Rideau Canal (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rideau Canal?
What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: School-age children love watching boats in the working locks, skating the free winter rink, and riding the narrated cruise; lifejackets supplied for rentals but constant adult supervision near water is vital.
Positives:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The canal’s 19th-century locks showcase historic engineering.
- Year-Round Activities: Paddle in summer and skate in winter along the same scenic route.
- Safe, Well-Maintained Paths: Wide paved pathways and lifejackets ensure family safety.
Challenges:
- Weather-Dependent Activities: Rentals and skating close if conditions turn unsafe.
- Supervision Required: Children need close watch near water, locks, and skate rink edges.
- Peak-Time Crowds: Lockstations and docks fill up on weekends and holidays.
What is Rideau Canal?
- A historic waterway stretching 202 kilometres from Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River
- An early 19th-century engineering project featuring a series of 45 locks, dams and channels for reliable navigation
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its intact original infrastructure and stone lockstations
What is so special about Rideau Canal for with kids?
- Historic canal with eight lockstations showing 19th-century engineering.
- Family-friendly electric boat tours with live guides and free toddler tickets.
- Canoe, kayak, and pedal-boat rentals with lifejackets for safe water fun.
- World’s largest outdoor ice rink in winter with skate rentals.
- Smooth, stroller-friendly paths ideal for cycling and walking between attractions.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives families time to cruise a section of canal and explore a lockstation without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rideau Canal
Electric Boat Canal Cruise:
Board a 90-minute narrated electric boat from downtown to Dow’s Lake and back.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to secure family seating and avoid queues.
Canoe and Pedal-Boat Rentals:
Rent canoes or pedal-boats at Dow’s Lake Pavilion for shallow, child-friendly paddling.
Tip: Lifejackets are provided. Plan for one boat per two people and share smaller kids together.
Watch the Ottawa Locks:
See boats pass through the eight historic lockstations just below Parliament Hill.
Tip: Arrive by 10 AM on weekdays to see lock operation with fewer crowds.
Ice Skating on the Canal (Winter):
Glide on the world’s largest outdoor rink between January and February.
Tip: Rent skates at Rideau or Fifth boathouses. Check ice conditions and book rentals early.
Cycle or Walk the Canal Pathways:
Follow flat, paved paths from downtown to Dow’s Lake, ideal for strollers and kids on bikes.
Tip: Pack snacks and water for park bench breaks along the way.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rideau Canal
- Arrive Early: Visit locks by 10 AM on weekdays to catch boat passages with fewer people.
- Book in Advance: Reserve canal cruise tickets online to guarantee family seating.
- Pack Snacks: Bring light refreshments to avoid lines at cafés near Dow’s Lake.
Reviews of Rideau Canal
Dave Paul
Must visit place when in Ottawa. Boat ride or cycling whatever you prefer is a good way to spend time around the canal. There are not many places to park so look for parking options.
Sanmeet Gurudatta
Tourist in ottowa ! You need to see this . This is a place you want to see in summers and in winters. The vibe here is very nice - full atmosphere for a family outing plus amazing food options by the street . The walk around canal is amazing , you can take a walk by water , by the canal , you can walk over bridge to Quebec. Whole area is scenic and beautiful. You can also go for a run or ride a bi...
Brad
This is a 202 km long canal linking the Ottawa River in Ottawa to Lake Ontario in Kingston. It was constructed between 1826 to 1832 and includes 46 locks, raising boats 83 metres upstream to Rideau Lakes & lowering 50 metres back down to Kingston. The Rideau Canal is a UNESO World Heritage Site and considered to be the best preserved 'slackwater' canal in North America. You can view locks 1-8 dir...
Julius Trujillo (Growth Marketing Manager)
Looking for the ultimate Ottawa experience? The Rideau Canal is a must-see, no matter the season! This UNESCO World Heritage Site winds through the heart of the city, offering a picture-perfect backdrop for every kind of adventure. In the warmer months, set sail on a boat cruise, cast a line for some fishing, or simply stroll or cycle along scenic pathways-don’t forget to pack some snacks for the ...
David
It’s a canal of historic importance to Canada. There’s not much to do about it though, especially if it’s not frozen for skating. And I was only really able to get subpar pictures from the sides
When is the best time to visit Rideau Canal (Ottawa, Canada)?
Summer: canoe or kayak with provided lifejackets. Spring: view 300,000 tulips by Dow’s Lake. Fall: cycle paths for fall colors. Winter: skate on the world’s largest outdoor rink; book skate rentals early.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Electric Boat Cruise (per adult) | CAD 48 |
| Electric Boat Cruise (per child) | CAD 36 |
| Canoe Rentals (2 boats, 1 hr) | CAD 30 |
| Park Snacks | CAD 20 |
| Parking Fee (2 hrs) | CAD 10 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 144 |
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
Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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