Ottawa Locks
Ottawa Locks
Ottawa Locks

Ottawa Locks Tours and Tickets

991 reviews

The eight Ottawa Locks regulate the flow of the city’s signature Rideau Canal as it flows south from the Ottawa River. The hand-cranked locks provide a gradient of 24 meters (79 feet) on the canal, which runs for more than 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Ottawa to Kingston, a stunning example of 19th-century ingenuity and engineering.

  • Ottawa, Ontario, ON K1A 0A4

Tours and Tickets to Experience Ottawa Locks

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What are people saying about Ottawa Locks

Francis_B, Aug 2023
Frank and Helen
He explained everything. He did a GREAT job. The boat was very clean. Everyone was very friendly. The layout of the boat was very awesome.
Randy_B, Jul 2023
Canal tour was worth the effort and recommend it to others.
Well narrated descriptions and historical facts provided on tour by Terri. Friendly crew. Clean, comfortable and secure boat.
FlintPolo_F, Oct 2023
Relaxing river boat.
Beautiful scenery. Boat was great. Tour guide was a little difficult to understand. Not sure if was the audio or equipment.
Ben_S, Sep 2023
Quiet river boat tour.
We had a wonderful time. The great weather, the lovely canal, a quiet boat, and the good friends I was with of course.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:How long does it take to go through the Ottawa locks?
A:It takes at least 1.5 hours to go through the eight Ottawa locks along the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River. This is the first and largest set of locks in the Rideau Lock system; it takes at least two days to complete the entire 47-lock route to Lake Ontario.
Q:How many locks are there in Ottawa?
A:There are eight historic locks located in the Ottawa lock system along the channel of the Rideau Canal that runs through the city. This set of locks one through eight are operated by hand. A channel walk lines the locks, so you can admire them by both land and water.
Q:How much does it cost to go through the locks in Ottawa?
A:Passage through a single lockage is C$1 per foot for boats, but most visitors experience the locks via a sightseeing Rideau canal cruise that costs around C$35 per person. You can also view the locks along the scenic walkway lining the canal for free.
Q:What time do locks close on Rideau Canal?
A:The operating schedule for the locks changes monthly between May and September; the locks do not operate in the winter when the canal freezes. Opening times are generally between 9am and 10am, and closing times are around 4pm on weekdays; the locks close later on weekends and holidays.
Q:Are the Ottawa Locks worth visiting?
A:Yes, the Ottawa Locks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an example of 19th-century engineering. This stretch of the Rideau Lock system is particularly scenic and lined with several historic landmarks, including the Parliament of Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Fairmont Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and National Arts Centre.
Q:How far in advance should I book an Ottawa Locks river cruise?
A:Though you can sometimes find last-minute availability for Ottawa Locks river cruises, it’s a good idea to book your tickets at least a few days in advance to avoid finding these popular cruises sold out. You can book Rideau Canal cruise tickets online for dates from May–September.