Rideau Canal - Free Audio Guide

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Rideau Canal, Capital, Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, Canada

DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The Rideau Canal is a historic waterway in Canada, stretching 202 kilometers and linking the Ottawa River in Ottawa to the Cataraqui River and Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario. Completed in 1832, it is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built for military defense after the War of 1812, the canal became a vital commercial route for shipping timber, grain, and other goods. Over the years, as railways took precedence for freight transport, the canal transitioned to a focus on recreation. Today, it is primarily used for pleasure boating and is operated by Parks Canada from May to October. One of the canal's most popular features is its winter transformation into the world's largest skating rink, attracting visitors to skate along its scenic route through downtown Ottawa. The canal also serves as a key component of the Great Loop, a major navigation route connecting the eastern United States and Canada. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, explore the picturesque locks, and learn about the canal's rich history through various historical sites and memorials along its banks. The Rideau Canal not only reflects Canada's engineering heritage but also plays a significant role in the cultural and recreational life of the region.