The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Rideau Canal was built 1826-32 by Irish immigrant laborers, Scottish stonemasons, and French Canadian woodcutters supervised by England’s Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers.

With 47 locks and 24 lock stations, it is one of the few in the world built for military strategic reasons.

This supply route for inland garrisons in the event of American invasion was one of the first canals to be designed for steam-powered boats, and is North America’s oldest continuously operating waterway.

	Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Paddle, pedal, skate, or hike--This slack-water canal dug by connecting the lakes and rivers between Kingston and Ottawa is now a recreational waterway.

 

Rideau Canal at Jones Falls

Most of the lock stations and hand-cranked locks remain much as they were when built.


By driving you can visit the quaint and historic villages, farm stands, antique shops and artists’ studios along the canal:

Merrickville is known for its boutiques, glass blowing studios, and galleries. Not-to-be-missed  are Rowland Leather Works and Mrs. McGarrigle’s award-winning maple mustard.

Midway along the canal, a five-story stone 19th century mill building in Smith’s Falls houses the artifacts and exhibits of the Rideau Canal Museum.   It is also a popular place to rent kayaks or houseboats.

The Stone Arch Dam in Jones Falls was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1832.

Parks Canada walkways have interpretive plaques and lead to a blacksmith shop, guard house, and views of boats passing through 4 locks.

 

Stop for lunch at the historic Hotel Kenney, a favorite fishing lodge of President Taft. It’s especially lovely during foliage season.