Plan your visit

Some Parks Canada places have begun a safe, gradual reopening of some outdoor areas and services, including camping. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and be well-prepared for their visit. Details here.

New footbridge downtown Ottawa – Clearance of 6.7 metres (22 feet).
Click here for more info.

The Rideau Canal runs between Ottawa and Kingston in Southern Ontario, both easily accessible by car and public transportation from Toronto (260 kilometres to Kingston) and Montréal (200 kilometres to Ottawa). The length of the canal itself can be accessed by road, bicycle, on foot or by boat.

Spring through fall is the most popular time to visit. Though the locks are closed in winter, there is skating, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Getting here

Location

34 Beckwith Street South
Smiths Falls ON K7A 2A8

The Rideau Canal's 24 lockstations are all accessible by road, and therefore by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. The canal lockstations are generally accessible by all-season roads.

Hours of operation

The navigation season runs from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving (mid-May to mid-October).

Complete schedule

Fees

Site access is free. Otherwise, there are fees for locking and overnight mooring.  

Detailed fees list
 

 

Facilities and services

Accessible Facilities Accessible services
Parking Parking
Picnic area Picnic area
Information Information
Restrooms Restrooms
Gift Shop Gift shop
Electric car charging station Electric car charging station