Real property, occupation and development
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
The environmental health of the Waterway is affected by activities on lands adjacent to the Waterway which are owned and managed by private and public landowners, First Nations or the Provincial Crown. These adjacent landowners are encouraged to share the Waterway’s principles for developing and managing in a sustainable manner, in order to protect the Waterway’s cultural and natural resources for future generations.
Permits
Apply for a permit related to installation, repair, replacement, relocation and removal of structures.
Dredging and underwater cultural resources
Information on the process of applying for a dredge permit.
Licences
Information for any person who occupies the land in a National Historic Site.
Development and land use planning
The Ontario Planning Act and the role of Parks Canada, Municipalities and Conservation Authorities.
Managing aquatic vegetation on the Rideau Canal
Controlling growth and applying for permits to remove vegetation.
Realty fees
Full list of fees for individuals and commercial water lots.
Legislation and policy
Historic Canals Regulations, Policies for In-Water and Shoreline Works, Management Planning
Licensed local operators
Looking for an unforgettable experience on the Rideau Canal? Check out these trusted local operators that offer unique tours, activities and rentals.
Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy
Following the recommendation of the World Heritage Committee, Parks Canada committed to undertaking an assessment of the visual character of the Canal...
The Rideau Canal is a recreational paradise, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its 202 km length, 24 lockstations and surrounding communities. Designated as a National Historic Site, a Canadian Heritage River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the waterway crosses a varied landscape, changing from the vibrant urban centres of Ottawa and Kingston, to farmland, small towns, cottage country and rugged wilderness.
Rideau Canal lands include the beds of the lakes, rivers and canal cuts, as well as lockstations, various islands and other upland properties. These lands were acquired for canal construction and are now primarily used for navigaton and water management purposes, for natural and cultural resource protection, for public education and for a wide variety of visitor experiences on the Rideau Canal. Certain lands are licenced or leased for municipal, commercial or private use. Policies and guidelines ensure that all such uses respect both cultural and natural values, and provide those wishing to use the lands with the conditions under which their use is permitted.
The environmental health of the Rideau Canal is also affected by activities on lands adjacent to the canal which are owned and managed by private and public landowners. These adjacent landowners are encouraged to share Parks Canada’s principles for developing and managing in a sustainable manner, in order to protect the Rideau Canal’s cultural and natural resources for future generations. Managing and protecting the canal is a shared responsibility between Parks Canada and these neighbours. Municipalities play a lead role in protecting shorelines through official plans and zoning by-laws.
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