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Rideau Canal

Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B8, Canada
613-239-5234
Website
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Ranked #3 of 96 attractions in Ottawa
Type: Bodies of Water, Trails, Historic Sites
Activities: Ice skating, Walking, Driving
Description: One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
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578 reviews from our community

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Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Now this is one of Canada wonders, imagine this was all built by hand in the day when they only used their hands and backs to get teh job done, Thanks for getting it right for all the boaters, skaters and all the others who enjoy this wonder year round.

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See 2 more reviews by Linda G for Ottawa
Kolkata, India
Top Contributor
116 reviews 116 reviews
69 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Being in Ottawa and missing Rideau Canal is considered to be a crime. The Rideau Falls is a nice thing and although it's on the premises of a generating station, you would not be impounded if you visit the place.

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See 8 more reviews by Dr_B_Maitra for Ottawa
Milton, Vermont
Top Contributor
163 reviews 163 reviews
74 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

In the winter months, the Rideau Canal is transformed into the longest ice skating rink in the world. During the summer months, it serves as a beautiful canal with boats and tours. You will find the canal locks located next to the Chateau Laurier which is interesting to see the workers operate the locks to allow boats in and out.... More

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See 6 more reviews by SkydogVT for Ottawa
Nanaimo, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We rented the 'Telus' bikes that are throughout the city. We rode about 18 K around the canal during the Tulip festival. Beautiful day, gorgeous scenery and great workout.

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See 2 more reviews by Lise M for Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I am an Ottawa local since 1974 and I love the canal. It is one of Ottawa's finest features. Skating in the winter, tulips on the spring, cycling in the summer and Fall. I noticed the Bixe bikes are available at Dow's lake. Make that your starting point. Ride the length of the canal. ride both sides, cut through the... More

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See 3 more reviews by Asparagusto for Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 59 cities Reviews in 59 cities
138 helpful votes 138 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

If visiting Ottawa you can walk/jog, rent a bicycle ( outlets available along canal route use VISA) or take a boat ride ( Paul's boat line).

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See 12 more reviews by OttawaDevine for Ottawa
Ajax, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Great place to take a stroll with your family, or go for a bike ride. The water looks pretty dirty, but the fact you can walk along the canal and enjoy the weather on a nice sunny day is a huge plus.

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See 2 more reviews by Haroonie for Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

This is a very relaxing restaurant, service is good and the food exceptional. Great view of the canal and boaters. A good spot to visit while in Ottawa

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See 11 more reviews by Devcar for Ottawa
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

This was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of my trip to Ottawa. I enjoyed quite a lot walking along the canal and taking pictures above it on a bridge. Great view of the Parliament building and Ottawa river. just walk a little further, there are the river parkway and Alexandra Bridge. If you like biking, I recommend it.... More

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Brooklyn, New York, United States
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

In inter the canal freezes over and the ice is so thick that they set up small cafes along the sides of the canal. Families, couples, sports enthusiasts, spectators, all are welcome for skating, hot chocolate or walking in the snow (my choice as i hadn't brought skates with me).

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