Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa?
What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples get romantic waterfront strolls, picnic tables, dusk LED kayak tour and electric boat cruise; scenic views of Parliament create memorable shared moments with little planning.
Positives:
- Seasonal access: Kayak and boat tours run only from May to October; winter activities differ.
- No on-site dining: No cafes at the locks; plan to bring picnic supplies or buy food nearby.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Paths offer limited shade; bring sun protection in summer and windproof layers in cooler months.
- Limited seating: Picnic tables fill up early on weekends; arrive before noon for the best spots.
What is Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa?
- A flight of eight manually operated stone lock chambers that form the summit section of the 19th-century Rideau Canal
- A National Historic Site that preserves original limestone walls, hand-cranked sluice gates and masonry craftsmanship from the 1820s
- A segment of the 202-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal linking the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario
What is so special about Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa for couple trip?
- Stroll historic locks and learn 19th-century canal operations.
- Enjoy a waterside picnic with panoramic views.
- Experience a romantic illuminated kayak tour at dusk.
- Cruise on an eco-friendly electric boat guided by local narratives.
- Explore local history together at the Bytown Museum.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to explore the locks, enjoy a picnic and take a boat or kayak tour.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Walk the Ottawa Locks Self-Guiding Trail:
Follow the paved path along Locks 1–8 to watch boats raised and lowered and read interpretive panels.
Tip: Start at Patterson Creek for quieter views and bring a camera for lock operation shots.
Picnic by the Locks:
Set up at picnic tables beside the canal for a relaxed meal with water views.
Tip: Pick up a local charcuterie box nearby and arrive before noon to secure a table.
Light at Night Kayaking Tour:
Paddle a tandem kayak with LED lights after dusk to see the canal glow under the night sky.
Tip: Book online at least one week in advance and layer up for cooler evening temperatures.
Rideau Canal Electric Boat Cruise:
Board North America’s largest electric passenger vessel for a 90-minute narrated tour.
Tip: Choose an early evening departure to catch golden hour on the water.
Bytown Museum:
Explore Ottawa’s story in Canada’s oldest stone museum building beside the locks.
Tip: Buy tickets online for a skip-the-line visit and focus on the interactive canal exhibits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
- Off-peak timing: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour group crowds.
- Combined itinerary: Pair your boat cruise with the museum visit for a smooth route and fresher legs.
- Advance booking: Reserve kayak tours and boat tickets online at least one week before your visit.
Reviews of Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
OfficialG Tui
Beautiful place for a walk with your family. There are boats that need to go through so you might be lucky to spot them.
Patrick Villacorta
Was able to see the locks in action with a bunch of boats going up the canal. Visited July 2015, July 2025
Bhavik Naik
Quite relaxing place near Parliament building. The canal itself is listed in UNESCO and the surrounding is quite relaxing.
Aida
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....
Denys Savchenko
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 ...
When is the best time to visit Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa (Ottawa, Canada)?
Visit mid-May to mid-October for open locks, kayak and boat tours. In winter, skate the frozen canal for a romantic ice ribbon experience. Bring sunscreen in summer and warm layers in cooler months.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Light at Night Kayak Tour (tandem) | CAD 198 |
| Electric Boat Cruise (2 adults) | CAD 96 |
| Bytown Museum admission (2 adults) | CAD 18 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 312 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Address: Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa (Ottawa)?
About Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 613-237-230910 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities