Rideau Canal Tours and Activities

Rideau Canal which includes a castle, a river or creek and a city
Photo provided by National Capital Commission
Rideau Canal showing a bridge, a city and boating
Photo provided by National Capital Commission
Rideau Canal showing snow and snow skiing as well as a large group of people


This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.

The Rideau Canal is a water channel that runs 126 miles (202 kilometers) between Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario. Built between 1827 and 1832, the canal is North America’s oldest continuously operated canal system. Today the canal is the scenic and recreational centerpiece of Ottawa, filling with boats in summer and skaters during winter. 

Ottawa’s parks, gardens, museums and scenic walkways line the canal. In the summer months, the canal is a thriving waterway. Go boating, take a cruise or walk, jog or rollerblade along the sidewalks. At Dows Lake at the southern end of the canal, rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe. 

Combine your canal visit with a trip to one of the many cultural attractions along the waterway. Start at the northern entrance with the Parliament Buildings, then visit the Bytown Museum and learn how the canal was built. Explore the National Arts Centre and enjoy the views it has of the canal. At Dows Lake, walk through the ornamental gardens in the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm. The wetland areas that were created as a result of its construction are now home to a diverse array of plants, animals and fish.

For about 50 days during winter, you can ski or snowshoe along the canal when it freezes into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink. Rent skates and sleds from one of the handy locations along the canal. You’ll find washrooms, heated changing rooms and local vendors selling BeaverTails fried dough and beverages along the way too.

Rideau Canal runs south through the center of Ottawa. Boat access is via the Ottawa River in the north. In winter, the skateway can be accessed via ramps at the Mackenzie King Bridge, Fifth Avenue (Queen Elizabeth Drive side), Bronson Avenue (Colonel By Drive) and Dows Lake Pavilion. Parking is available at a number of locations.

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Reviews of Rideau Canal

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1377
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
836
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
86
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Rented bikes and biked along canal. Could not get along the river below Parliament, as the pathway was closed off for the military run. Too bad

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The cruise on the Rideau Canal was awesome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We drove to Smith Falls and went to the interpretive center

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

the reason for our visit, but it closed for the season the minute we got there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

My son refuses to skate indoors after this experience! Come with cash. There are many concession booths all along the canal but they take cash only.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Broke an arm. Canal staff was amazing

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Best Lodging Options Near Rideau Canal

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.