The 7 Best Places for Roller Skating in Ottawa Where the Hours Just Glide By
When I was learning to skate as a kid, the biggest challenge wasn’t just staying upright—it was finding a good spot with the right community to practice. Since our neighborhood didn’t have a skatepark, it was tough to stay motivated.
But everything changed once I convinced my parents to drive me to the nearest park every weekend. I made friends who were also learning, got tips from experienced skaters, and quickly became a regular.
If you’re still searching for the perfect place to roller skate, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll take you through the best roller skating spots in Ottawa, so you can find your own community and perfect your skills in no time.
1. Charlie Bowins Skatepark
— Media credit: raageskateco
Location: 435 Bronson Avenue
Operating hours:
Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 10 PM
Sat, 8 AM to 8 AM
Sun, 9 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +16135641070
Amenities: Playground, dog park, and outdoor skating rink
Charlie Bowins Skatepark is one of the most popular parks in Ottawa because it’s located downtown. This also means it can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends.
On the bright side, it’s quite spacious, so you won’t have to worry about bumping into other skaters.
Although this park is very beginner-friendly, you can continue to level up your skills by tackling the more advanced sections. Whether you’re hitting the flat banks, grinding on rails, or balancing on ledges, these obstacles will surely put you to the test.
Pro Tip:
There are no public restrooms at McNabb Park, where this skating facility is located. You can, however, go to the McNabb Community Center right next door to use the restroom.
2. Legacy Skatepark
— Media credit: gunsglorious
Location: 101 Centerpoint Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Amenities: Plaza area, large parking lot, and park benches
Built in 2004, Legacy is the oldest concrete skatepark in Ottawa. With 18,300 square feet of space, it’s also one of the biggest, which can accommodate roller skaters and skateboarders at the same time.
Here, you’ll see a good mix of street and transition-style features such as ramps, rails, quarter pipes, and stairs. If you’re brave enough, you might want to tackle their open-ended bowls head-on for a fun, adrenaline-fueled session.
Although this park sees heavy use every day, it’s in great condition. You can glide smoothly across the graffiti-filled concrete surface without tripping on cracks.
Pro Tip:
The park has no shaded areas, so pack sunscreen and water.
3. Vanier Skatepark
— Media credit: ottawaskate
Location: 400 N River Rd
Operating hours: Daily 5 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16135802400
Amenities: On-site parking, playground, and off-leash dog area
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing place to roller skate, Vanier should be at the top of your list. It might be small, but it doesn’t get as packed as other spots, which means you have enough freedom to cruise around and do tricks without bumping into other skaters.
What I like the most about coming here are the scenic views of the Rideau River and the ample shade. Even on a hot summer’s day, you’ll find enough shaded areas around the park.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes, the Ottawa Skateboard Association holds free lessons here. You can follow their socials for any announcements.
4. Treehouse Mike Skatepark
— Media credit: gunsglorious
Location: 51 Berrigan Drive
Operating hours: Daily 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities: Park benches and shaded areas
Named after Mike Racicot, base jumper extraordinaire and local legend, Treehouse Mike Skatepark is always a fun place for roller skating. It has open-ended bowls, ramps, and hips, so you can practice jumping and carving down the slopes.
Although it’s a great skatepark with a smooth, crack-free surface, it can be quite filthy at times. You might have to pick up a few pieces of debris before you can enjoy skating here.
Pro Tip:
Visit in the morning for a peaceful session without a huge crowd.
5. Richcraft Skatepark
— Media credit: gunsglorious
Location: 4101 Innovation Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Phone: +16135809696
Amenities: On-site parking, restrooms, and lights
Richcraft is easily one of my favorite places to skate because it’s massive, measuring 10,000 square meters in size. Plus, it’s packed with all sorts of fun obstacles, including ramps, stair sets, ledges, and rails.
But what excites me the most is its multi-level bowl, which has a 7-foot deep end. If you’re up for a challenge, you should try dropping in and tackling this monster bowl.
Pro Tip:
Restrooms are located at the Richcraft Recreation Complex. However, they are open only during business hours.
6. Manotick Skatepark
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Location: 5572 Dr Leach Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Amenities: On-site parking, basketball courts, and play area
Manotick Skatepark recently underwent a major transformation, turning it from a worn-out spot into a skater’s dream. Gone are the flimsy ramps and cracked concrete that used to trip up even the most seasoned skaters.
In their place, you’ll find sleek, durable features that make for a smooth, uninterrupted ride—no more screeching to a halt mid-trick. This park is not only safer but also way more fun to ride.
Pro Tip:
You’ll find extra parking spots near the Manotick Community Center.
7. Greely Village Skatepark
— Media credit: gunsglorious
Location: 7292 Parkway Road
Operating hours: Daily 6 AM to 12 AM
Amenities: On-site parking and picnic tables
Greely is a spot not to be missed. It’s much smaller than other parks, but it’s just as fun with simple features like banks, stair sets, ledges, and rails.
Skaters are spoiled with its smooth, well-maintained surface. Whether you’re just starting to learn the basics or an advanced skater pulling off technical tricks, you’ll enjoy practicing here.
Pro Tip:
Early mornings or weekdays are your best bet for quieter sessions if you prefer working on your skills without the crowds!