Rideau Canal National Historic Site — Attraction in Ottawa

The Rideau Canal is the longest skating rink in the entire world, making it very popular amongst tourists. The ice surface is very wide, making it far from being claustrophobic. In fact, there is plenty of space for many to skate on both sides of the rink. There are many places down the skate way where one may put their skates on. There are also warm cabins surrounding the ice if one gets cold or desires putting their skates on in a warm environment. There are bathrooms as well on the ice surface. To add on, there are also stops on the ice where one could get BeaverTails — a Canadian delicacy — with a side of apple cider perhaps? There are tables at those stops as well. There are markers down the ice that show how far you are traveling. There are also trees planted on the ice surface at the rest stops — adding to the aesthetic of the scene. The ice conditions can vary. To check the ice conditions, you may look at their website, but usually the ice is okay with a few bumps in certain places on the ice surface; the bad ones are marked with orange paint. But it is very good for...

Ottawa is a fantastic city to walk through – as Canada’s capital, the downtown area is steeped in history and there are plenty of interesting things to see. The pathway that runs alongside the city’s central waterway, the Rideau Canal, takes pedestrians through seven sites, including the Ottawa Locks, Pretoria Bridge, Dows Lake and Central Experimental Farm. The path starts at the locks, which are at the base of Parliament Hill, right by the luxurious Château Laurier Hotel. After exploring the area around the locks, visitors can head south along the promenade towards the Glebe and Carleton University, finishing off at the Hartwells Lockstation. Interpretive signage and outdoor exhibits have been installed at each of the seven sites on the promenade. In all, the pathway is about 4.8 miles (7.8km) one way and should take an average walker about three hours round trip, not including the stops at each of the...

The Rideau Canal is one of North America’s most cherished treasures! It’s the best-preserved “slack water” canal from the 19th-century canal-building era, and it still operates along its original route with most of its charming structures intact. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a wonderful opportunity to explore an iconic route. You’ll find informative boards that share the fascinating story of how and why the canal was built.

This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the historic locks, with beautiful parklands surrounding you for enjoyable picnics and sightseeing—all without any entrance fee! Plus, there are washroom facilities available for your convenience. Come and discover the beauty of the...