The Rideau Canal, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is a spectacular and historic waterway. Built in the 1820s, the canal has been a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest continuously operated canals in North America.
The Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometer (125-mile) waterway that connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. The canal was created by the British military in order to provide a safe route for troops and supplies from Montreal to Kingston. The canal, which was completed in 1832, was an engineering marvel for its time. It includes 47 locks, which help the boats navigate the steep elevation changes along the way.
The Rideau Canal is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canal, or explore it on foot or by bike. There are also several charming towns and villages along the way that are worth visiting. During the summer months, the canal is filled with houseboats and other pleasure craft.
In addition to its historical significance, the Rideau Canal is also a popular recreation area. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are all popular activities along the canal. There are several parks and green spaces along the canal, which provide a great place for picnics and other outdoor activities.
The Rideau Canal is a beautiful and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful boat ride or a challenging hike, the Rideau Canal is sure to please.
Highlights of Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Skate the World’s Largest Skating Rink: The Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometer (125-mile) long, UNESCO World Heritage Site that freezes over in winter to become the world’s longest skating rink. It is a popular place to go skating, walking, biking and canoeing.
- Visit the Byward Market: Located along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa’s downtown core, the Byward Market offers a bustling blend of restaurants, shops and galleries. It is a great place to find unique gifts, fresh produce and local cuisine.
- Take a Boat Cruise: One of the best ways to experience the Rideau Canal is by taking an historic boat cruise. The canal is home to a variety of tour boats, from luxury vessels to traditional canal boats.
- Explore the Parks: Along the Rideau Canal, there are numerous parks and green spaces to explore. Highlights include Dow’s Lake, Strathcona Park and the Central Experimental Farm.
- Enjoy a Picnic: Pack a picnic and take in the views of the Rideau Canal. With so much to explore and discover, you won’t run out of places to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Entrance Ticket Prices for Rideau Canal Tourist Attractions
The cost of entrance tickets to Rideau Canal tourist attractions vary depending on the attraction. The tickets range from $0 to $10. Some of the attractions that are free to access include the Rideau Canal Skateway, the Ottawa River Pathway, and the Ottawa Locks. For those attractions that require admission, prices range from $3 to $10 per person. Examples of attractions with admission costs include the Ottawa Locks Museum, the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre, and the Ottawa River Canoe and Kayak Routes.
Rideau Canal Attraction Packages
- Ottawa Discovery Tour: This package includes a guided tour of Ottawa's Rideau Canal, a visit to the National Gallery of Canada, and a cruise down the canal.
- Rideau Canal Cruise and Dining Package: This package includes a guided cruise down the canal, a stop at a local restaurant for dinner, and a visit to the historic locks.
- Rideau Canal Sightseeing Tour: This package includes a guided tour of the Rideau Canal, a visit to the Canadian Museum of History, and a tour of the ByWard Market.
- Rideau Canal Wilderness Adventure: This package includes a guided kayak tour of the Rideau Canal, a guided hike along the Rideau Trail, and a tour of the historic locks.
- Rideau Canal Historical Tour: This package includes a guided tour of the canal and its locks, a visit to the National War Museum, and a tour of the ByWard Market.
Rideau Canal Tourist Attractions Locations and Routes
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Canada's most popular tourist attractions. It stretches 202 km, connecting the capital city of Ottawa to the city of Kingston.
Routes:
- Ottawa to Kingston. This 202 km route is the most popular and takes visitors through the Rideau Canal, past many historical and cultural sites.
- Ottawa to Merrickville. This route covers a distance of 131 km and takes visitors through some of the prettiest sections of the Rideau Canal, including the historic towns of Merrickville and Kemptville.
- Kingston to Jones Falls. This route covers a distance of 94 km and is the most scenic part of the Rideau Canal, with many areas of natural beauty and interesting historical sites.
Tourist Attractions:
- Rideau Canal Locks. This is a series of locks and canals built along the Rideau Canal, connecting Ottawa and Kingston. Visitors can take a guided tour, or explore the locks on their own.
- Dows Lake Pavilion. Located in Ottawa, this is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and other events.
- Jones Falls Lockstation. This is the first lockstation on the Rideau Canal and is the site of one of the oldest surviving buildings in Canada.
- Merrickville Blockhouse. This historic blockhouse was built in the 19th century and is the only surviving example of a large military blockhouse in Canada.
- Kingston Mills Locks. This is the last lockstation on the Rideau Canal, and it is home to the oldest set of canal locks in Canada.
- Thousand Islands National Park. This is one of the most picturesque parts of the Rideau Canal, with many islands and natural areas to explore.
Experience of Visiting Rideau Canal Tourist Attractions
Visiting the Rideau Canal tourist attractions was a great experience. The canal itself is beautiful, with its winding waterway, forests, and parks. The locks and dams are especially fascinating, with the way they control the water level.
The area around Ottawa has a lot of culture and history, which is evident in the many historic sites along the canal. The Rideau Canal Museum is a great place to learn more about the canal and its history. The Bytown Museum is also a great place to learn more about the city's history. There are also several parks, playgrounds, and trails along the canal.
The experience of visiting the Rideau Canal tourist attractions was very enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful, the history interesting, and the atmosphere was peaceful. It was a great way to spend a day, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing way to explore Ottawa.
Travel Tips at Rideau Canal Tourist Attractions
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You will be doing a lot of walking and be exposed to the elements, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a camera and binoculars. There are many scenic views along the Rideau Canal and you won't want to forget them.
- Bring plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated while exploring the canal.
- Bring snacks or a picnic lunch. There are many places to stop and enjoy a meal while taking in the canal's beauty.
- Bring a map. Although the Rideau Canal is well marked, it is always smart to have a map on hand.
- Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the summer months, so it is important to bring bug spray.
- Don't forget a hat and sunscreen. The sun can be strong during the summer months, so hats and sunscreen are important.
- Stay on marked trails. The Rideau Canal is full of wildlife and it is important to stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing the animals and plants.
- Respect the environment. Pick up any litter and dispose of it in the proper manner.
- Stay safe. Always be aware of your surroundings and carry a whistle if you are alone.