The Rideau Canal's flight of locks in Ottawa
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri · CC BY-SA 2.5
UNESCOWorld Heritage

Rideau Canal

Historic canal · Ottawa, ON

Runs 202 km from Ottawa to Kingston through 24 lockstations.

North America's best-kept slackwater canal, built after the War of 1812 and still working along its original line.

Record holder

  • World #1

    7.8 kmOf skating on the Rideau Canal, free and open around the clock

    World's largest skating rink

    Each winter the National Capital Commission turns the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into the world's largest skating rink: 7.8 km of ice in Ottawa. The season usually runs from about January to early March, weather permitting, and skating is free at any hour. Check the ice conditions page before you lace up.

    Sources:National Capital Commission ↗

Why it's a pick

Where

Ottawa Locks, Rideau Canal National Historic Site, 3 Canal Lane, Ottawa, ON

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Outdoors nearby

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