Rideau Canal : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Rich in history and grandeur, the Rideau Canal is a mesmerizing feat of engineering and a popular tourist destination in Canada’s capital of Ottawa. Spanning 202 kilometers (over 125 miles), the canal cuts across four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Jersey and New York, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rideau Canal boasts a variety of outdoor activities for all ages such as canoeing, fishing, and camping. Furthermore, the canal is a hub of activity all year long with events such as the Springtime Tulip Festival, the Annual Locks Festival, and the Rideau Canal Festival. Whether you’re planning a leisurely boat ride or taking an excursion along its stunning waterways, read on to discover all the interesting facts, information, and travel guide to the Rideau Canal.

Interesting Facts About Rideau Canal

1. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first canal to be designated as such in 2007.

2. The canal is 202 kilometers long and connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.

3. The Rideau Canal was commissioned in 1826 by then-British military commander, Sir John By.

4. Construction of the canal was completed in just four years.

5. The Rideau Canal system also encompasses 47 lakes, 2 rivers, and 1 large reservoir.

6. The Rideau Canal is considered one of the oldest continuously operated canals in North America.

7. The canal includes five city/town locks. These are the Ottawa Locks, the Smiths Falls Locks, the Merrickville Locks, the Long Island Locks and the Kingston Mills Locks.

8. On the northern end of the canal resides a huge dam at Kingston Mills, built in 1832 to regulate the water levels of the canal.

9. Each summer, the number of visitors to the Rideau Canal is estimated to be in the millions.

10. There is a total of 43 locks along the Rideau Canal. The Ottawa Locks were the largest and deepest at the time of construction and remain the largest and busiest in the entire system.

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History & Information About Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a historic canal in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, connecting the city with Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston. The canal was originally built between 1826 and 1832 as part of an effort to provide a secure supply route between Montreal and Kingston, replacing the war-prone route via the St. Lawrence River. It was opened as a navigable waterway in 1832 and is now a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally constructed by the British Army, the canal stretches 202 kilometres from Ottawa to Kingston, making it the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America and one of the oldest in the world. It is made up of a series of lakes, rivers and canals and is a popular recreational destination for boating, fishing, camping, swimming and paddling. It is also a source of hydroelectric power.

The Rideau Canal is enjoyed by more than one million visitors annually, making it a popular tourist destination in the Ottawa area. It is also home to several historic buildings, monuments and museums, including the iconic locks at Ottawa’s downtown junction, the Rideau Canal Museum and the Colonel By Visitor Centre. It is also home to two provinces: Ottawa being in Ontario, and Kingston being in the neighbouring province of Quebec.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal in Ottawa is the second-longest skating rink in the world and an iconic winter in Canada. Stretching 202 km (125 miles) from Kingston in the east to Ottowa in the heart of Canada, the canal is an impressive feat of engineering and a recreational hot spot for tourists and locals alike.

If you plan on making a trip to Ottawa to explore the Rideau Canal, here’s a guide to help you plan your trip.

Getting There:

The best way to get to Ottawa is to fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. From here, you can rent a car or take a bus or shuttle service to get you to the canal. You can also take a train or boat tour from Kingston, which will take you along the lower Rideau Canal.

Things to Do:

The main attraction along the Rideau Canal is, of course, the ice skating. There are plenty of skating opportunities throughout the canal. You can also take in some of Ottawa’s other winter activities such as curling, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

When you’re in Ottawa, you can also explore the city’s many historic sites. The National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum are just a few of the attractions to check out. There’s also great shopping, dining, and nightlife around Ottawa’s ByWard Market.

Where to Stay:

There are a number of accommodation options along the Rideau Canal. You can find everything from camping sites to hotels and guesthouses in Ottawa and the surrounding vicinity.

When to Visit:

The best time to visit the Rideau Canal is in the winter when the ice is at its thickest and the skating is the best. Visit during January and February for the best ice-skating conditions.

So plan your next trip to Ottawa and experience the world famous Rideau Canal. With plenty of activities, attractions, and accommodations to choose from, you’re sure to have a winter wonderland experience you’ll never forget!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rideau Canal

Q: What is the Rideau Canal?
A: The Rideau Canal is a historic canal located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The canal is 202 km long, and links the city of Ottawa on the Ottawa River to Kingston on Lake Ontario. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular recreational destination for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Q: When was the Rideau Canal built?
A: The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel John By. The project was completed in order to create a safe waterway between Kingston and Ottawa during the War of 1812.

Q: Where can I find information about the Rideau Canal?
A: For detailed information about the Rideau Canal, you can visit Parks Canada’s official webpage dedicated to the attraction. Additionally, the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre located in Ottawa offers a range of services like interactive activities, on-site theatre, and additional information. There are also several guided tours available in the area.

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