The
Rideau Canal, also known as the Rideau Waterway, flows from the city
Ottawa, Ontario on the
Ottawa River to the city of
Kingston, Ontario on
Lake Ontario. The Rideau Canal includes sections of the
Rideau River and the
Cataraqui River, as well as several lakes including the Lower, Upper and Big Rideau lakes. The Rideau Canal was completed in
1832 and continues to be operated today. Many of the
locks are still hand-operated. Its construction was supervised by Lieutenant Colonel John By. The plan to build a secure supply route from
Montreal to Kingston was inspired by the
War of 1812. Today, the watercraft travelling the Rideau Canal are mainly recreational.
In winter, a section of the Rideau Canal which passes through the city of Ottawa becomes the world's longest skating rink.