Ottawa, ON – The skating season in the nations capital officially kicked off with the opening of the rink of dreams on Friday night.

Mayor Jim Watson, Spartacat and Sens President Cyril Leeder turned on the lights to illuminate the boards at the city rink.

Watson told 1310News along with the rink there is plenty of activities for people who find themselves downtown around City Hall.

“We’ve got the Christmas lights up, we’ve got the rink of dreams which is all illuminated, people can come here and go look at the Barbara Ann Scott gallery, the Sports Hall of Fame, its become a real people place and gathering spot,” Watson said.

Plenty of people showed up for the opening, including skating enthusiast Martin who told 1310News it was his first time.

“I’ve never come out just to skate, and seeing how today was opening day i thought i’d come check it out”

as long as mother nature behaves the rink will be open from 6 a.m. until  11 p.m. everyday until march.