Sight guide · Ottawa · Canada
Visiting Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Opened in 1832 and listed by UNESCO, the 202 km canal still runs from Ottawa to Kingston.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks is a waterfront in Downtown and Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Waterfront
- Area
- Downtown and Parliament Hill
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, free, outdoors and photo spot
- Best months
- June–August
About Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Opened in 1832 and listed by UNESCO, the 202 km canal still runs from Ottawa to Kingston. Its downtown end is a flight of eight hand-operated locks between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier. In summer, paths along both banks suit walking and cycling, and boat tours run from the locks.
Tip: Watch boats being lifted through the eight locks by hand on a summer afternoon; Parks Canada staff operate them.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Downtown and Parliament Hill, government buildings, hotels and the Sparks Street pedestrian mall.
Best time to visit Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- August: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- June: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Ottawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Ottawa itinerary visits Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks on day 1, together with Parliament Hill, National War Memorial and Confederation Square and ByWard Market.
- No. 2 of the 18 sights in our Ottawa things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Ottawa.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Ottawa.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Ottawa.
Near Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Also in Downtown and Parliament Hill, so you can walk between them:
- Parliament Hill — 1.5–2 hours with a tour, free
- National War Memorial and Confederation Square — 20–30 minutes, free
If you like Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica — ByWard Market and Lowertown, 30 minutes
- Major's Hill Park — ByWard Market and Lowertown, 30–60 minutes
- Rideau Hall — New Edinburgh, 1–1.5 hours
- Rideau Falls — New Edinburgh, 30 minutes
Staying near Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Stay in Downtown and Parliament Hill ($$$) to walk here: government buildings, hotels and the Sparks Street pedestrian mall. All areas to stay in Ottawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks?
Plan 1–2 hours. With Parliament Hill nearby, it fits a half-day in Downtown and Parliament Hill.
+Is Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks?
June–August for the most comfortable weather. Watch boats being lifted through the eight locks by hand on a summer afternoon; Parks Canada staff operate them.
+Do I need to book Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.