Landmark

Rideau Canal

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The Rideau Canal is a scenic 202-kilometer waterway linking Ottawa to Kingston, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic locks and engineering. In winter, the canal becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 kilometers through the heart of Ottawa. Visitors can skate along the ice path, stopping at warming huts and food stands for hot chocolate and beavertails, or enjoy the canal's serene beauty during summer boat cruises and bike rides along its banks.

Don't miss

  • Skate the 7.8 km ice rink in winter, a quintessential Ottawa experience.
  • Watch boats navigate the historic lock system at the Ottawa Locks.
  • Walk or bike the scenic pathway along the canal in warmer months.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Rideau Canal

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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