Courtesy excerpts from Parks Canada publication "Rideau Canal"

The Rideau Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and canal cuts. Winding its way through varying landscapes, the Rideau Canal stretches a distance of 202 km. from Kingston, at the east end of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, Canada's capital city.

The Rideau Canal was conceived in the wake of the War of 1812. It was to be a war-time supply route to Kingston and the Great Lakes. If the Americans had attempted another invasion, the international border along the St. Lawrence River would not have been safe. The canal provided a secure water route for troops and supplies from Montreal to reach the settlements of Upper Canada and the strategic naval dockyard at Kingston.

In 1826, England sent Lieutenant Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers to supervise canal construction. Thousands of Irish immigrants and French Canadian labourers pushed the canal route through the rough bush, swamps and rocky wilderness of Eastern Ontario. Stonemasons cut the limestone and sandstone blocks for the locks. Much of this original work can still be seen and is in use today.

Completed in 1832, the canal was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. From Lake Ontario at Kingston, the Rideau Canal begins its ascent of the Cataraqui River system. On its way, it passes through the Cataraqui Marsh, an extensive wetland in the St. Lawrence Lowlands. At Kingston Mills, the most southerly lockstation, boats climb the flight of locks past towering granite cliffs onto the Frontenac Axis. This rugged landscape, dominated by rocky outcrops and sculptured valleys, is part of the Canadian Shield. From lake to lake, the canal rises to its highest point in Upper Rideau Lake,

At the summit, the scenery changes. The canal begins its gentle descent through Big Rideau Lake and the Rideau River. It passes through the farmlands of the Smiths Falls limestone plain and meanders peacefully through shallow marshes, alive with birds and other wildlife.

Equally inviting are the towns and villages along the canal. The historical and architectural heritage of these settlements reflects the 167 year history of the canal. These towns offer unrivalled country hospitality and numerous festivities to entertain visitors.

The remaining portion of the canal provides a pleasant transition from rural Ontario to the urban setting of the nation's capital. From Hog's Back to the Ottawa River, the canal forms the heart of Ottawa's parkland, culminating in the majestic staircase of eight locks at the foot of Parliament Hill.

Today, the early history of the Rideau Canal is carefully maintained. It is presented by canal staff who illustrate the different periods of canal growth - military, commercial and recreational. Explore this heritage through exhibits, museums, restored historic buildings, publications, trails and interpretive programs, including demonstrations by interpreters in period costume.