Hola las bicicletas las puedes alquilar debajo del puente que esta frente al hotel fairmont es oscuro pero no pasa nada el precio no recuerdo bien pero creo que eran 20 dolares

We stayed at the Hilton homewood suites about a 15 minute walk away.

Hello! I am not a strong skater by any means and sat down to have snacks at the different stops along the way and it took about 2.5 hours to go 7.8km there then another 7.8km back! Definitely a fun day/afternoon activity! If you feel tired just give yourself time to enjoy the stops

Canal empty in Oct

I’m not sure of the quality and type of skates, but if particular, it is best to bring your own,

January weather can be very unpredictable. In the last couple years we got freezing rain in mid January. Canal was closed. Dress for weather from 0c to -30c. Good boots. If you have skates, bring them, otherwise you will be able to rent. February is a more sure month to be able to enjoy skating. As far as places to stay and eat, it depends on your budget. Where are you from? Do you want to stay downtown, walking distance to canal, parliament? What kind of food do you like. Perhaps look at some of my restaurant reviews.

YES! The trees should just be starting to turn colour, and the weather shouldn't be oppressively hot.

The Rideau canal skate way is 7.8kms so there are many places along this stretch (from downtown to Carleton university). If you are visiting and exploring downtown I would recommend parking at City Hall, there are many spots and it's a short walk and reasonable pricing. If you are close to downtown Ottawa on the weekend and don't mind a bit of a walk, the "world exchange plaza" is underground free parking.

The closest parking lot is at city hall and costs the same as street parking, 3$ an hour I think. If you take the right stairs you end up in front of city hall steps away from the canal.