The Giant Ice Highway: Skating on Ottawa's Rideau Canal
Every winter, the city of Ottawa, Canada’s capital, transforms into a snowy wonderland. As the temperature drops well below freezing, a unique and exciting transformation takes place right in the heart of the city. The historic Rideau Canal, which is a bustling waterway filled with boats during the summer, freezes over to become the Rideau Canal Skateway. Stretching over 7.8 kilometers (about 4.8 miles), it is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink.
To understand how this giant outdoor rink is created, it helps to look at how the canal is designed. Built in the early 19th century, the Rideau Canal is a system of beautiful lakes, rivers, and man-made channels. When winter arrives, workers lower the water level in the canal. This helps the ice freeze more quickly and safely. However, turning a canal into a safe skating rink requires help from Mother Nature. The ice needs to be at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick before it is safe for the public. This requires nearly two consecutive weeks of freezing cold temperatures, usually around minus 15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) or colder.
- Skateway:
- A path or channel prepared specifically for ice skating.
- Consecutive:
- Following continuously; in unbroken or uninterrupted order.
- Commute:
- To travel some distance regularly between one's home and place of work or study.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- A landmark or area legally protected by an international convention for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Where is the Rideau Canal located?
- 2According to Guinness World Records, what record does the Rideau Canal Skateway hold?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Giant Ice Highway: Skating on Ottawa's Rideau Canal” is a explanatory article reading passage about Rideau Canal Skateway, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (375 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.