Bulletins

SMITHS FALLS, Ontario – May 12, 2025 – Parks Canada is pleased to welcome all visitors to the 194th navigation season on the Rideau Canal—Canada’s oldest continuously operated canal system. This year, we are also proud to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rideau Canal’s designation as a National Historic Site of Canada.

The Rideau Canal—a Canadian Heritage River, National Historic Site, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures designated site —connects Kingston and the National Capital Region in Ottawa. Every year, more than a million visitors experience its beauty, natural heritage, and history.

Lock & Paddle returns to the Rideau Canal! On July 19, join paddlers from Ottawa, Peterborough, and Montreal for a free mass paddling event to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day. All skill levels are welcome—check our website for more details.

Returning this year is the popular and complimentary Learn-to-Paddle program at Hartwells Lock, running five days a week, Thursday to Monday, in July and August. Keep an eye on our website as details will be shared as they become available.

Plan Your Visit

• Hours of Operation:
  • May 16 – June 19: Mon-Thurs 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Fri-Sun & Victoria Day (May 19) 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • June 20 – Sept 1: Mon-Thurs 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | Fri-Sun & holidays 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Sept 2 – Oct 13: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Sat-Sun & Thanksgiving (Oct 13) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Last Lockage: To ensure passage before closing, boaters must arrive at the designated blue line at least 30 minutes before closing at single lockstations. At lockstations with multiple locks, allow 30 minutes per lock chamber. At swing bridges (including Brass Point Bridge), arrive 20 minutes before closing.

Stay a Little Longer
For overnight accommodations beyond our mooring options, the canal offers reservable campsites at Kilmarnock, Newboro, and Beveridges lockstations, and unique oTENTik stays at Upper Nicholsons, Upper Beveridges and Upper Brewers lockstations. Reserve online.

Historic accommodations are available at Beveridges, Newboro, and Davis lockstations. Reservations can be made through Rideau Lakes Cottages at rideaulakescottages.com.

Permits
For information on seasonal lockage and mooring permits, visit our website before departure. Permits are also available at many lockstations upon arrival.

LaSalle Causeway Notice
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has installed a temporary modular bridge at the LaSalle Causeway. The main navigation channel under the modular bridge will open for vessels requiring more than 16’ vertical clearance on a fixed schedule. Please visit our website for the full 2025 schedule.