★★★★★ 4.7(1,514 reviews)10.6 km from hotel~21 min drive
Manually operated locks on a 19th-century canal popular for kayaking & cycling tours, plus camping.
Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa is located 10.6 km from Adam's Airport Inn (21 minutes by car). Rated 4.7 stars with 1,514 Google reviews.
Quick Info
Duration1–2 hours
CostFree to visit & walk the locks
Best TimeMay–October for boat traffic; January–March for skating.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
21 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 21 minutes by car.
Why Guests Love This
The Ottawa Locks are where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River, right below Parliament Hill—one of the most photographed spots in the capital. Watching the 19th-century hand-cranked locks operate is genuinely fascinating, and the surrounding pathways are ideal for a short walk between sightseeing stops. In winter, this stretch becomes the gateway to the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. It’s free, accessible year-round, and just 20 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn.
Details
AddressByward Market - Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada
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.
Is the Rideau Canal Skateway open in winter?
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.
Is there parking near the Rideau Canal locks?
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.
Can I walk or cycle along the canal?
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.
How do I get to Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 from Ottawa Airport?
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.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 21 minutes from Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
