COVID-19 and your visit to the Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

What's Open (updated May 20, 2022)

The Rideau Canal is open for navigation.

Camping during COVID-19 (updated on May 16, 2022)

Capacity for camping at the lockstation is at the discretion of the Lockmaster who must consider the requirement for appropriate social distancing.
Bookings for oTENTIks can be made on the Parks Canada Agency Reservations System.
Unfortunately, as a result of COVID-19 mitigations, drive-up camping will not be offered on the Rideau Canal until further notice.

Your safety when visiting

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members is of the utmost importance to the Agency.
Lockage: Boaters are expected to be in full care and control of their vessels and to maintain 2 metres distance from staff and other boaters at all times during lockage. Boaters requiring assistance with lockage must identify their concerns to lockstaff prior to entering the chamber. The appropriate type and level of assistance to be rendered will be determined by lockstaff.

Mask Recommended for Service: Mask use is recommended for visitors in situations where they will be within 2 meters of Parks Canada team members or other visitors, including if they require assistance when locking through. Parks Canada staff may elect to wear masks or use boat hooks and other means to try and maintain adequate social distance. Masks are also recommended for the public’s use of washrooms at lock stations and during sales transactions. At several lock stations, temporary washroom facilities will be in place for use by the public.

Maintain Social Distancing: Visitors must respect the safety of others at all times by maintaining their distance from other visitors and Parks Canada team members. Please respect the roped-off areas on the lock walls that provide a safe working space for our staff.

Use Cashless Payment: For the purchase of permits, please use cashless payment whenever possible.

Share the Waterway: There are many new boaters on the waterway. Enjoy your experience on the waterways but also please always be cautious, courteous and safe.
Parks Canada’s plans for the 2022 Navigation Season are subject to change on short notice as the situation with COVID-19 evolves in order to remain consistent with public health measures. Parks Canada will communicate promptly should there be any change to the 2022 Navigation Season plans. Please follow us on social media for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider before visiting the canal this season?

Stay home and away from others in you feel sick or have been told to isolate or quarantine
Avoid closed spaces (with poor ventilation) and crowded places with people from outside of your immediate household
Follow public health advice and setting-specific measures
Consider the spread of COVID-19 in your community, including variants of concern
Consider your personal risk level, especially if you are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes
Consider the risk level of those in your immediate household
Consider the impact on your livelihood and personal circumstances if you need to quarantine or isolate
Consider limiting the use of alcohol and other substances that could impair your judgment and reduce your ability to follow public health advice

Do I need a COVID-19 test to travel on heritage waterways within Canada?

No. A negative COVID-19 test is NOT required to travel within Canadian waterways at this time. Depending on which Province you plan to visit, there may be restrictions upon entry. Please contact the visiting Province for information on their travel requirements.

Do I need to wear a mask in Rideau lockstations and other canal buildings?

Yes. You should plan to bring a mask with you. Face coverings are mandatory inside public buildings including washrooms. Again this season, sales and visitor services interactions will take outside in the open air to reduce risk to staff and visiting public alike. Public washroom use will require a mask to gain entry to canal buildings. One person or family unit at a time. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health announced a regional approach to the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed public places within their respective jurisdictions. No member of the public is permitted to enter or remain in public areas of enclosed space unless he or she is wearing a face covering/mask that securely covers their nose, mouth and chin.

For More information

Water Management

Parks Canada’s water management responsibilities on the Rideau Canal are considered part of the Agency’s critical services to the public and continue to be carried out on a 24/7 basis with the same level of commitment in terms of resources and effort.

Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on this website. The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water level of lakes along both the Rideau Canal.

The primary source of relevant local flood forecasting information for residents and visitors continues to be their respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Infrastructure projects

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members is of the utmost importance to the Agency. Parks Canada’s infrastructure program is considered part of the Agency’s critical services to the public. We will continue to communicate if there are any changes in project status or schedule that impact the public.

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