ottawa locks

heathermR3657AV

The beauty of the lock system on the Rideau Canal system as it wends its way through Ottawa and then 'up-river' to Kingston is that all its upkeep is done with historically accurate materials and techniques. And so if they're changing a timber, they'll be using an adse - might not have written that right; it's a cross between a chisel and an axe, and it's meant to shape round logs into square timbers. It's neat to watch the young people working on the canal system using these very old tools and techniques. It's also neat to watch them winch open the old wooden gates so the very modern boats of today can go up and down through the locks

Rlondon99

Gosh these locks are sooooo steep! I couldn't believe what I saw. Definitely worth a visit - very good.

Deborah700

The Ottawa Locks connect the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal and have an interesting history, from planning to present day. There's a nearby historical site and easy access to information about the Locks and area. Cycle trails pass the area and continue along both waterways. It's a great place to relax and watch boats go through the Locks......slowly.

Ed3463

Yes, it is. the Panama Canal is certainly larger, but at the Rideau Canal you get to see up close the hydraulics involved in raising and lowering boats. and you can actually operate it yourself if you ask the lock-keeper (not locksmith!)

123SallyB

This place is fascinating...really enjoyed my visit here. Well worth the price you pay as admission. The young girl who toured us around really knew her information on the place and was also great with young kids who were also on the tour....she made it interesting for them as well.They hold various theme nights and events here too. I am yet to go to the 'Zombie Invasion' (but only because my friends have been too scared to come with me!)Definitely worth a visit!

laurahF5735HI

Very interesting to see the locks in action or just sit by the water for a rest and take in the beautiful scenery of the canal. A special moment.

915PeterD

We were fortunate (or not) to see the locks open as it was approaching winter and they close the locks due to the water freezing. However, it was interesting being able to see the locks in this condition. It is also a nice walk down beside the locks to the river and around to steps where you can get up to parliament House area.

nancyj938

It was a beautiful place to walk to and all around. It made for great pictures. Wear comfortable shoes. The little shop is also worth a visit.

kevinbobl

If your touring around down town, this is another one to put on your list of places to see. Great for pictures with the Ottawa river in the background. Grab a little snack a set and watch the boats go though the locks. Enjoy!

travelincanuck_9

The locks are in a beautiful area along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. It was a unique opportunity to watch manual locks in operation. The only other manual locks I've witnessed are in Muskoka Lake and Nippissing Lake and they were tiny. Worth checking out.

GemmaB216

Even in the dead of winter this was a really pretty walk and took me for an hour along the river to see deer, chipmunks and black squirrels in the snow. Very meditative!

MarshaZ_12

Quiet, peaceful cruise. Loucks are well maintained and worked by hand with original equipment. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable.

RedStripeTraveller

Best view and photo site of the locks is beside the Chateau Laurier. There is a boat tour that runs down the canal to Dows Lake that is worth taking.

CarmichaelVentura

This is a real "must see" while you are in Ottawa. Locks are to me inherently fascinating because they allow boats to almost climb stairs. These impress all the more because they are in such close proximity and controlled manually!

ebbtide123

This historic system still excites curious onlookers who are not familiar with the manual canal lock system. The series of caissons descend from the top at Wellington St bridge to Ottawa River. Be prepared to spend hours if you want to observe the whole process. Interesting to watch leisure boaters enjoying all the attention from the tourists.