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.

Starting June 1, 2020

Starting June 1st 2020, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site will offer limited visitor access and basic services along the entire system.

Visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities:

lockage, boat launches, access points and mooring areas;
day-use areas, including green spaces, picnic areas, and parking lots;
day-use trails, including some cycling access on designated trails and pathways;
lockstation grounds; and
public toilets where enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented
camping (For boaters, paddlers and vessels under power only)

Visiting the Rideau Canal National Historic Site will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Rideau Canal National Historic website before they travel.

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

Phone:613-283-5170

Email: RideauCanal-info@canada.ca

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.