Highlights of the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a waterway in Ontario, Canada. It stretches 202 kilometers from Ottawa to Kingston. It was built during the British colonial era to secure a safe supply route in anticipation of attacks by American forces.
The article below introduces walks and attractions in Kingston at the southern end of the Rideau Canal.
The Rideau Canal has 23 lockstations and 47 locks. Each of the 1 lockstations manages 1 or more locks. The person responsible for the locks is called the lockmaster.
In 2007, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Walkway and locks in downtown Ottawa
A walking path runs alongside the Rideau Canal. From the Laurier Avenue Bridge, walk toward the canal’s northern terminus. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
This is Laurier Avenue Bridge. Its distinctive structure consists of 6 parallel steel arches.
1 ducks came closer.
I thought it was a female mallard, but it may be a young male.
This is the Mackenzie King Bridge. It was named after William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada's longest-serving prime minister.
The all-glass building is a convention center called the Shaw Centre.
Keeping this much glass clean must be quite a task.
This is the Senate of Canada Building. It was formerly Ottawa Union Station, once the hub of rail transportation in Ottawa. It was built by the Grand Trunk Railway and opened in 1912.
This is Plaza Bridge, the northernmost bridge across the Rideau Canal. Beyond it stands the Fairmont Château Laurier. Built by the Grand Trunk Railway, the hotel opened in 1912, the same year as Ottawa Union Station.
It depicts a figure holding a maple leaf, a symbol of Canada. Somehow, it makes you hesitate to walk down the middle of the stairs.
Plaza Bridge forks into two branches on its western side. You can pass between them to descend beneath the bridge.
This is the northern end of the Rideau Canal, where it meets the Ottawa River. Straight ahead is the Alexandra Bridge, which crosses the Ottawa River.
8 locks stand in a row. They are managed by Ottawa Lockstation.
A lockmaster operates the winch to close the lock gates.
The water level gradually rises.
The boat is moored while waiting for the water to reach its final level and the next lock gate to open.
Passing through 8 locks takes about 1 and a half hours.
The castle-like building overlooking the Rideau Canal is the Fairmont Château Laurier.
The building on the left served as the office and storehouse of the Commissariat, a British military organization that supplied food and provisions to the site during construction of the Rideau Canal. Today, it houses the Bytown Museum, which explores Ottawa’s history.
Rideau Canal Information
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- The Parks Canada official website provides the Ottawa Lockstation’s hours of operation and navigation information.
2026 hours of operationThe Rideau Canal National Historic Site is open annually with navigation season from May to October.www.parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Ottawa Lockstation (Ottawa Locks, east of Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario)
- 🕒 Lockstation hours
- 2026 operating schedule:
- 5 15–6 18: Monday–Thursday, 10:00–16:00; Friday–Sunday and Victoria Day, 9:00–19:00
- 6 19–9 7: Monday–Thursday, 9:00–18:00; Friday–Sunday and statutory holidays, 9:00–19:00
- 9 8–10 12: Monday–Friday, 10:00–16:00; Saturday, Sunday, and Thanksgiving, 9:00–17:00
⚠️ Operations may change due to water-level management, maintenance, or navigation interruptions. The lockstation is closed to access between 22:00 and 6:00.
- 💶 Vessel lockage fees
- Standard fees from 9 8, 2026 are CA$1.50 per 1 feet for a round trip through 1 locks, CA$2.25 for 1 days, and CA$6.00 for a one-way passage. Mooring fees are charged separately.
- ⏱️ Suggested time
- Allow about 1 and a half hours to walk from the Laurier Avenue Bridge featured in this article to the canal’s northern end and watch boats pass through 8 locks.⚠️ The time required varies with vessel traffic, the extent of your walk, and waiting times at the locks.
Getting to the Rideau Canal
Walk west for about 5 minutes from Rideau Station on the O-Train light rail system to reach Plaza Bridge, the northernmost bridge over the Rideau Canal.
On Foot and by Water
Parks Canada’s Traveller Information portal provides the operating status of locks, bridges and services. Updates are made only during operating hours, and minor disruptions may not be posted online and may instead be handled on site.
The related guide “【オタワ】観光スポット・グルメ・交通・モデルコースを解説” is currently available only in Japanese.
