Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy boats rising in locks, museum hands-on displays and safe paved viewing paths, but parents must watch for unfenced water and there is no playground or lifeguard.
Positives:
- Free on-site facilities: Public washrooms, drinking water taps, and picnic tables are available at no cost.
- Educational trail: The self-guiding interpretive trail offers level ground and fun history panels.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: There are few trees along the canal; bring hats, sunscreen, and extra water on sunny days.
- Weekend crowds: Summer weekends fill picnic areas and viewing spots; consider a weekday morning visit.
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 with kids?
- Watch boats rise and fall in the 19th-century locks.
- Picnic by the water with free tables and refill taps.
- Enjoy a narrated 90-minute electric boat cruise (kids under 3 ride free).
- Explore hands-on exhibits at the family-friendly Bytown Museum.
- Rent a family canoe or kayak and pass through a lock.
- Follow a stroller-accessible interpretive trail with kids.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives time to watch boats, picnic, take a canal cruise, and explore the museum without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Watch Boats Lock Through:
Observe large boats rising and lowering in the historic flight of eight locks.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before a scheduled lock cycle to get a clear view along the paved path.
Family Picnic by the Canal:
Use picnic tables and grassy areas alongside the water for a relaxed meal.
Tip: Bring snacks, a kite or ball, and refill bottles at the nearby water taps.
Rideau Canal Electric Boat Cruise:
Enjoy a 90-minute narrated tour on North America’s largest electric vessel.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance; kids under 3 ride free and departure is next to the locks.
Bytown Museum Family Visit:
Explore hands-on exhibits on Ottawa’s history in a kid-friendly museum.
Tip: Buy the $21 family pass and use the accessible washroom for stroller storage and changing.
Family Canoe or Kayak Lockage:
Rent a canoe or tandem kayak and pass through one of the locks.
Tip: Pay $1.25 per foot for each lock or buy a season pass; portage gear to save time.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
- Start early: Arrive before 10 AM to secure picnic tables and unobstructed views at the locks.
- Combine tickets: Book the boat cruise and museum pass together online to save time in lines.
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)?
The locks operate mid-May to mid-October for summer activities. In winter, ice turns the canal into a free skating rink—rent skates nearby for family fun.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Rideau Canal Cruise (2 adults, 2 children) | CAD 168 |
| Bytown Museum Family Pass | CAD 21 |
| Picnic Supplies | CAD 20 |
| Canoe Rental (1 hr) | CAD 50 |
| Lock Passage Fee (one lock) | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 279 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Address: Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada
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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
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