Plan your visit
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
The Rideau Canal runs between Ottawa and Kingston in Southern Ontario, both easily accessible by car and public transportation from Toronto (260 kilometres to Kingston) and Montréal (200 kilometres to Ottawa). The length of the canal itself can be accessed by road, bicycle, on foot or by boat.
Free lockage and discounted camping and accommodations
The Canada Strong Pass is back! Enjoy free lockage and 25% off camping and roofed accommodations with Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7, 2026.
Traveller information and updates, now in one central location
NEW: Check out our new one stop shop for traveller information across the Rideau Canal. Bookmark the page to stay informed of real-time lock, bridge and service updates along your travels!
Hours of operation
The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is open annually with navigation season from May to October.
Fees
Fees for the Rideau Canal, including lockage, mooring, and camping.
Passes and permits
Seasonal and annual permits for lockage and mooring. Purchase online in advance.
Lockage and navigation
Locking through safely, nautical charts, technical data, navigational aids, real-time boater information.
Canada Strong Pass discounts on lockage, camping and accommodations
Parks Canada is offering free lockage and a 25% discount on fees for camping and roofed accommodations from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive.
Improvements and infrastructure
Status updates, info bulletins and frequently asked questions for critical projects underway across the system.
Lockstations
Travel along the historic canal system is made possible by a series of 24 lockstations staffed annually during the navigation season by specially trained...
Weather
Current weather forecast for the Rideau Canal.
Brochures and publications
Maps and brochures of the Rideau Canal
Site use for Special Events
Apply for a permit to rent space on the Rideau Canal for public and private special events.
Accessibility
Information on the accessibility services on the Rideau Canal.
How to get here
Directions
The Rideau Canal's 22 lockstations are all accessible by road, and therefore by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. The canal lockstations are generally accessible by all-season roads.
By train
VIA Rail has regular train service to the Ottawa and Smiths Falls train stations.
Facilities and services
Accessible services
Information
Gift shop
Parking
Restrooms
Electric car charging station
Picnic area
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