The Rideau Canal

The Canal

The history of the canal dates back to an ugly period in US/Canadian relations. We're harking all the way back to the War of 1812.  During that time, British North America and the United States were still experiencing some border tensions along the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Concerned that continuing tension could lead to a blockade, which would shut off all water traffic through the Great Lakes, the idea of a separate canal was conceived.

This canal was designed to connect Ottawa and Kingston through a series of existing Lakes, Streams, and Rivers.  The resulting canal was 202 KM long.  It has 47 locks, and was the first canal in North America to be built to handle steam boat traffic.  The canal took 5 years to complete - from 1827-1832.

These beautiful Maple leaves were everywhere!

Today, the canal is used for recreational purposes.  In the winter, when the canal is frozen over, you can find ice skaters zooming up and down.  During the summer, you will find hikers, bikers, and skaters traveling up and down the paths that parallel the canal.

The Rideau Canal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.



(Source: signs along the canal, an interpreter at the locks, and Canada's History: http://www.canadashistory.ca/Magazine/Online-Extension/Articles/Canal-Rideau)

The canal at the Ottawa end - just past the Locks, across the street from our hotel.

This beautiful bridge is a rebuilt bridge.  Originally, it was a drawbridge.  That part in the middle went straight UP!

The view from the top of the bridge down the locks to the Rideau River.  To put this in perspective, Parliament is just to my left here - and Quebec is just across the river.