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Common Ground News

Why is the Rideau Canal drained?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on March 14, 2026

Why is the Rideau Canal drained?

From mid-October until mid-November, water levels in the Rideau Canal system, between Ottawa Locks and Burritt's Rapids, will be decreased to winter storage levels by adjusting dams and spillways in the Lower Rideau Watershed in order to prepare for freeze up and to reduce the possibility of spring flooding.

Thereof, what is the purpose of the Rideau Canal?

The canal was built to protect Canada from an American invasion. That threat became reality during the War of 1812, which proved how vulnerable the St. Lawrence lifeline was to attack from the south. At the end of the war in 1815 the Royal Engineers arrived to explore a route through the Rideau Lakes.

Additionally, is Rideau Canal open for skating 2020? The Rideau Canal Skateway will be open to the public for the 2020-2021 winter season! Each winter, from roughly January to late February or early March, Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into an epic urban skating rink.

Besides, how do they flood the Rideau Canal?

The weight of the snow also depresses the ice surface. Just removing the snow is not enough to turn the Rideau Canal into the world's largest skating rink. After the snow is cleared away, the ice surface is swept and flooded to smooth out the cracks.

Where does the Rideau Canal start and end?

Rideau Canal (or Waterway), 202 km long, links the Ottawa River at Ottawa with Lake Ontario at Kingston. Conceived as the major component of an alternative route for military purposes between Montréal and Kingston, the Rideau Canal was first proposed as the War of 1812 drew to its close.

Can you swim in the Rideau Canal?

A federal regulation states that, unless otherwise designated, no one can “dive, jump, scuba-dive, swim or bathe in a navigation channel” of a historic canal like the Rideau Canal. This regulation has been enforced in recent years.

Is the Rideau Canal frozen?

The National Capital Commission is advising the public to stay off the frozen Rideau Canal, warning its icy surface remains dangerously thin.

Where does the Rideau Canal start?

Ottawa River

What does Rideau mean?

: a small ridge or mound of earth : ground slightly elevated.

How long is the Rideau Canal in Ottawa?

202 km

Where do you park for Rideau Canal skating?

Paid parking
  • Rideau Centre.
  • National Arts Centre (50 metres from the NAC access ramp)
  • Ottawa City Hall (paid parking on weekdays, 6 am to 6 pm )
  • University of Ottawa campus, parking lot K.
  • Intersection of Cooper and Cartier streets.
  • Intersection of O'Connor Street and Pretoria Avenue.
  • Lansdowne Park.

Is Rideau Canal Skateway open?

The 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway is free and accessible 24/7, typically from January to March. The NCC says it normally gets one million visitors per year.

Where should I go this weekend in Ottawa?

The top attractions to visit in Ottawa are:
  • Parliament Hill and Buildings.
  • Canadian War Museum.
  • Rideau Canal National Historic Site.
  • Canadian Museum of Nature.
  • National Gallery of Canada.

Are dogs allowed on the Rideau Canal Skateway?

Leashed dogs are allowed at the parks, the canal, on the trail, and stops along the way.

What is Ottawa known for?

What is Ottawa Most Famous For?
  • Start the day at Parliament Hill.
  • Boat along Rideau Canal.
  • Shop at Byward Market.
  • Must-See: Notre-Dame Cathedral.
  • Walk among dinosaurs at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
  • Try BeaverTails pastry.
  • Take in the view from Peace Tower.
  • Must-See: Canadian War Museum.

Where can you skate in Ottawa?

Best ice skating experiences in Ottawa
  • Rideau Canal Skateway. The 7.8-kilometre (4.8-mile) Rideau Canal Skateway is one of the world's most famous skating sites, since it's been designated by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink!
  • Rink of Dreams.
  • Lansdowne Skating Court.
  • Brewery Creek Skating Rink.

How do Rideau Canal locks work?

Valves are opened on the downstream side of the lock which lets water out of the lock. As the water drains, the boat floats down. When the water in the lock matches the water level of the downstream water, the gates can be opened and the boat can move out.