You can win a prize if you guess the Rideau Canal Skateway opening day

The Rideau Canal Skateway on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

The National Capital Commission is giving away prizes to those who correctly guess the opening date of the Rideau Canal Skateway.

The NCC said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that three people who get the date right will be selected to win an official Skateway toque, beanie and a pair of mitts.

Users are being asked to comment on the social media post with their prediction. You must be in Canada to be eligible.

The opening date for the canal has varied widely in the last few years. Crews have started flooding the ice to prepare for the skating season this week, but there is still no word on an opening date.

Last season, the canal opened on Jan. 21, 2024. It did not open at all in 2023.

It has opened three times in December in the last 20 years, Dec. 28, 2004, Dec. 31, 2013 and Dec. 28, 2018.