The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretching 202 km in length from Kingston to Ottawa. The canal snakes through Ottawa’s downtown core emptying into the Ottawa River by the Ontario-Quebec border.
In the summer, pleasure boats make their way through the canal by the lock system. The canal is also frequented by kayaks, canoes and paddle boats that can be rented at Dow’s Lake. The canal is also lined by bike paths, making bike riding a popular tourist activity in the summer. VeloGo is Ottawa’s official bike share service.
In the winter, the canal turns into the world’s longest skating rink. All year round, the pathway alongside the canal is a popular trail for walking, running and biking.