The canal is open for skating the full distance, 7.8 Km Mind you it's -28C wind chill today with a stiff north wind. Going down too -41C overnight.... NO thanks. https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/ridea...
When I was a bit younger, well about 50 years ago, a local conservation would flood the walking hiking trails for skating. Another city would convert the sidewalks in the central park for skating. It was nice exercise and scenic skating in the woods or outdoor parks. Cold, all relative. I looked out my window this afternoon, a man jogging by wearing a sweat shirt and shorts, it was only -18 Celsius (~0 F)