2018 Hours of operation

Lockstations

May 18 to June 21

Days Hours
Monday to Thursday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday to Sunday; and Victoria Day 9:00am – 7:00pm

June 22 to September 3

Days Hours
Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday;
Canada Day*, August Civic Holiday
and Labour Day		 9:00am – 7:00pm
*Stat Holiday is July 2nd

Sept 4 to October 8

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.

Jones Falls: Blacksmith's Shop and Sweeney House Museum

Date Days Hours
May 18 to September 3 Daily

9:00am – 5:00pm

*Sweeney House Museum Closed on Tuesdays
September 4 to October 8

Saturday, Sunday and Monday only

 9:00am – 5:00pm

* Group reservations are required.

Visitor Centre

Located at 34 Beckwith Street South, Smiths Falls 
Tel: 613-283-5170
Toll Free: 1-888-773-8888

Date Days Hours
May 18 to September 3 Daily 9:00am – 4:00pm

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:
  • The last lockage of the day begins 30 minutes before closing time. 
  • 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
Note: Overnight Mooring passes include one free camp site.

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.