Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal was built 175 years ago to create a route from Kingston to Montreal. When locks on the St. Lawrence river were built, the canal lost its original purpose. But now it is an important tourist attraction and historic site. Visitors can take boat tours of Ottawa. The Ottawa Locks are the northern entrance to the Rideau Canal, and the location of these locks determined the location of the future city of Ottawa. Limestone for the locks was excavated from the cliffs alongside the works. A stone arch bridge crosses the canal above the upper lock and connectes the buildings on both sides of the Canal. Pathways are provided on both sides of the canal and form one of the important routes for running in the city.
In winter, the canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink. Skate rentals are available directly on the ice, as well as concessions such as hot chocolate and the favourite "bearclaw". Runners use the ice too, as the snowy margin provides better footing than the pathways. Winter running in Ottawa is an experience not to be missed!
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