Title: Rideau Canal in Rideau Township | Expedia.co.uk

[Rideau Canal Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Rideau-Canal-Hotels.0-l6072521-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Rideau Canal Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Rideau-Canal.d6072521.Car-Hire-Guide)[Rideau Township Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Rideau-Township.d767313022388334592.Holidays-City-Breaks)

# Rideau Canal

![Rideau Canal featuring a city, street scenes and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072521/ab569d23-f9e7-4732-9b94-05c7b64fe2fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Rideau Canal featuring a city, street scenes and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072521/ab569d23-f9e7-4732-9b94-05c7b64fe2fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Rideau Canal which includes a city, snow and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072521/1701e7eb-946c-4306-9bf8-d767a84f1958.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Rideau Canal featuring a river or creek, a bridge and boating](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072521/106a9b05-c125-4a8f-959d-6e85a3ef07b1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Rideau Canal showing a bridge and ice skating as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072521/436f710f-6ee6-401f-bb9f-e08db8944371.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Rideau Canal

Activities

Reviews

---

---

#### This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.

The Rideau Canalis a water channel that runs 126 miles (202 kilometers) between Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario. Built between 1827 and 1832, the canal is North America’s oldest continuously operated canal system. Today the canal is the scenic and recreational centerpiece of Ottawa, filling with boats in summer and skaters during winter.

Ottawa’s parks, gardens, museums and scenic walkways line the canal. In the summer months, the canal is a thriving waterway. Go boating, take a cruise or walk, jog or rollerblade along the sidewalks. At Dows Lake at the southern end of the canal, rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe.

Combine your canal visit with a trip to one of the many cultural attractions along the waterway. Start at the northern entrance with the Parliament Buildings, then visit the Bytown Museum and learn how the canal was built. Explore the National Arts Centre and enjoy the views it has of the canal. At Dows Lake, walk through the ornamental gardens in the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm. The wetland areas that were created as a result of its construction are now home to a diverse array of plants, animals and fish.

For about 50 days during winter, you can ski or snowshoe along the canal when it freezes into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink. Rent skates and sleds from one of the handy locations along the canal. You’ll find washrooms, heated changing rooms and local vendors selling BeaverTails fried dough and beverages along the way too.

Rideau Canalruns south through the center of Ottawa. Boat access is via the Ottawa River in the north. In winter, the skateway can be accessed via ramps at the Mackenzie King Bridge, Fifth Avenue (Queen Elizabeth Drive side), Bronson Avenue (Colonel By Drive) and Dows Lake Pavilion. Parking is available at a number of locations.

## Plan a trip to see Rideau Canal

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![SOHO Residences Lisgar](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10120000/10118700/10118678/ccb1019b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### SOHO Residences Lisgar

Downtown Ottawa

£757

per person

8 Apr - 13 Apr

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Ottawa (YOW)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (448 reviews)

Self-check-in was easy. Thanks for texting me prior to my arrival that my apartment number had changed and texting me instructions, as well as sending the information via email. When I entered the unit, some lights and both TVs were on; it was welcoming and warm. The unit's furnace was on which was nice since the daytime temp was in the -20s Celsius upon my arrival. The 7th floor one bedroom apartment was very clean and modern (north facing, no balcony), and included kitchen cookware, microwave, kettle, toaster, Keurig (with two coffee pods), dishware and utensils, cutting board, Wi-Fi, two TVs (Rogers service), fridge with bottom freezer, dishwasher, compact washer & dryer. Lots of cupboard and drawer space. Modern bathroom, King sized bed with two end tables and closet storage. All appliances and the furnace were easy to operate. The unit was cleaned once during my two-week stay which was fine with me. There was a broom and dustpan for my use. I never used the dishwasher. Included: laundry detergent, dryer sheets and dish soap, hand soap, small bottles of hand cream, shampoo and conditioner, and extra toilet paper, tissues and paper towel. Garbage chute access on the same floor, two elevators (with security cameras) and bright hallways. The central location was fantastic for a solo traveler with no vehicle. The building itself was clean, bright and quiet. Thanks again to Kaity and the team. I look forward to staying there again soon!

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

![Lofts du Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/52000000/51850000/51840800/51840784/bf0fee71_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Lofts du Village

£931

per person

8 Apr - 13 Apr

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Ottawa (YOW)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (522 reviews)

Super cool & very spacious room. Comfy bed and loved the shower!

