Ottawa Locks
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
The Ottawa Locks, at the northern end of the Rideau Canal system, are located at the base of Parliament Hill in the heart of Ottawa’s National Capital Region. There are walking paths and many attractions near Ottawa’s urban locks, which together form the largest single set of locks on the entire Rideau Canal. These locks represent an amazing engineering achievement in the middle of the Canadian wilderness of the early 19th century and became the focus around which the city of Ottawa grew. Ottawa Locks connects the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal, it is the entry point to the canal.
Safety notice - The Rideau Canal National Historic Site - including the Ottawa Locks - is not a place for unauthorized activities like ski jumping. Lock stations are closed to the public from October 14, 2025, to May 14, 2026, and are not maintained during this period. Winter conditions can be icy and unpredictable, with concealed hazards. Unauthorized activities are prohibited under the Historic Canals Regulations. For everyone’s safety, enforcement has been increased, and violations may result in fines.
How to get here
| Name | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Locks | 3 Canal Lane, Ottawa, Ontario | Location |
Navigational data
- Distance from Ottawa: 0 km (0 mi)
- Distance from Kingston: 202.1 km (125.6 mi)
- Nautical chart: #1512 (Sheet 1)
- Number of locks: 8 in flight
- Lock length: 49.9 m (154 ft)
- Lock width: 9.7 m (33 ft)
- Average lift: 24.1 m (79.1 ft)
Facilities and services
- Overnight mooring - upper side
(2 nights max) - Day use docking - upper side
- Day use washrooms
- Exhibit
- Museum
- Potable water
- Shore power (upper side)
- Visitor information
- Self-guiding trail
History
The Ottawa Locks are the northern entrance to the Rideau Canal. In September of 1826 By chose the natural ravine where the present day Ottawa Locks are situated as the northern gateway to the canal. With this decision, the community that is present-day Ottawa was established.
Read more history about this lockstationGoogle Street View
Related links
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- Hogs Back
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- Long Island
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- Smiths Falls Detached
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