Rideau Canal
The 200km / 124mi long Rideau Canal, only 1.6m/ 5.25ft) deep, connects Ottawa with Kingston on Lake Ontario. It was originally intended as a second strategic route between Montréal and Lake Ontario, the military need for which was demonstrated during the war with the United States in 1812.
At the time of building (1826-32) the canal was a triumph of constructional engineering.
At the time of building (1826-32) the canal was a triumph of constructional engineering.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
More than four dozen dams were required to control the water levels, and the 83m (272 ft) ascent to the summit between Ottawa and Lake Ontario meant that boats had to pass through numerous locks.
Although steamers plied the canal for over a hundred years it never came to have any major economic significance. Today the waterway with its 24 operational locks is used mainly by pleasure boats and for tourism.
It is one of history's curiosities that a camp for 2000 construction workers employed on building a branch of the canal from the Ottawa River should eventually become the capital of Canada.
The staircase of eight locks on Parliament Hill is highly photogenic. Ottawa's first stone building was on a site next to the canal.
Although steamers plied the canal for over a hundred years it never came to have any major economic significance. Today the waterway with its 24 operational locks is used mainly by pleasure boats and for tourism.
It is one of history's curiosities that a camp for 2000 construction workers employed on building a branch of the canal from the Ottawa River should eventually become the capital of Canada.
The staircase of eight locks on Parliament Hill is highly photogenic. Ottawa's first stone building was on a site next to the canal.
Related Attractions
Jones Falls Locks
Among the many interesting features on the Rideau Canal is Stone Arch Dam at Jones Falls.
Attractions along the lock include the lockmaster's house (built in 1841), the Blacksmith's shop (built 1843), and the Hotel Kenney, one of the oldest hotels in the area (built 1888).
Attractions along the lock include the lockmaster's house (built in 1841), the Blacksmith's shop (built 1843), and the Hotel Kenney, one of the oldest hotels in the area (built 1888).
Kingston Mills, Canada
(Near Ottawa)
As well as the Visitors Center the Block House (museum) at Kingston Mills is also worth visiting.
Kingston Mills is only a short drive from the city of Kingston and is a lockstation on the Rideau Canal.
Kingston Mills is only a short drive from the city of Kingston and is a lockstation on the Rideau Canal.
