Open for navigation from mid-May to mid-October most of the original canal structures are still in use and are operated as they were the day the canal opened in 1832. In total there are 45 locks of which 24 are hand-operated.
Only about 19 kilometres (12 miles) of the Rideau Canal system is man-made as the majority incorporates natural waterways including:
- Rideau River
- Cataraqui River
- Big Rideau Lake
- Upper Rideau Lake
- Lower Rideau Lake
In Ottawa the Rideau Canal begins right under the gaze of the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill while in Kingston it ends right in the Kingston Harbour outlet of Lake Ontario at Kingston Mills under the watchful gaze of Fort Henry, which was constructed specifically to guard this important passageway.
Now an angler’s paradise with fish species such as:
- Pike
- Muskellunge (muskie)
- Panfish
- Small & largemouth Bass
- Black Crappie
- Lake Trout
to be found in the various waterways of the system.
During the navigation season, Kingston harbour teems with pleasure craft entering and departing from the canal entrance at Kingston Mills and the city still receives a great economic boost from this historic waterway. Many Canadians will often partake in a Rideau Canal cruise vacation aboard a rented houseboat at least once in their lifetimes as this makes for a great way to spend a leisurely week with the family.
During the summer, the Rideau Canal at Kingston makes for a nice pit stop to sit at one of the waterfront cafes and enjoy a meal and beverage. If you are in the Kingston Ontario area during this time, I would highly recommend you plan on spending at least half a day enjoying the sights the Rideau canal has to offer.
Visitors to Ottawa must put a trip down to the locks at the beginning of the waterway on their itinerary. It is such a picturesque area that the memories will linger for a lifetime. If you are fortunate enough to visit in winter, (or brave enough to handle the cold), head down to the canal, rent a pair of skates and glide down the frozen waterway and marvel at the sights. It’s an experience you will never forget!
For more information visit: Ontario Parks