Where to skate in Ottawa-Gatineau

Skaters in the Ottawa area don't have to wait for the Rideau Canal Skateway to open before lacing up this winter, instead they can take a spin on one of the region's other outdoor rinks.

The chilly weather has created prime conditions for a number of skating rinks and outdoor trails to open to the public this weekend.

Here's a list of where you can skate in the National Capital Region so far.

Lansdowne Park skating court

• Located at 450 Queen Elizabeth Drive.

• The rink will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Visitors are asked to bring their own skates as there are no rentals on site.

Rink of Dreams

• Located at 110 Laurier Avenue West.

• The rink will be open seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

• Visitors can rent skates or sharpen their own on site.

Rideau Hall skating rink

• Located at 1 Sussex Drive.

• The rink will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The rink will also be open between Dec. 27 to Dec. 31 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Visitors are asked to bring their own skates.

Skating Through the Forest

• Located at 9 Montée Beausoleil, Lac des Loups.

• The trail is open seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• A limited number of skate rentals is available and it is recommended visitors bring their own.