2019 Hours of operation
Lockstations
May 17 to June 23
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Friday to Sunday; and Victoria Day | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
June 24 to September 2
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 9:00am – 6:00pm |
| Friday to Sunday; Canada Day*, August Civic Holiday and Labour Day |
9:00am – 7:00pm |
September 3 to October 14
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Saturday - Sunday; and Thanksgiving | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
* Beveridges lockstation will also provide a full upon arrival service for the entire season and will operate under the same hours as the rest of the Rideau Canal.
Rideau Canal administration
Located at 34 Beckwith Street South, Smiths Falls
Tel: 613-283-5170
Toll Free: 1-888-773-8888
| Date | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year Round | Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm; By appointment |
NOTE: Lockstations are unstaffed after hours. Authorized visitors are asked to exercise caution. Unpermitted access to lockstations is prohibited between 10pm and 6am. For emergencies after hours, please call 911 for police, fire, ambulance. To report illegal harvesting of fish or wildlife, please call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry TIPS line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
LAST LOCKAGE – IMPORTANT!
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. (i.e. three locks, arrive 90 minutes before closing).
- At swing bridges, including Brass Point Bridge, boaters must arrive 20 minutes before closing.
Tips for a Successful Journey
- New to Boating? Talk to our friendly lock staff for tips and information on locking through safely. Have fun!
- 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.
- Seasonal overnight mooring permits are also valid for use at Thousand Islands National Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Conservation Area (boaters using a campsite must also pay a camping fee)
Maximum Overnight Mooring Period
- 2 Nights - All lockstations
Nautical Charts
Rideau Canal navigation charts 1512 (Ottawa-Smiths Falls) and 1513 (Smiths Falls to Kingston) are sold at several lockstations.
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.
Note: Boat wake, wash and excessive speeds are major concerns along the Rideau Canal. Please drive at a safe speed and keep boat wake and wash to a minimum, especially when approaching smaller vessels, canoes and kayaks.
Note: Boat wake, wash and excessive speeds are major concerns along the Rideau Canal. Please drive at a safe speed and keep boat wake and wash to a minimum, especially when approaching smaller vessels, canoes and kayaks.