Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa

The locks are staffed and operational from mid-May through mid-October, typically 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM during peak season (late June through Labour Day) and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in shoulder months. The locks are gravity-fed and hand-operated—watching the process takes about 15–20 minutes per cycle.

The Skateway typically opens in January and closes in early to mid-March, depending on ice conditions. The NCC posts daily ice conditions on its website. Skate rentals are available at several points along the canal, including near the locks at Confederation Park.

There is no dedicated parking lot at the locks. The closest paid parking is on Queen Street or in the World Exchange Plaza garage (5-minute walk). Metered street parking is available along Elgin Street and Wellington Street. From Adam’s Airport Inn, a rideshare takes about 20 minutes.

Yes. Multi-use pathways run along both sides of the canal from the locks south to Dow’s Lake and beyond. The eastern path connects to the ByWard Market, while the western side links to Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre. The full canal pathway stretches over 7 kilometres.

The Rideau Canal locks are approximately 20 minutes by car from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn, which is 7 minutes from the terminal, take the Airport Parkway north to Colonel By Drive. The locks are at the northern terminus of the canal, adjacent to the Château Laurier and Parliament Hill.