Canal Rideau Attractions & Landmarks

Water Artery

1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa,
ON, K1S 5B8
Canada
Phone No. +1 613 283 5170
Fax No. +1 613 283 0677
Visit Websitehttp://www.rideau-info.com/
E mailRideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca

Overview

Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of power machinery, the Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks; it runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway, while people in-line skate, jog or stroll on the canal's picturesque banks. During the winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink," and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.

great evening skate on Valentine's Dayby Yahoo | 2008-09-17 22:25:25 |

We were in Ottawa for Valentine's Day, during Winterlude and we brought our skates! We took in a show called Making Necrophiliac (it's a romantic comedy w/live music - hilarious) before hitting the ice by ten pm. The canal is really a winter wonderland!! The ice castle was lit up, and the sculptures were a little melted but still beautiful, especially since the snow was lightly falling. Mmm nothing more romantic than hot choc and snowflakes. Later we went to the Market for some more live music -- lots to do. I would definitely go back.

Back this year for sure!by Yahoo | 2008-07-26 17:18:32 |

This was a blast, we have kids, this was a great mix to entertain all! I love this city! Anne And Peter Dallas, Tx

I want to go back soonby Yahoo | 2007-10-02 05:27:12 |

It's really very interesting and amazing place I've ever been. I can't see such a lovely place like that. As a matter a fact I want to go to Ottawa and go arround it is very enjoyable

A Must!by Yahoo | 2007-03-17 18:19:04 |

Skating on the canal is some of the best fun I have ever had. The beaver tails, hot cocoa, and benches are also a welcomed treat after all that exercise! In evening make sure to walk the banks and see the ice sculptures which are lit up with lights. A day spent here is truly a wonderful experience!

good skatingby Yahoo | 2005-12-21 02:23:35 |

In the winter, it is very fun to go skating. Unbelievable! a must see. very good bike riding in the summer. very good hot chocolate.

Best skating everby Yahoo | 2005-11-12 19:11:23 |

Enchanting. Fairy-tale like. Must definitely go during Winterlude. Unbelivable experience. Wow. Everyone would enjoy this. Even if you do not know how to skate, you can walk on the ice. If you go, you must stop for a beavertail and a hot-chocolate.

Wanna come skate?by Yahoo | 2005-09-26 16:46:04 |

What is there not to like about the worlds longest skating surface? Every year people come to gather to experience "skating on the canal". Through out the coldest months of the year(January/February) traditions are see all over the place. Beavertales, hot chocolate, ice sculptures. every thing you can think of!!

A must see in Winter and Summerby Yahoo | 2005-08-23 17:53:35 |

Winter skating on the world's longest canal must be done for any visit to Ottawa. It's incredible to be able to skate for miles. In the summer, it's a beautiful tour to rollerblade, walk or bike along the trails that run on both sides of the canal. All for free!

Experience it!by Yahoo | 2005-01-22 18:38:46 |

It simply helps to define the city.It's an amazing engineering feat (dynamite didn't exist when it was built)and scores of lives were lost in its construction - especially, I believe, during summer when diseases related to summer heat, mosquitoes, etc. took their toll. Its placid look and appeal to leisure belie an amazing and at times tragic history - especially for the workers.

Awsomeby Yahoo | 2004-12-10 07:38:21 |

Great skating, very nice ambiance. A must see.