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Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Ottawa

4.7
#1 of 44 in Parks in Ottawa
Must see · World heritage site · Water Body · Nature / Park
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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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Rideau Canal National Historic Site reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
5,303 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • The water level is somehow quite low these days you can see the bottom of the canal easily, the view of the Ottawa dt area is pretty nice though 
    The water level is somehow quite low these days you can see the bottom of the canal easily, the view of the Ottawa dt area is pretty nice though  more »
  • The canal had no water so our promenade was not as expected Make sure you visit during summer or autumn 
    The canal had no water so our promenade was not as expected Make sure you visit during summer or autumn  more »
Google
  • Beautiful spot for a stroll. Great place to see the changing of the leaves as it reflects the water in the canal. In the winter, the canal turns into a skating rink where people can skate for miles. Wonderful spot to take photos of the reflections and just mindlessly walk around without worrying about traffic.
  • Rideau Canal - Ottawa. Two words suffice - an artist’s canvas . This was one of our spots to be visited during our Ottawa day trip and turned out be most rejuvenating and enjoying. As we disembarked our vehicles and moved out the tulips on sidewalks were welcoming to the stunning pathway that led us to the over bridge on the river. As we walked pass the display board, the river and walkways offered pleasing views of surroundings and Ottawa skyline. Cruise 🚢 rides option available if you can spare 2 to 3 hrs. Else an half an hour stroll across the river bridge and side ways suffice. Soak in the clean air, soothing environment and well laid walkway along and around the spot. Enjoy.

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