Rideau Canal & Ottawa Locks
Rideau Canal / Canal Rideau
A World Heritage canal opened in 1832. The eight-step lock staircase beside Parliament Hill is still operated by hand, and in winter the canal becomes one of the longest skating rinks in the world.
The canal winds about 7.8 km through the city. When it freezes in winter, it opens as the Rideau Canal Skateway, where you can rent skates and eat BeaverTails pastries while you skate. However, recent warm winters have made the number of open days unpredictable, so check the National Capital Commission (NCC) website before you go. From May to October, you can watch the locks being opened by hand between Parliament Hill and Fort Henry, or take a 1.5-hour canal cruise. The Bytown Museum beside the locks covers the history of the canal.
Opening hours
Open all day; boat trips May–Oct
Nearby sights
- Major's Hill Park
- Château Laurier
- Parliament Hill
- National War Memorial
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa
- National Gallery of Canada
- ByWard Market
- Kìwekì Point