Ice skating is a fun pastime that provides great exercise. It is less stressful on joints than other aerobic activities like running. The Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is over 7 kilometers long, making it the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.

1. Ice Skating:
My Favorite Pastime

2. Contents:
• It’s Fun!
• Great Exercise
• Skating on the Canal

3. It’s Fun!
• Great in groups or as a solo activity
• Fresh air and nature sounds – what can
be better?
Fact:
Louis Rubenstein (of Montreal) became
figure skating “Champion of the Universe”
in Russia, 1890 (Canadian Museum of
Civilization)

4. Louis Rubenstein
Image from
http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/cmc/patins/patins
05e.shtml

5. Great Exercise
• Ice skating has less impact on joints than
other aerobic activities like running, and
it improves balance and increases
endurance
• Builds bone, raises your heart rate and
works your upper arms and shoulders
Fact:
One hour of recreational ice skating burns
approximately 600 calories an hour
(Associated Press, 2005)

6. Going Skating
Image from http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/print/118712

7. Skating on the Canal
• Over 7 kilometres from Dow's Lake
Pavilion
• Change huts and snack stations at
various locations
Fact:
The Rideau Canal Skateway is the world's
largest naturally frozen skating rink
(Ottawa Tourism)

8. Rideau Canal Skateway
Image from http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/top-
attractions/rideau-canal-skateway

9. Summary
• It’s Fun!
• Great Exercise
• Skating on the Canal

10. Bibliography
Associated Press. (2005, January 10). More adults
hitthe ice for fitness. Retrieved from
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6809027/ns/health
-fitness/t/more-adults-hitthe-ice-fitness/
Canadian Museum of Civilization. (n.d.). Lace up:
Canada's passion for skating. Retrieved from
http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/cmc/
patins/patins05e.shtml
Ottawa Tourism. (n.d.). Rideau canal skateway.
Retrieved from
http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/top-
attractions/rideau-canal-skateway