Ottawa's
Rideau Canal
Have you heard of the Rideau Canal? We believe that it is one of the most beautiful
places to visit in the city because you can enjoy it in every season. In the summer months
you can bike or walk along the paths and in the winter months you can skate on it.
The 202-kilometre Rideau Canal Waterway stretches all the way from the head of Lake
Ontario in Kingston to downtown Ottawa. It connects rivers and lakes by different locks
and canals. A lot of the locks are even still operated by hand. It is amazing to see. Sit back and watch how they operate. The
main lockstations in Ottawa are the Ottawa Locks, Hartwell Locks and Hog's Back. The picture to the right is of the Ottawa locks that are located in downtown Ottawa. In the background you can see the beautiful and historical Chateau Laurier hotel (one of our favourites).
The Rideau Canal in the winter is so amazing. In 2005 it was officially named the world's longest skating rink by the Guiness Book of Records! Imagine thousands of
people skating (and walking) on a 7-kilometre stretch. It is groomed and maintained on a
regular basis to make the skating optimal. We have to admit that we don't skate on it but
we do go there each winter a few times to walk along it. You can walk on the ice
itself (keep to the side so you aren't in the way of the skaters) or you can walk on the
path. If you want to try skating and you don't own skates, don't worry because you can
rent them there. You can keep up to date on the
ice skating conditions here.
The Rideau Canal in the summer is also very enjoyable. We used to bike along it
regularly because the paths went on forever and you could bike along either side to get a different view. If you
are interested in biking and you don't have a bike with you, you can rent one at Dow's
Lake Pavilion. Besides biking you can also walk, rollerblade or jog along the paths.
If you are here in the summer and you want to do something on the water you can take a
tour along the Canal on a boat. There are a few different tour operators who will be more
than happy to take you and give you a tour of our city.
Have you ever been in a paddle boat? They are so much fun! You can rent them at
Dow's Lake Pavilion. Just hop on and paddle yourself around the canal. Make sure you
bring a hat and sunscreen because it can get pretty sunny out there on the water.
No matter what you end up doing in Ottawa you are probably going to see the Canal at
some point during your stay. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Leave Rideau Canal page and return to Attractions
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