Ottawa Locks | Ottawa

Information

Landmark: Ottawa Locks
City: Ottawa
Country: Canada
Continent: North America

Ottawa Locks, Ottawa, Canada, North America

The Ottawa Locks are a series of eight locks on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They connect the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal system.

Visual Characteristics

The locks are constructed from concrete and steel. They feature large steel gates that operate hydraulically. The surrounding area includes paved walkways and grassy areas. The locks are situated at the northern terminus of the Rideau Canal, adjacent to Parliament Hill.

Location & Access Logistics

The Ottawa Locks are located at the intersection of Wellington Street and Colonel By Drive in Ottawa. They are approximately 1.5 km east of Parliament Hill. Public parking is available in several paid lots along Colonel By Drive and in the downtown core. OC Transpo bus routes 1, 4, 7, and 14 stop within a 500-meter radius of the locks.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the locks began in 1826 and was completed in 1832, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers. Their original purpose was to facilitate military transport and trade between Kingston and Ottawa, bypassing the rapids of the Ottawa River.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observe the lock operations as boats transit between the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. Walk along the canal path. Photography of the locks and surrounding Parliament buildings is possible.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the nearby Bytown Museum. Shade is provided by trees along the canal path. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in the area. Food vendors are present along Colonel By Drive during warmer months.

Best Time to Visit

The locks are operational from mid-May to mid-October. Mid-morning and late afternoon offer favorable lighting for photography. The canal is typically at its fullest during the summer months.

Facts & Legends

During the construction of the Rideau Canal, the area was known as Bytown. A local legend suggests that the locks were built with such precision that a single coin could be placed on the edge of a gate and remain undisturbed when the gate was closed.