Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a waterway that runs through the City of Ottawa and connects it with other major bodies of waters such as Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It was first opened in 1832 by Colonel John By and was to be operated as a fallback in case military conflict ever arose with America. Today, the canal is used for leisure purposes such as boating and nature strolls along its sides. Its unique history and recreational value drew attention to itself, and in 2000 it was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.