How we know what we know
A rink can be open for the season and still have bad ice. Recess shows you both: what’s being claimed about a place, and how sure we are about it.
Confirmed
A source reports it directly, and we show when we last confirmed it.
- Open nowConfirmed 12 min ago · NCC
- ClosedConfirmed 8 min ago · NCC
- Closed for nowSnow covered · Confirmed 36 min ago · NCC
Example: the Rideau Canal Skateway. The NCC publishes ice-condition data, checked roughly twice a day in season.
Estimated
Worked out from weather history, not reported by anyone.
- Estimated6 days below freezing
Example: Grenfell Glen Park. Six days below freezing and counting.
How the estimate works
We track accumulated cold, day by day, using real daily temperature history from Environment and Climate Change Canada — enough consecutive cold days moves a rink from “too early” toward “likely skateable” to “solid,” and a real thaw or a heavy rain day pushes it back, even on days that stay cold on average.
Sledding hills get their own model: real snowfall and melt, not cold, move a hill from “not enough snow yet” to “good coverage,” and back again after a thaw or heavy rain.
Unverified
Nothing current: the source lists the place for the season, or its last report is too old to rely on.
- UnverifiedCheck before you go
Example: Alta Vista Park. Unverified isn’t a bad rating — it’s an honest one.
Where the data comes from
City of Ottawa open data
Outdoor rinks and sledding hills: where they are, and whether they’re in service this season.
National Capital Commission
Rideau Canal Skateway ice conditions, checked roughly twice a day in season.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Daily temperature, rain and snow history behind every Estimated status.
Community sources
A handful of rinks and hills missing from the City’s list, found on community association pages and local posts, and cited on each listing.
Public sources, cited — no formal licence
Last winter’s dates
- The Canal opened Dec 31, all 7.8 km by Jan 5. Sources: NCC, CP24
- City refrigerated rinks ran roughly Dec to mid-March. Sources: Ottawa Tourism
We’d rather show you exactly how much we know than dress up a thin source to look like a rich one.