Rideau Canal Skateway — Local services in Ottawa

I came to Ottawa to attend the Manning Conference. It had been 40 years since I had been to Ottawa in the winter, but in those days the sidewalks were rolled up by 6 PM and the downtown was less than alive. The cold and the snow likely didn't help. The By Market was more a shanty town than the marvelous place it is today, and the things to do in the winter were limited. But that was then, today it is different. Winterlude is bright spot in the Ottawa winter. Many activities, lights, snow sculptures, music, great for the visitor, the family, and for Ottawa.There was a buzz in the air, (and not the annoying sound of politicians talking) and had moments where if I closed my eyes I could have easily been at Carnival in Quebec City. People are friendlier when there is a party going on in the city. They smile more, laugh more, and believe it or not sing more.(especially when there is music, live or otherwise playing). The parks in the area surrounding the area were filled with people and activities both day and night. The hotel lobby was filled with people - families - carrying skates.Car lots were full and parking on the street was impossible. But still the families flocked! The Beaver Tails,the hot chocolate, the fries, the skating on the canal, and the all- inclusive feeling makes this a great event for singles, couples and families alike across...

I have to say I was very disappointed with our annual visit to Winterlude this year. We always enjoy going to Confederation park to see the ice sculptures in the evening when they are lit up. This year, that's pretty much all we could participate in because there was absolutely nothing else going on Sunday at 7pm on the long weekend. No stage performances. No maple taffy on the snow. No music piped in at all. The only vendor open was Beavertails. The ice cafe was closed. A special feature that was supposed to project an image of you face on a sculpture was non operational. There were tons of visitors in the park and plenty of kids but no mascot type characters jugglers or anything at all. So for us Winterlude 2018 was a...

Capital Skates ruined the Rideau Canal for me.

I payed 33 CAD +tax and a 50$ deposit (that I’m still waiting for) for a pair of rusted and unsharpened skates. When I asked for a different pair of skates or to at least have them sharpened, the person serving me flat out refused and told me it was the only pair available in my size. I insisted on having the skates sharpened and was met with eye rolls and the service window being slammed in my face.

I can deal with rude customer service, but I can’t deal with a company’s total disregard for safety. Besides the totally dull blades, I couldn’t tie my own skates because of the amount of rust on the laces and loose pieces of metal....