The southern terminus of the Rideau Canal is at Kingston Mills, a few kilometres north of downtown, where a flight of four locks lifts boats from the St. Lawrence to the interior. The canal runs 202 kilometres north to Ottawa, passing through lakes, rivers, and 45 locks along the way. Boat tours operate from Kingston's waterfront in summer, and the lockmaster's station at Kingston Mills is a pleasant walk or cycle from the city.
Rideau Canal
UNESCO World Heritage canal with 45 locks from Kingston to Ottawa
A story
The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 primarily as a military supply route, in case the Americans attacked the St. Lawrence. It was never used for that purpose. It is now the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.