In winter, the Rideau Canal is famous for skating. But summer is when the canal becomes the soul of Ottawa. The water sparkles, the pathway fills with cyclists and strollers, the trees provide dappled shade, and the whole corridor becomes a long, green living room running through the heart of the city. A summer day spent along the canal is one of the best things you can do in Ottawa.
Morning: Start at the Locks
Begin at the Ottawa Locks, where the canal drops through eight lock stations to meet the Ottawa River. This is the northern terminus of the canal and one of the most scenic spots in the city. The Chateau Laurier looms above, Parliament Hill rises to the west, and boats wait their turn to navigate the historic locks.
In summer, the locks operate daily, and watching the lockkeepers work the massive hand-cranked gates is genuinely interesting. The process has not changed much since the canal opened in 1832. Boats rise and fall through the chambers while spectators watch from the bridges above. It is free, unhurried, and surprisingly absorbing.
From the locks, pick up the canal pathway heading south. The path is paved, flat, and shared by walkers, joggers, and cyclists. In summer, it is one of the busiest pedestrian routes in the city, but it never feels crowded because the corridor is wide and the pace is relaxed.
Midday: Cycling or Paddling
If you want to cover more ground, rent a bike. Several rental shops and bike-share stations sit near the canal, and the pathway is ideal for cycling. The ride from the locks south to Dows Lake takes about 20 minutes at a comfortable pace and passes through some of the prettiest parts of the city.
For a different perspective, rent a kayak or canoe at Dows Lake. Paddling the canal in summer is a peaceful experience, with the city rising on either side but the water level putting you in your own quiet world. Pedal boats are also available for families or couples who want something less athletic.
Afternoon: Dows Lake and Nearby
Dows Lake is the social heart of the canal in summer. The pavilion restaurant has a large patio overlooking the water, and in good weather it fills with families, couples, and groups enjoying food and drinks with a waterfront view. Rent a boat, have lunch on the patio, or simply sit on the grass and watch the activity on the lake.
From Dows Lake, you have several options. Walk or cycle into the Glebe for an afternoon of browsing shops and cafes on Bank Street. Explore the Dominion Arboretum, which sits just south of the lake and offers quiet walking paths through a research garden. Or continue south along the canal toward Hartwell Locks and Carleton University, where the pathway runs through a quieter, more residential stretch.
Late Afternoon: Canal-Side Relaxation
The best thing about the canal in summer is that you do not need to do anything in particular to enjoy it. Find a bench, lay out a blanket on the grass, or sit on the edge of the pathway and watch the world go by. The canal attracts a mix of tourists, locals exercising, families with strollers, and couples walking hand in hand. The atmosphere is universally pleasant.
If you brought a book, this is the time to read it. If you brought a picnic, spread it out on the grass near the canal. The pathways are lined with mature trees that provide shade in the hottest part of the afternoon, and the breeze off the water keeps things comfortable even on warm days.
Evening: Dinner and a Walk
As the afternoon cools, walk to one of the nearby neighbourhoods for dinner. Elgin Street is a short walk from the canal and has excellent restaurant options with summer patios. The Glebe's Bank Street restaurants are another good choice. Or return to the ByWard Market for the widest selection of cuisines.
After dinner, walk the canal one more time. Summer evenings in Ottawa are long, with daylight lasting until 9:00 PM or later in June and July. The canal pathway in the evening light is beautiful, with golden reflections on the water and the silhouettes of bridges and buildings creating a scene that feels distinctly Ottawa.
Practical Notes
The canal pathway can be busy on summer weekends. Weekday visits are quieter. Bring sunscreen and water, as shade is intermittent in some stretches. Bike rentals are available from several locations and through the bike-share system. Kayak and boat rentals at Dows Lake operate from approximately May to October.
For more summer activities, see our best patios guide and our festivals guide.