Rideau Canal

Here we are along the Rideau Canal. It connects the Ottawa River, on your left, to the St. Lawrence River in Kingston, Ontario. Stretching over a total of 202 kilometers, it was opened in 1832 and served for many years as a key commercial navigation route. The canal played an important role in the development of cities along its banks, facilitating trade between them. For this reason, it has been designated a National Historic Site and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it is the oldest canal system still in operation in North America. Its name comes from nearby waterfalls that resemble a curtain—rideau in French—where they plunge into the Ottawa River. Today, the Rideau Canal offers a scenic walk through downtown Ottawa, providing stunning views of Château Laurier and many other landmarks in the city.