The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 to provide a waterway linking Kingston (Lake Ontario) and Ottawa (Ottawa River) as a preventative measure following reports during the War of 1812 that the Americans intended to invade British Canada via the St. Lawrence River cutting off Montreal from Kingston. Today, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America with its 202 km of lakes and rivers, connecting locks and canals. Only 19km of this route is man-made locks and canal cuts.
Part of the charm of the Rideau Canal is the varied scenery. Boaters can expect to pass rugged rural and bustling urban landscapes, quaint cottages and million dollar homes, often in the same day! You wind your way through the historic city of Ottawa, past Parliament Hill as the seat of the Canadian government.
The Rideau is a wonderful way to experience Ontario boating at its best.