Travel Guide of Rideau Canal in Canada by Influencers and Travelers

The Rideau Canal, also known unofficially as the Rideau Waterway, connects Canada's capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston, Ontario. It is 202 kilometres in length.

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Pictures and Stories of Rideau Canal from Influencers

4 pictures of Rideau Canal from Jules Marvin Eguilos, alex lauzon, Pascal Bernardon and other travelers

grayscale photo of bridge over river in Rideau Canal Canada

Experienced by @Jules Marvin Eguilos | ©Unsplash

fascinating surroundings ...click to read more

Experienced by @alex lauzon | ©Unsplash

white and blue boat on water near green trees during daytime in Rideau Canal Canada

Port de plaisance sur la Canal Rideau. ...click to read more

Experienced by @Pascal Bernardon | ©Unsplash

people walking on bridge over river during daytime in Rideau Canal Canada

Canal Rideau ...click to read more

Experienced by @Philippe Beliveau | ©Unsplash

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How to visit Rideau Canal ?

Why Traveling There?

The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historical and scenic waterway that connects the city of Ottawa, Canada's capital, to Kingston, a charming city on Lake Ontario. It is an engineering marvel of the 19th century and offers a unique journey through beautiful rivers, lakes, and man-made locks. The Rideau Canal offers year-round activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing in the summer, and ice-skating in the winter.

How to Get There?

The Rideau Canal is easily accessible from Ottawa. If you arrive by plane, the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is just a 20-minute drive to the downtown area where the canal begins. If you prefer to drive, it's approximately a 4-hour journey from Toronto via Highway 401 and Highway 416.

What to Book in Advance?

If you're planning on cruising the Rideau Canal, it's advisable to book your boat rental and lock passes in advance, especially during the peak summer months. For skating in winter, no booking is required. However, if you plan on staying overnight, secure your accommodations ahead of time.

What Are the Costs?

The cost of visiting the Rideau Canal depends on your activities. Boat rentals range from $200 to $500 per day, depending on the size and type of boat. Lock passes cost around $1.60 per foot of your vessel for a one-day pass. The winter skating on the canal is free of charge.

What Are the Best Things to Do?

Cruising the Rideau Canal is a must-do activity, offering a unique perspective of the region's stunning landscapes. In the winter, the canal becomes the world's largest skating rink. Other activities include fishing, cycling along the canal paths, and visiting the historical sites along the canal, such as Fort Henry in Kingston.

Where to Eat?

In Ottawa, try the Riviera on Sparks Street for a fine dining experience. For a more casual setting, the Elgin Street Diner offers a wide variety of comfort foods. In Kingston, Chez Piggy is a local favorite offering a range of international dishes.

Where to Stay?

The Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa and Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront offer luxury accommodation options with stunning views of the water. For budget travelers, the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel is a unique lodging experience in a former prison.

Off the Beaten Path

For an unusual travel experience, try a canoe-camping trip along the Rideau Canal. Several companies offer guided multi-day tours that combine paddling during the day with camping on the canal's banks at night. It's a great way to soak up the natural beauty of the area while learning about the canal's rich history.