Park & nature
Rideau Canal
Bobak Ha'Eri · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from Ottawa to Kingston, originally built for military purposes after the War of 1812. In summer, visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, or cycling along the scenic pathways. In winter, the canal transforms into the Rideau Canal Skateway, a 7.8-kilometer ice rink through downtown Ottawa, complete with skate rentals and warm-up huts serving hot chocolate and beavertails.
Don't miss
- Skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
- Take a scenic boat cruise through the historic locks and past Parliament Hill.
- Cycle or walk the canal's paved pathways, especially vibrant during the Tulip Festival.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Rideau Canal
You can explore Rideau Canal at your own pace. A tour is worth it mainly for transport, or for pairing it with nearby sights in one day.
Cheapest way inOttawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based4.6★ · 159 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Most bookedOttawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise4.3★ · 1,208 travelers~2 hoursFrom$42 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleOttawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure4.2★ · 12 travelers3-4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →More attractions in Ottawa