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

![Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37230000/37220300/37220234/64d0236b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience

Downtown Ottawa

£1,252

per person

8 Apr - 13 Apr

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Ottawa (YOW)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)

Excellent service, gold lounge and comfortable beds!

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

## Reviews of Rideau Canal

4.4

Top destination

5 - Excellent

14

4 - Good

16

3 - Okay

1

2 - Disappointing

0

1 - Terrible

0

### 4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was frozen over but too cold to skate on

### Popular places to visit

![Ottawa_LansdownePark_6153304-3](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6153304/6c86bf25-28ad-4e64-88a9-8e63f9591ce4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Lansdowne Park

Lansdowne Park is just one of the places to see in Ottawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Lansdowne-Park-Ottawa.d6153304.Attraction)

![Ottawa_TDPlaceStadium_6072535-7](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6072535/089f5ad4-af26-425b-8ee1-2ac9f02ddb5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### TD Place Stadium

Catch an event at TD Place Stadium during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/TD-Place-Stadium-Ottawa.d6072535.Attraction)

![Canada](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4025/f859a2cf-8134-4793-956b-c797d6dae4a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Elgin Street

Take the family on an outing to Elgin Street during your trip to Ottawa. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Elgin-Street-Ottawa.d6250745.Attraction)

![Ottawa_CommissionersPark_6250761-3](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6250761/0695b4fb-7fc5-45de-939d-e19006b3fc24.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Commissioners Park

After visiting Commissioners Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ottawa. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Commissioners-Park-Ottawa-Division.d6250761.Attraction)

![Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of downtown Ottawa in Canada. With its varied selection of shops, restaurants and street artists it’s a great place to be.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4025/6b93c189-32e2-4892-88bc-137670dc86a3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bank Street Promenade

Bank Street Promenade is just one of the places to see in Ottawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Bank-Street-Promenade.d6250746.Holidays-City-Breaks)

#### Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne

You can take time to visit Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne during your travels to Ottawa. Discover the area's festivals and shops. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cineplex-Cinemas-Lansdowne-Glebe.d941654157694517248.Attraction)

---

## Top Hotel Deals

## Check availability on hotels close to Rideau Canal

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15)[14 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=2026-02-15&endDate=2026-02-16)[15 Feb - 16 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=2026-02-15&endDate=2026-02-16)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6072521&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)

![The Business Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/900000/896800/896730/c3a9cf93_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Business Inn

180 MacLaren Street Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-The-Business-Inn.h896730.Hotel-Information)

![Fairmont Chateau Laurier](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3300/3283/25398c6b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

1 Rideau St Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Fairmont-Chateau-Laurier.h3283.Hotel-Information)

![Lord Elgin Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/528300/528265/f7a6531d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Lord Elgin Hotel

100 Elgin St Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Lord-Elgin-Hotel.h528265.Hotel-Information)

![Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/12500/12407/a9057250_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

2 Montcalm Street Gatineau QC

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Wyndham-Gatineau-Ottawa-Conference-Centre.h12407.Hotel-Information)

![ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15260000/15259100/15259047/5b53533a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

325 Dalhousie Street Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Andaz-Ottawa-Byward-Market-A-Concept-By-Hyatt.h15259047.Hotel-Information)

![Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36770000/36769100/36769047/1111bb90_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

235 KING EDWARD AVENUE Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Suites-Ottawa-Downtown-East.h36769047.Hotel-Information)

![Les Suites Hotel Ottawa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16000/16000/6f352d92_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

130 Besserer St Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Les-Suites-Hotel-Ottawa.h16000.Hotel-Information)

![Cartier Place Suite Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/60000/53000/52951/b19d1ea9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Cartier Place Suite Hotel

180 Cooper Street Ottawa ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Cartier-Place-Suite-Hotel.h52951.Hotel-Information)

![AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112620000/112618000/112617969/37e86b93_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

201 RIDEAU STREET OTTAWA ON

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-AC-Hotel-BY-Marriott-Ottawa-Dwtn.h112617969.Hotel-Information)

[See all 1,106 properties in Rideau Canal](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6072521)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

[Book now](https://expedia.co.uk/cheap-deals?rfrr=DX_POI_Spring_PROMO_6072521)