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Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Ottawa

4.7
#1 of 41 in Parks in Ottawa
Must see · World heritage site · Water Body · Nature / Park
Home to the world's largest skating rink, Rideau Canal National Historic Site has earned World Heritage Site status as North America's oldest operational canal system. Connecting the cities of Ottawa and Kingston, the waterway stretches just over 200 km (124 mi) and forms two waterfalls at the spot where it empties into the Ottawa River. Popular with boaters during the summer months, in the winter the canal draws thousands of revelers to its 7 km (4.5 mi) rink. Along the skateway, dozens of food kiosks offer warm beverages and freshly prepared beavertails, a tasty fried dough. With our online itinerary creator, Ottawa attractions like Rideau Canal National Historic Site can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.
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Tours to Rideau Canal National Historic Site

FROM $30 BOOK WITH VIATOR Rideau Canal Cruise
3.9
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $30 »
FROM $38 BOOK WITH VIATOR 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Tours from $38 »
FROM $77 BOOK WITH VIATOR Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour
5.0
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $77 »

Rideau Canal National Historic Site reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
5,258 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By KSBouch
    Like to walk along the Canal in the Winter. Nice scenery, very peaceful. One of Canada's natural wonders without a doubt.  more »
  • By FarAway752596
    Rideau Canal is a must if you are in Ottawa. Sceneric views by walking or cycling, Bytown Museum and all kind of restaurants around to enjoy. Next to Byward market and Rideau Center.  more »
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Google
  • By Mia Harty
    5 of my best friends and I drove 7 1/2 hours to come and skate on the canal. It was an incredibly fun experience, some would say one of a lifetime. I am so impressed with how well the canal rink is maintained and for the general atmosphere created by skaters.
  • By Dustin Beach
    Such a great spot. The ice care today is so much better than it was years ago. I was there last week and recognized a family that had obviously come a long way to see the canal. It made me even more thankful that it's so accessible to locals'. I'll usually park about midway around Patterson's Creek or bank street. Love the posters under bank street bridge this year. I had no idea that Mr. Fullerton (previous chair of NCC in the 70's) is why we have the canal today.
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