Rideau Canal
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria:(i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Rideau Canal is a 202 km long canal that runs between Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was constructed in the early 19th century as a military route to protect British interests in North America against a possible attack by the United States. Today, it is a popular recreational destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its historic locks, scenic waterways, and charming towns.
Prominent Features: The Rideau Canal is characterized by its system of 47 locks, 24 of which are still operated by hand. Some of the most notable features include:
The Ottawa Locks: A series of eight locks in downtown Ottawa that raise boats 24 meters from the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal.
The Hartwells Locks: A set of three locks near the town of Smiths Falls that lift boats 7.6 meters to the level of the Rideau Lakes.
The Jones Falls Locks: A set of three locks near the town of Elgin that raise boats 15 meters from the Upper Rideau Lake to the Lower Rideau Lake.
History: The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 as a military route to defend British interests in North America against the possibility of an attack by the United States. The canal provided an alternative route to the St. Lawrence River, which was vulnerable to American attack, and also served as a supply route for British troops stationed in Upper Canada. After the construction of the canal was completed, it also became an important transportation route for goods and people, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and cities along its path.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are several family-friendly activities available along the Rideau Canal, including:
Boat tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the canal on board small boats, which provide a unique perspective on the canal's locks and waterways.
Biking: The Rideau Canal is home to several scenic bike routes, including the Rideau Trail, which runs along the canal from Kingston to Ottawa.
Fishing: The canal is home to a variety of fish species, including pike, bass, and pickerel, making it a popular destination for anglers of all ages.
Fun Fact: The Rideau Canal is a popular destination for ice skating in the winter, with several areas along the canal maintained for skating and other winter sports.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees to access the Rideau Canal or its locks. However, visitors may need to pay fees for parking or for specific activities, such as boat tours.
How to reach it: The easiest section to visit is in downtown Ottawa. There are several public transport options available for visitors to the Rideau Canal. Greyhound and Megabus offer daily bus service to Ottawa and Kingston, and local bus companies provide connections to smaller towns and communities along the canal. Additionally, VIA Rail provides daily train service between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, with stops in several towns along the canal.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodations available for visitors to the Rideau Canal, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camping sites. Some popular options include the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, the Opinicon Resort in Chaffey's Lock, and the Merrickville Guest Suites in Merrickville.
Next Stop: Pimachiowin Aki
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria:(i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Rideau Canal is a 202 km long canal that runs between Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was constructed in the early 19th century as a military route to protect British interests in North America against a possible attack by the United States. Today, it is a popular recreational destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its historic locks, scenic waterways, and charming towns.
Prominent Features: The Rideau Canal is characterized by its system of 47 locks, 24 of which are still operated by hand. Some of the most notable features include:
The Ottawa Locks: A series of eight locks in downtown Ottawa that raise boats 24 meters from the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal.
The Hartwells Locks: A set of three locks near the town of Smiths Falls that lift boats 7.6 meters to the level of the Rideau Lakes.
The Jones Falls Locks: A set of three locks near the town of Elgin that raise boats 15 meters from the Upper Rideau Lake to the Lower Rideau Lake.
History: The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 as a military route to defend British interests in North America against the possibility of an attack by the United States. The canal provided an alternative route to the St. Lawrence River, which was vulnerable to American attack, and also served as a supply route for British troops stationed in Upper Canada. After the construction of the canal was completed, it also became an important transportation route for goods and people, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and cities along its path.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are several family-friendly activities available along the Rideau Canal, including:
Boat tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the canal on board small boats, which provide a unique perspective on the canal's locks and waterways.
Biking: The Rideau Canal is home to several scenic bike routes, including the Rideau Trail, which runs along the canal from Kingston to Ottawa.
Fishing: The canal is home to a variety of fish species, including pike, bass, and pickerel, making it a popular destination for anglers of all ages.
Fun Fact: The Rideau Canal is a popular destination for ice skating in the winter, with several areas along the canal maintained for skating and other winter sports.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees to access the Rideau Canal or its locks. However, visitors may need to pay fees for parking or for specific activities, such as boat tours.
How to reach it: The easiest section to visit is in downtown Ottawa. There are several public transport options available for visitors to the Rideau Canal. Greyhound and Megabus offer daily bus service to Ottawa and Kingston, and local bus companies provide connections to smaller towns and communities along the canal. Additionally, VIA Rail provides daily train service between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, with stops in several towns along the canal.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodations available for visitors to the Rideau Canal, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camping sites. Some popular options include the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, the Opinicon Resort in Chaffey's Lock, and the Merrickville Guest Suites in Merrickville.
Next Stop: Pimachiowin Aki