Rideau Canal — Attraction in Ottawa

Peaceful Views Along Rideau Canal – A Scenic Family Stroll with a Minor Accessibility Limitation

During our recent trip to Ottawa, we spent a beautiful afternoon at the Rideau Canal, one of Canada’s most iconic and historic waterways. Flanked by the grandeur of the Parliament buildings and the Fairmont Château Laurier, the canal offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance.

We had originally planned to take the Ottawa Boat Cruise, a popular and relaxing way to explore the canal. However, since we were traveling with our infant, we were disappointed to discover that the cruise dock lacked proper stroller access. This made it impossible for us to board the boat safely with our child.

Despite this, we didn’t feel like we missed out. We instead chose to walk along the canal’s scenic promenade, enjoying panoramic views from the adjacent bridge and strolling past historic locks and beautiful green spaces. The reflection of the evening sky on the water, the sight of kayakers gliding past, and the view of the Parliament Hill towers peeking through the treetops made for an incredibly serene and photogenic experience.

• The sunset over the canal created postcard-worthy photo opportunities • Watching boats and kayaks navigate the locks brought the space to life • The blend of Gothic architecture and natural calm made for a unique capital-city charm

Although the boat cruise itself wasn’t accessible to us due to the lack of stroller access, the entire canal pathway is stroller- and family-friendly — smooth, clean, and shaded in parts, making it perfect for a long and comfortable walk with a baby.

The Rideau Canal is a must-visit whether you take the boat or enjoy it from the shore. While accessibility improvements at the cruise dock would be welcome, the overall experience remains memorable and family-friendly. It’s a peaceful space where history, beauty, and Canadian heritage come together...

Looking for the ultimate Ottawa experience? The Rideau Canal is a must-see, no matter the season! This UNESCO World Heritage Site winds through the heart of the city, offering a picture-perfect backdrop for every kind of adventure. In the warmer months, set sail on a boat cruise, cast a line for some fishing, or simply stroll or cycle along scenic pathways-don’t forget to pack some snacks for the ducks and enjoy a picnic by the water.

When winter arrives, the canal transforms into the legendary Rideau Canal Skateway-the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink! Glide across 7.8 kilometers of sparkling ice, warm up with a hot chocolate, and treat yourself to a classic BeaverTail pastry from one of the many stands along the way. If you’re visiting during Winterlude, Ottawa’s iconic winter festival, you’ll find the canal buzzing with music, art, and family-friendly fun, including giant snow slides and dazzling ice sculptures.

Insider tip: Many of Ottawa’s top attractions-like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and the bustling ByWard Market-are just steps from the canal, making it easy to blend sightseeing with your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re walking the dog, skating with friends, or savoring local eats at cozy canal-side restaurants, the Rideau Canal is the place to be for unforgettable memories...

Sep 1, 2005. Gray Line tour of Ottawa. Our first driver, Ron, picked us up at the motel at 9:15 and took us to the Kiosk to purchase our tickets [$52 with tax and discount, good for 2 days]. First tour starts at 10:00. Ron suggested we ride along for the full 2 hour tour to become acquainted with the attractions and 15 stops. Then we could go around again, getting off at those points of interest to us. So we spent the day on the Gray Line. This is an open air double-decker trolley. We rode on the covered lower level in the morning as we didn’t have jackets. It gets pretty breezy up top. But went up top the second time around as the view is so much better, and that is where the tour guide sits. Our first tour guide was Sarah. Both Ron & Sarah had a good sense of humor. Among the sights were the Parliament Bldgs; 24 Sussex Drive; Rideau Hall, Falls, and Canal; RCMP Stables –home of the musical ride. At the Dows Lake stop you could rent a canoe, a kayak, or a paddle boat and go for a little cruise on the Rideau Canal. We learned that the Rideau Canal is 7 miles long, originally designed for military purposes, it has only been used for recreational enjoyment. During the winter season, it is drained to about 3 feet of water,...