Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Historic canal · Ottawa, Ontario
Rideau Canal
An 1832 canal that links Ottawa to Kingston, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a flight of eight locks beside Parliament and, in winter, an ice skating rink.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 by Colonel John By of the British Army as a secure military route between Ottawa and Kingston on Lake Ontario. It is about 202 km long, using rivers and lakes, and is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Ottawa, the canal descends to the river via a flight of eight locks between Parliament and the Château Laurier. In summer, tour boats and private vessels pass through the manually operated locks, worked as they were in the 19th century. The banks have bike paths and walkways.
In winter, when the ice allows, a central stretch of about 7.8 km becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, one of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the world, with food kiosks and skate rentals. There is no admission fee to skate.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the outing.
Best time
In summer, to see the locks operating and to take a boat tour. In winter, usually between January and February, to skate if the ice permits.
How to get there
The locks are in the centre, beside Parliament Hill, near Parliament station on the O-Train.
Tip
Before skating, check ice conditions on the rink’s website: opening and closing depend on the weather.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rideau Canal
Why is the Rideau Canal a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It is the oldest canal in North America still in continuous operation, built in the early 19th century.
When can you skate on the Rideau Canal?
Generally between January and February, depending on ice conditions. Check conditions before you go.
Are boat trips available on the Rideau Canal?
Yes, in summer there are boat tours that depart from downtown Ottawa.