Lock & Paddle
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Thank you to all the amazing paddlers who helped load 232 canoes and kayaks into Hartwells in Ottawa. You made Lock & Paddle 2026 unforgettable.
Paddle into the lock alongside a flash mob of colourful canoes and kayaks, and descend through the locks to the sounds of laughter and music. Make new memories with friends and family with your paddles up at Hartwells in Ottawa.
Hartwells Lockstation
(901 Hartwells Locks Lane, Ottawa, ON)
Other Lock & Paddle events:
- Trent-Severn Waterway - Lock 21 (Peterborough)
- Lachine Canal - Saint-Gabriel Lock (Montreal)
Rules and requirements
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- No stand up paddleboards;
- No inflatable vessels (stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or otherwise);
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Smoke-free event;
- Cannabis-free event;
- Alcohol-free event;
- No pets on boats;
- No throwing beach balls or other objects inside the locks;
- Participants must always remain seated;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be permitted to enter the lock chambers.
What to bring
Note: This is a rain or shine event. Wait times inside the lock can be long, so bring protection against the elements. Dress for the weather.
- Canoe or kayak
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each paddler must be worn
- Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, watertight flashlight, and bailer for each boat
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water bottle
- A smile!
Gear and rental options
Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Check out these local rental options:
-
Jacques-Cartier Park (Escape Tourism rentals)
(501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Pkwy, Ottawa, Ontario) -
Expeditions Wakefield (Rentals)
(721 Ch Riverside, Wakefield, Quebec) -
Dow’s Lake Pavilion (Rentals)
(1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario) -
Ottawa Canoe Outfitters (Longer Term Rentals)
(Call or text 613-794-3773 to obtain a quote for your next trip) -
Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak (Rentals)
(4245 ON-17 Ottawa, Ontario) -
Petrie Island Marina (Rentals)
(1009 Tweddle Road, Ottawa, Ontario) -
Drifters Outdoors Canoe & Kayak Rentals (Rentals)
(286 Riverview Lane RR#1, Kemptville, Ontario) -
Rideau River Provincial Park (Rentals)
(2680 Donnelly Drive, Kemptville, Ontario) -
Paddlefit (Rentals)
(Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec)
Media
Want to share your amazing Lock & Paddle photos? Use the #LockandPaddle hashtag on your favorite social media platform and let the world see your paddling adventures!
Lock & Paddle 2024
Media requests
Looking to cover Lock & Paddle for your audience? Reach out to rideau@pc.gc.ca for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions, please email us at: rideau@pc.gc.ca
What is Lock & Paddle?
Since 2016, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event on the Trent-Severn Waterway, bringing paddlers of all skill levels together to pack the locks in a one-day celebration of Canada’s historic waterways. In 2024, the event expanded to the Rideau Canal for the first time, making it an even bigger tradition for paddlers across the region. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or brand new to the water, Lock & Paddle is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
Do I need to register for Lock & Paddle?
No! For Lock & Paddle, participants are not required to register in advance of the event. However, we will have information stations on site should you have any questions during the event.
Can I participate with a Stand Up Paddleboard?
No. Stand up paddleboards (SUP) are not recommended on the waterway due to increased boat traffic, and are prohibited in all locks.
Do we still have to pay lockage fees?
No. Lockage will be free at Hartwells and Hogs Back for all participants in Lock & Paddle on Saturday, August 15. Additionally, enjoy free lockage across the entire Rideau Canal until September 7th as part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative.
Can I bring my pet?
For safety reasons, and the comfort of fellow paddlers, no pets are permitted in your paddlecraft during the event.
Can I participate in an inflatable kayak, canoe, raft, or other inflatable vessel?
No. Inflatable vessels are not permitted at this event.
Once we go down the lock and out in our paddle craft, can we keep paddling?
Yes. You can keep paddling to Dows Lake if you choose to. Or you can wait for all the paddlecraft to have gone down, and we will start the process over, but in the other direction.
After we paddle down the locks, how do I get back to my car?
You can paddle to your original launch location. If you went through Hogs Back, you will need to paddle back to Hogs Back and either lock through or portage around the lock. If you used the drop-off option at Hartwells, you would leave your canoe or kayak at the paddlecraft check-in and you would need to walk back to your car then return for your equipment.
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