Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal, also known as the Rideau Waterway, flows from the city Ottawa, Ontario on the Ottawa River to the city of Kingston, Ontario on Lake Ontario. The Rideau Canal includes sections of the Rideau River and the Cataraqui River, as well as several lakes including the Lower, Upper and Big Rideau lakes. The Rideau Canal was completed in 1832 and continues to be operated today. Many of the locks are still hand-operated. Its construction was supervised by Lieutenant Colonel John By. The plan to build a secure supply route from Montreal to Kingston was inspired by the War of 1812. Today, the watercraft travelling the Rideau Canal are mainly recreational.

In winter, a section of the Rideau Canal which passes through the city of Ottawa becomes the world's longest skating rink.