Rideau Canal
Spanning from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, to Kingston on Lake Ontario, the UNESCO Heritage-listed Rideau Canal is a significant architectural and natural attraction.
Beautiful all year-round, winter is when “the canal”—as it is known locally—truly shines through as one of Ontario’s most magical destinations, transforming into the enchanting Rideau Canal Skateway.
While Winterlude is one of the most famous festivals held along the canal, other events include the Lock & Paddle and the Taste of Manotick.
Rideau Canal | Destination Ontario
How to get to Rideau Canal
Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa
By car: ON-15 parallels the Rideau between Kingston to Smiths Falls. In Ottawa, find paid parking along the Rideau Canal.
By boat: Before navigating the Rideau Canal, consult the Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) and Government of Canada Nautical Charts.
Know before you go
The weather on the canal can change very quickly, so make sure you come prepared.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is typically open from January to early March every year, however skating season is weather-dependent. When operating, the skateway is free.
Ottawa’s boat tours and sightseeing cruises run from mid-May to October.
Things to do at Rideau Canal
Discover more activities and experiences.
Spend the day on water
Rent paddle boats or kayaks from Dows Lake Pavilion in Ottawa or at various points along the canal, such as in Kemptville.
Houseboat along the canal
Rent a houseboat to visit historic sites, parks and islands along the canal and navigate the Rideau Canal locks. It takes approximately five days to travel the entire 202 kilometres.
Explore the canal on land
Walk or cycle along the Rideau Canal Promenade to seven informative plaques highlighting the canal’s cultural importance.
Hit the ice
Rent skates or sleighs and glide across the Rideau Canal’s picturesque 7.8-kilometre length in Ottawa.
Enjoy seasonal festivals
Try local produce and baked goods at the Taste of Manotick and marvel at stunning ice sculptures and a snow playground during Winterlude.
Learn the history
The Bytown Museum explores the early days of “Bytown” to present-day Ottawa through collections, exhibitions and programs.
Articles and itineraries
Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.
Interesting facts about Rideau Canal
UNESCO called the Rideau Canal a “masterpiece of creative genius” and listed it as Ontario’s first World Heritage site in 2007.
The story of the Rideau Canal can be traced back to the War of 1812. After the end of the war, the British colony of Upper Canada feared the US would invade and sabotage its supply routes. Therefore, alternative routes needed to be developed.
Supervised by British Royal Engineer John By, construction on the challenging canal began in 1826 and was carried out by thousands of Irish, French-Canadian and Algonquin labourers who dug out the canal’s 202 kilometres by hand.
Last updated: August 29, 2024