Stroll along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest canal in North America still in operation, built when Ottawa did not exist and Canada was still designated as part of the British Empire. Today, it is one of Ottawa's landmarks, and speaks volumes about its history. The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 by British army lieutenant-colonel John By and his men. It links Ottawa, on the Ottawa River, to Kingston, on Lake Ontario. When the project to build the canal was proposed, the British Empire was seeking to defend itself against potential attacks from the United States. Forts and canals were built here and there to defend their new territories.

The origins of the formation of Canada's capital

From 1826 onwards, John By directed construction operations. A camp, a market and other amenities had to be built for the men working on the Rideau Canal. The first stones of the city of Ottawa were laid. Many workers died during the construction of the Rideau Canal. The Rideau Canal was extremely expensive to build, and John By was even suspected of financial mismanagement. He was questioned in London before being cleared of all suspicion. The canal secured the supply and communication routes between Montreal, Ottawa (then called Bytown) and the Great Lakes. It made it possible to avoid the St. Lawrence River, which was narrower, winding and had rapids. Finally, the St. Lawrence Seaway was inaugurated in the 1950s.

Today, the Rideau Canal is a favourite spot for Ottawans on sunny days. It's a peaceful and pleasant place to stroll, lie on the banks and read a book, especially in summer. The barges, restaurants and cyclists make the area lively and charismatic. Just off the Rideau Canal, don't forget to visit the ByWard Market, the city's oldest market.

Discover the history of the Rideau Canal at the museum

Near the locks, the Bytown Museum tells the story of the creation of Ottawa, Canada's capital. From the city's earliest days to the present day, you'll discover the protagonists of Canadian history and the epic construction of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.

The world's largest natural skating rink

Every winter, the section of the Rideau Canal that runs through Ottawa becomes an enormous natural skating rink. It's the biggest natural skating rink in the world! If you're in Ottawa in winter, rent some skates, buy yourself a "Beaver Tail", a local pastry, and hit the ice. Don't worry, the skating rink is only open to the public when 30 cm of ice has formed, often after 14 consecutive days between -10°C and -20°C.

A day of cycling along the Ottawa Canal

The Rideau Canal is a great place to cycle. As a family, with friends or on your own, don't hesitate to rent a bike in the city for a day of discovery along the banks of the canal. You'll find bikes for hire for the whole family at Rent A Bike Ottawa.

Discover Ottawa on a cruise on the Rideau Canal

For $35 per person, you can spend 1 hour and 30 minutes cruising the Rideau Canal. Aboard a barge, Boat Cruise Croisière will show you the city of Ottawa as you've never seen it before. Find out how to register on the Boat Cruise Croisières website.

Kayaks and canoes for sports enthusiasts

Rideau Tours offers kayak rentals for $35 per half-day, and canoe rentals for $50 per half-day. You can go wherever you want in your kayak or canoe, a great way to spend a morning in Ottawa.

Book your kayak on the Rideau Tours website.

A simple walk along the Rideau Canal

Sometimes the simplest form of transport is also the most enjoyable. Take the time to stroll along the canal, watching the ducks and runners scurrying along the banks.

Restaurant e18hteen

In a historic building in Ottawa's old centre, E18hteen welcomes you in a subdued atmosphere for fish and seafood delights.