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Rideau Canal

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Rideau Canal (Canada)

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The Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometer-long waterway connecting the Canadian capital of Ottawa to Kingston on Lake Ontario. Built between 1826 and 1832, it is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Originally conceived for strategic military purposes following the War of 1812, it was intended to provide a secure supply route between Montreal and Kingston, away from the United States border. The construction was overseen by Colonel John By, who designed innovative lock systems and dams that still function largely in their original state today. In 2007, the canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional military and engineering significance. During the summer, it is a popular route for pleasure boating, while in winter, a section in Ottawa transforms into the world's longest naturally frozen skating rink. The Rideau Canal stands as a living monument to early Canadian engineering and national defense strategy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-45131821201681-7
Rain mm6155658585104988887997380

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Rideau Canal is a public waterway that can be visited year-round. In winter, a section of the canal becomes a skating rink, free to use.
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Typical hours
The canal is accessible at all times, but the locks have set operating hours (typically May to October). The skating rink hours vary by weather and are usually open from morning to evening.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed along the entire canal, with sunset shots being especially beautiful. Drones are not permitted without a permit, but handheld cameras are welcome.
⏱️
Time needed
A walk along a section of the canal takes about 30 minutes to an hour. For a boat trip through the locks, plan for half a day.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Parliament Hill, which is a few minutes' walk away. The Byward Market district and the National Arts Centre are also close.
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Getting there
The canal runs through downtown Ottawa and is easy to reach on foot or by bike. There are numerous access points along the waterfront pathway.
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Insider tip
In winter, bring your own skates as rental availability on site is limited. Visit the canal on a weekday to avoid crowds.

History & landmarks

Victorian Era

1826

Geography

Length
202 km
Coordinates
45.42440, -75.69800

Facts

  • Length of 202 kilometers
  • Built between 1826 and 1832
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007
  • Oldest operated canal in N. America
  • Contains 45 locks at 23 stations
  • World's longest skating rink in winter

Explore nearby

Notable places around

OttawaOttawa<1 km · NWExplore →
GatineauGatineau6 km · SExplore →
Brockville Railway TunnelBrockville Railway Tunnel23 km · WExplore →
Thousand IslandsThousand Islands45 km · SWExplore →
Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)60 km · SWExplore →
Parc OmegaParc Omega82 km · NExplore →
MontebelloMontebello85 km · NExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)90 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rideau Canal (10)

Art + Galerie🏛 museum

Art + Galerie is an art gallery in Ottawa.

🕒 We,Fr 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 11:00-🆓

Ottawa Locks🌿 nature

Ottawa Locks is a viewpoint overlooking the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal.

The Haunted Walk of Ottawa📍 landmark

The Haunted Walk of Ottawa is a guided walking tour exploring Ottawa's haunted history.

Ottawa Art Gallery🏛 museum

Ottawa Art Gallery is a public art gallery in Ottawa showcasing contemporary and historical art.

🕒 Tu-We 10:00-18:00; Th-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 10:00-18:00♿🆓

Parliament Hill📍 landmark

Parliament Hill is an iconic complex of Gothic buildings in Ottawa, home to Canada's Parliament.

♿

Église Unie St-Marc⛪ religious

Église Unie St-Marc is a United church in Ottawa with a historic building.

Rideau Canal📍 landmark

The Rideau Canal is a scenic waterway in Ottawa.

♿

St. Joseph's⛪ religious

St. Joseph's is a church in Ottawa's Rideau Canal area.

St. Alban's Anglican Church (Ottawa)⛪ religious

St. Alban's Anglican Church is a historic Anglican church in Ottawa near the Rideau Canal.

Strathcona Park🌳 park

Strathcona Park is a park along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rideau Canal?
A historic waterway connecting Ottawa and Kingston, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Can you skate on the canal in winter?
Yes, the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
When was the canal built?
It was built between 1826 and 1832 as a military precaution.
Are the locks still operated manually?
Yes, many of the historic locks are still operated by hand, just as they were 200 years ago.
Are there boat tours on the canal?
Yes, in summer, various sightseeing tours are offered in Ottawa and Kingston.
Rideau Canal: where is it located?
Rideau Canal is located in Canada.
Rideau Canal: what is there to see?
Highlights include Art + Galerie, Ottawa Locks, The Haunted Walk of Ottawa.
Rideau Canal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rideau Canal: why is it worth visiting?
The Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometer-long waterway connecting the Canadian capital of Ottawa to Kingston on Lake Ontario.
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History & landmarks

Ottawa — Rideau Canal (Canada)
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Capital of Canada
Parliament Hill — Rideau Canal (Canada)
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The seat of Canada's federal government in Ottawa.
Montreal — Rideau Canal (Canada)
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Niagara Falls — Rideau Canal (Canada)
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Niagara Falls consists of three massive waterfalls on the border between Canada and the United States.
Toronto — Rideau Canal (Canada)
Toronto
Largest city in Canada
CN Tower — Rideau Canal (Canada)
CN Tower
Iconic tower in Toronto
Quebec City — Rideau Canal (Canada)
Quebec City
Capital of Quebec
St. Lawrence River — Rideau Canal (Canada)
St. Lawrence River
Major river connecting Great Lakes to Atlantic

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