Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is a 202km water route that connects Canada’s vibrant national capital in Ottawa, with Kingston and Lake Ontario to the south. Travel the canal by boat, canoe or kayak and experience the historic lock system operated by Parks Canada.
Plan your visit | Rideau Canal
At 202km in length, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site is one epic travel route. With charming waterfront communities and 24 historic lockstations along its length, you’re bound to discover something exciting around every bend.
Our History - Rideau Canal
The history winds along the Rideau Canal in communities along the way. See the Lockmaster’s House Museum at Chaffey’s Lock, the blockhouses at Merrickville, Newboro, Kingston Mills and Narrow’s Lock, and the “whispering” Stone Arch Dam at Jones Falls, a jaw-dropping engineering feat for its time.
Winter | Rideau Canal
Every winter the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Welcoming nearly one million visitors each year, the skateway is 7.8 km long stretching from Ottawa downtown to Dows Lake.
Explore - Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is, by nature, a marvel through and through. But it’s also what is popping up all around it that makes for an unforgettable day trip or full-on vacation. Discover incredible beauty at every turn, coupled with unique community experiences all rooted in history along the waterway!
Boat Tours | Rideau Canal
There are a number of boat tour experiences along the Rideau Canal. Whether you are looking to take a short cruise in the heart of Canada’s Capital, wanting to experience the Rideau Lakes region, or looking to embark on a multiple-night excursion, there are several options to …
Boating and Paddling | Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a paddler’s paradise and worthy of any Great Canadian bucket list. With mostly flat-water paddling, no sizable currents, and over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline to explore, the Canal makes for an inviting getaway for paddlers of all skill levels.
Cycling the Rideau | Rideau Canal
If your passion is peddling, go the distance and peddle the Rideau Canal with its abundance of opportunities. Cyclists can travel through quaint towns, peddle past forests, wetlands, and parklands or on paved recreational pathways.
On Land - Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is, by nature, a marvel through and through. But it’s also what is popping up all around it that makes for an unforgettable day trip or full-on vacation. Discover incredible beauty at every turn, coupled with unique community experiences all …
Golf | Rideau Canal
There are many scenic and challenging golf courses along the Rideau Canal. Whether you are looking for a challenging 18 holes course or nine, many courses have a wide variety of amenities including driving ranges, putting greens, licensed clubhouses with patios, and dining facilities.