Rideau Canal

Below is a revised version that makes the Rideau Canal itself the attraction, rather than centring the page on a specific cruise. I’ve also adjusted the headings so they make sense for someone visiting the canal on foot, by bike, sightseeing, or taking a boat tour.

Discover one of Ottawa's most iconic landmarks at the Rideau Canal, a historic waterway winding through the heart of Canada's capital. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canal combines fascinating history with some of Ottawa's most picturesque scenery. Walk or cycle along its waterfront pathways, watch boats navigate the historic locks, admire nearby landmarks, or experience the waterway from aboard a sightseeing cruise. From its construction in the 19th century to its place at the centre of modern-day Ottawa, the Rideau Canal remains an essential part of the city's identity.

What to Know

The Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometre historic waterway connecting Ottawa with Kingston and Lake Ontario. Completed in 1832, it was originally constructed as a secure transportation route and today remains one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century slackwater canal system in North America. In 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its remarkable historical significance.

In downtown Ottawa, the canal passes some of the city's most recognizable landmarks and neighbourhoods. Visitors can explore the pathways running alongside the water, watch boats pass through the locks, relax beside the canal, or simply enjoy the scenery. During the warmer months, boating, paddling, cycling, and sightseeing cruises are popular ways to experience the canal. In winter, weather permitting, a section of the frozen canal becomes the famous Rideau Canal Skateway.

 

How to Get There

The Rideau Canal is easy to access from several locations throughout downtown Ottawa. One of the most popular places to begin exploring is near the Ottawa Locks, located between Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Château Laurier, where the canal meets the Ottawa River. Other popular access points can be found near the National Arts Centre, along Colonel By Drive and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, and around Dow's Lake.

Visitors looking to see more of the capital can also explore the area on a fully guided Ottawa tour with See Sight Tours. With transportation and a local guide included, it's an easy way to discover the Rideau Canal alongside other famous Ottawa attractions.

 

Best Time to Visit

The Rideau Canal offers a completely different experience with each season. Spring brings fresh greenery and the return of boats to the water, while summer is ideal for walking, cycling, paddling, sightseeing, and relaxing along the waterfront. Patio season and warm weather also bring plenty of activity to the surrounding downtown neighbourhoods.

Fall is especially picturesque as colourful foliage lines portions of the canal, creating beautiful views along the pathways and waterways. Winter brings the canal's most famous seasonal transformation. When weather and ice conditions permit, part of the canal becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, allowing visitors to skate through the heart of Ottawa.

 

Highlights

One of the highlights of visiting the Rideau Canal is seeing the historic Ottawa Locks. This impressive series of eight locks sits below Parliament Hill and remains one of the canal's most recognizable features. Visitors can watch boats move between the Ottawa River and the canal while seeing the lock system in action.

As the canal travels through Ottawa, it passes or provides access to several notable landmarks and areas, including the Fairmont Château Laurier, National Arts Centre, Canadian Museum of Nature, Lansdowne Park, and Dow's Lake. Scenic pathways alongside the canal also provide excellent views of Ottawa's architecture and green spaces.

Whether you explore on foot, by bicycle, from the water, or on skates during winter, the canal provides a unique perspective on Canada's capital and connects many of Ottawa's most interesting neighbourhoods and attractions.

 

History of the Rideau Canal

Construction of the Rideau Canal began in 1826 under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel John By. The project was designed to create a secure route between Montreal and Kingston following the War of 1812, allowing ships and supplies to avoid vulnerable sections of the St. Lawrence River near the United States.

Thousands of workers helped construct the canal through forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes before it officially opened in 1832. The settlement that developed around the canal's northern entrance became known as Bytown in honour of John By. In 1855, Bytown was renamed Ottawa, and just over a decade later it became the capital of Canada.

Today, much of the Rideau Canal's original infrastructure remains intact and operational. Its historic locks, waterways, and engineering works continue to tell the story of Ottawa's development while serving as recreational spaces enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

 

Things to Do at the Rideau Canal

There are plenty of ways to experience the Rideau Canal beyond simply admiring the view. Walk or cycle along the scenic pathways, stop to watch boats pass through the historic locks, paddle along quieter stretches of the waterway, or join a sightseeing cruise for a different perspective of Ottawa.

Dow's Lake is another popular destination along the canal, particularly during spring when nearby Commissioners Park becomes famous for its colourful tulip displays. During fall, the surrounding trees create beautiful seasonal scenery, while winter brings opportunities for skating when conditions allow.

Whether you're interested in Canadian history, outdoor recreation, photography, architecture, or simply looking for a scenic place to explore, the Rideau Canal is one of the best ways to experience the character of Ottawa.