technique and footwork.
    • Quiet atmosphere—ideal for focused training.
    • Private and group lessons available.

🏆 Pro Tip: Focus on refining your crossovers and lean into the corners for better edge control.

⛸️ Ottawa Oval (Best for Outdoor Long Track Training)

📍 Location: Lansdowne Park

  • Track Type: Long track
  • Length: 400 meters
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
  • Special Features:
    • Maintained for speed skating events.
    • Open to public during non-competition hours.
    • Best for working on endurance and straightaway speed.

🏆 Pro Tip: Skate on colder days for faster, harder ice.

Essential Speed Skating Gear

✔ Speed Skates – Long blade skates for better glide and power transfer.
✔ Skating Suit – Skin-tight suit for aerodynamics and flexibility.
✔ Helmet – Mandatory for short track racing.
✔ Gloves – Cut-resistant for safety during falls.
✔ Knee and Shin Guards – Essential for short track skaters.
✔ Eye Protection – Tinted or clear visors protect from wind and ice spray.
✔ Ankle Guards – Protects against skate cuts.
✔ Blade Covers – Protects blades off-ice.

🏆 Pro Tip: Keep your skates sharpened—sharp edges provide better grip and faster turns.

Speed Skating Safety Tips

⛸️ Warm Up and Cool Down – Reduces risk of muscle strain.
⛸️ Wear Proper Safety Gear – Helmet and padding are essential for short track.
⛸️ Follow Rink Rules – Speed skating lanes are designated at most venues.
⛸️ Be Aware of Traffic – Yield to faster skaters during public sessions.
⛸️ Keep Your Blades Clean – Wipe down blades after every session to prevent rust.
⛸️ Stay Relaxed in Corners – Tension reduces balance and edge control.
⛸️ Practice Drafting – In long track and marathons, drafting saves energy and increases speed.

How to Improve Your Speed Skating Skills

🔥 Perfect Your Crossover Technique – Keep knees bent and push through each turn.
🔥 Work on Edge Control – The sharper your edges, the better your grip and control.
🔥 Develop Power in Your Stride – Use explosive leg strength for faster acceleration.
🔥 Focus on Pacing – Learn to conserve energy for longer races.
🔥 Strengthen Core and Lower Body – Improves balance and power transfer.

Final Thoughts: Fast Ice, Big Thrills!

Speed skating in Ottawa delivers the perfect mix of power, precision, and excitement. Whether you’re chasing a personal best on the Rideau Canal or competing at Bell Sensplex, Ottawa’s speed skating scene offers endless opportunities to test your limits and achieve new goals.

💬 What’s your fastest lap time? Share your story! #OttawaActiveSpeedSkating #SkateFastLiveFast