The Ottawa Locks 1 to 8 regulate the flow of the city’s signature Rideau Canal as it flows south from the Ottawa River.
The hand-cranked locks provide a gradient of 24 meters (79 feet) on the canal, which runs for more than 200 km (124 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, a stunning example of 19th-century ingenuity and engineering.
In winter, the 8 km (5-mile) stretch of canal running through the center of the city freezes over, providing the world’s longest skating rink. In summer, walkers and cyclers promenade along the canal’s banks.
One of the best ways to see the canal locks and Ottawa is aboard a scenic canal or river cruise.
Latest Reviews
Review by peter m, October 2012
Doing what: Ottawa City Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Cruise
very good included boat trip as well'but strange ticket only valid for one day other citys tours valid for up to three days?
Review by Edith D, August 2012
Doing what: Ottawa City Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Cruise
We really enjoyed the hop on hop off bus tour - so much that we did the whole tour twice! The guides were informative and entertaining. The boat cruise on the Ottawa River was very relaxing - the guide here was a bit hard to understand as she talked very quickly. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone.
Review by Grace J, July 2012
Doing what: Ottawa City Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Cruise
Enjoyed both the bus trip and the Ottawa river trip very much. Well worth the money and a great way to see the beautiful city of Ottawa. Added bonus of getting picked up from our hotel in the morning. Thank you.
The Ottawa Locks 1 to 8 run from the Chateau Laurier hotel to Carlton University. The locks operate from May to October.




