2020 hours of operation

As of June 1, some Parks Canada places began a safe, gradual reopening of some outdoor areas at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Find 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, with the exception of Jones Falls and Kingston Mills.

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.
Until June 1, these facilities remain closed and we ask that visitors respect these closures in order to allow canal staff to do the necessary work to prepare for opening.

Jones Falls and Kingston Mills lockstations will not open on June 1 as important infrastructure work is ongoing in both of these locations. It is expected that this work will be completed and the entire system will be open for navigation later in June.

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.

Station opening and closing times, as well as first and last lockage, are not guaranteed and may be affected by water management duties, maintenance activities or other types of navigation interruptions.

Lockstation hours

Date: June 1 – June 21

Monday to Thursday

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday to Sunday

9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Date: June 22 – September 7

Monday to Thursday

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday to Sunday;
Canada Day (July 1), Civic Holiday (Aug. 3), Labour Day (Sept. 7)

9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Date: September 8 – October 12

Monday to Friday

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday to Sunday, and Oct. 12

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Last Lockage

Follow these guidelines to maximize chances of being locked through at the end of the day:

  • At lockstations with one lock, boaters must arrive at the designated blue line 30 minutes before closing
  • At lockstations with more than one lock, 30 minutes per lock chamber is required (example: three locks = arrive 90 minutes before closing)
  • At swing bridges (including Brass Point Bridge) boaters must arrive 20 minutes before closing

More information

  • Access to lockstations is prohibited between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am
  • Lockstations are not staffed after-hours
  • For emergencies after-hours, please call 911 for police, fire, ambulance

Administration

Parks Canada

Contact us

Phone number: 613-283-5170
Toll Free: 1-888-773-8888

Hours (year-round)

Date: Monday to Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm (by appointment)

Location

Location: 34 Beckwith Street South
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2A8

Pretoria and Hog’s Back bridges

Pretoria and Hog’s Back bridges will not operate Monday to Friday (except on statutory holidays) from 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm and 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.

Abbott Street Swing Bridge (Smiths Falls Detached Lock)

At Smiths Falls Detached Lock, the bridge will operate upon arrival throughout the navigation season.