Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa

Beautiful place for a walk with your family. There are boats that need to go through so you might be lucky to spot them.

A very pleasant walk along the canal and the locks. With views of grand buildings, wildlife, and the other side of the water, definitely check out this place.

Quite relaxing place near Parliament building. The canal itself is listed in UNESCO and the surrounding is quite relaxing.

Because of it's proximity to the Parliament Building and other historical sites, we sat and watched the Locks as they were opened for boats wanting to go through. We learned a lot about the Locks on during our tour on the Lady Dive amphibious bus including that the Locks are still opened by man power (whoa). The process does take quite a while to happen, but it's quite fascinating to watch indeed. If it's not a hot or cold day and you're not tired, you can probably sit through the entire process while chatting with a friend or enjoying your lunch.

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is an amazing place, especially if you love beautiful scenery and peaceful, picturesque views. I visited on a fairly cool day with very few people around, which only added to the charm. The fresh air and calm atmosphere made the walk special. The canal and its surroundings are full of interesting angles, practically begging to be photographed. For a photographer, it’s a true gem where you can capture stunning shots and find inspiration. Despite the weather, the day turned out to be very pleasant, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Was able to see the locks in action with a bunch of boats going up the canal. Visited July 2015, July 2025

The most wonderful place in Ottawa, without a doubt. During our time in Ottawa, we came here every day, spending hours watching the boats being lifted through the historic locks and winding down each evening at the foot of the canal. For those seeking a real highlight, catching a sunset here on a clear day is a must. But even from the bridge, the sunset has its own unique charm.

A stunning historic waterway! In the winter, it transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, attracting visitors from around the world.