Rideau Canal
Historical Site Historic canal in Ottawa famed for winter skating
Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the early 19th century, offers summer boating through historic locks and winter skating on a long maintained rink. The waterway links downtown heritage sites and parks.
The Rideau Canal is a historic waterway in Ontario, Canada, linking Ottawa with Kingston and originally built for strategic military and commercial purposes in the early 19th century. It is one of North America’s oldest waterways still in use and is recognised for its engineering and historic value.
Significant attractions along the canal include the downtown Ottawa section that becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter, maintained as a long urban ice-skating route when conditions allow. Boating, cycling and waterside paths are popular along many stretches in summer, and lockstations and heritage bridges punctuate the route.
Construction of the canal took place from 1826 to 1832 under the supervision of engineer John By, and it was built as a defensive and supply route after the War of 1812. The canal has been maintained and adapted over time and is still used for recreational boating and heritage interpretation.
Geographically the canal runs roughly northeast from Kingston on Lake Ontario to Ottawa at the confluence of the Ottawa River, traversing rural and urban landscapes across eastern Ontario.
- Length and status: The canal is 202 kilometres long and was completed in the early 1830s; it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
What to See #
- Skateway: The winter skate route through central Ottawa that freezes on the canal each year and is maintained as the Rideau Canal Skateway, typically reaching several kilometres in length through downtown.
How to Get to Rideau Canal #
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The Rideau Canal runs through downtown Ottawa; the canal and its locks are within easy walking distance of Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market. From downtown Ottawa the canal is immediately accessible on foot.
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By transit: OC Transpo buses and the O-Train Confederation Line serve downtown Ottawa with stops a 5-10 minute walk from key canal sections (for example around Parliament and the Rideau Centre). From Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport it is roughly 12 km (about a 15-25 minute drive) into downtown where the canal is located.
Tips for Visiting Rideau Canal #
- In summer use the canal towpath for a morning walk before heat and tourist boat traffic build; in winter check that the Rideau Skateway is open and use weekday mornings for quieter skating conditions.
- Visit the locks (near Parliament and ByTown Museum) outside of busy cruise-boat times-lock operation and boats passing through are interesting but get crowded during midday sightseeing hours.
- If you plan to boat or canoe, launch from Dow's Lake or one of the supervised rental locations rather than ad-hoc spots along the central canal; rentals and guided cruises run on a schedule and help you avoid congestion in busier sections.
Best Time to Visit Rideau Canal #
Choose winter for the iconic skating season or summer for boating and lively waterfront activity on the Rideau Canal.
Weather & Climate near Rideau Canal #
Rideau Canal's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (895 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
