There are definitely benefits to Ontario’s winter climate - snowball fights, sledding, and, of course, ice skating. This last becomes perhaps five times more fun when one skates on the frozen Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink, in Ottawa - and that is just what approximately thirty-five OLSWA students found on Saturday, Feb. 5th. The Academy’s annual trip to skate the Rideau is always popular, and this year no less than before. Fr. Brian Christie of St. Hedwig’s Parish was kind enough to offer a special early Mass so that the students could attend the Holy Sacrifice before setting out. Then it was time to board the bus for the big city. The students enjoyed the chance to spend a day in the Nation’s Capital, and take a spin on their blades down the canal. And of course a stop to grab a famous “Beaver Tail” treat along the canal is a must.

Naturally, having the whole day to spend in Ottawa, students found plenty to do in addition to skating, such as visiting local landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, taking in the ice sculptures in Rogers’ Crystal Garden, visiting friends in the city, shopping, and chatting with each other over a cup of coffee in a cafe. In the evening the students regrouped to have Scottish fare for dinner, and finally returned home after a most enjoyable day.