Rideau Canal & Waterway (1832)
United Nations (UNESCO) World Heritage Site
2007 marked the 175th anniversary of completion of the Rideau Waterway from Ottawa to Kingston. The Rideau Waterway is a National Historical Site of Canada. In 2008 it was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations (UNESCO).
The canal was built to connect the rivers and lakes from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario. The Rideau River runs through the heart of Manotick. It is a recreational jewel used in summer for fishing, boating, swimming, and shore-side picnics, and festivals. When much of it turns to ice in winter, it is used for walking, skiing, snowmobiling, skating and ice fishing. Phone the Rideau Canal office at 1-888-773-8888 (toll-free in North America) or email RideauCanal-info@pc.gc.ca.
| "Boating in Canada" | Other Rideau Sites |
|---|---|
|
Ken Watson's Rideau Canal site History of the Rideau Canal by Ken Watson Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Rideau River (Museum of Nature) Rideau Nautical Modelers (R/C club)
Speeded up video of Parliament,
Byward Market, Rideau locks |
Canal Regulations
Along the Rideau Waterway, you will see signs that clearly identify no wake zones and speed limits. Even where there are no marked zones, boaters are responsible for damages caused by their wake. They also should go slow in narrow channels, near other boats, swimmers or docks. In Ontario (and most provinces) there is a 10 kph (6 mph) speed limit within 30 metres (100 feet) from shore. The maximum fine $500 or six months imprisonment. (Canada Shipping Act: Boating Restriction Regulations)
The Ottawa Police Marine Unit patrols the waterway in the Northern Sector of the Rideau Canal to protect shoreline and ecology and ensure safety for boaters and residents. Parks Canada Wardens and the Ottawa Police Marine Unit have the authority to lay charges under the Historic Canals Regulations. Most boaters have been charged for failure to comply with a posted no wake speed sign. Email Mary Ann Stienberg, Prevention Officer, Parks Canada (613-283-7199 x 243).
Speeds are usually shown in km/hr. 8 km/hr is about 5 mph; 12 km/hr is 7.5 mph. For speed and metric conversions go to the Boating in Canada's Conversion Tool.
New no wake zones:
- From Long Island Lockstation to approximately 250 yards upstream of the locks
- Overlapping with existing speed zone both sides of the Manotick Bridge to approximately 100 yards upstream of Mahogany Harbour
- Manotick Marina downstream to Collins Point
- Downstream end of Sanders Island (in front of Long Island
Marina) to Kars Bridge
Additional zones under review include Black Rapids to Mooney's Bay,
and upstream of Ecolands Park to Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
Improved signs in existing zones:
- Manotick Marina to first bend in channel upstream of Kelly's Landing
- Kars Bridge to downstream side of Hurst Marina
Click for details