The eight Ottawa locks, which are the largest single set of locks on the entire Rideau system, connect the channel of the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River. They are designed to raise and lower boats from one water level to another. They were built, along with a series of dams, to bypass rapids and waterfalls. It takes at least one and a half hours to go through the locks. On one side of the locks are Canada’s Parliament buildings and on the other is the architecturally magnificent building of the Chateau Laurier hotel. Not to be missed!

Our cultural group arranged a picnic at the Long Island Locks. Facilities included nice washrooms, a parking lot and picnic tables under mature trees which provided well-needed shade. The area was adjacent to the locks which had boats tied up and others going through the lock system. The big wheels of the locks were operated manually by several men which was interesting to see but we felt sorry for them working in the hot sun.

I must confess I was expecting less of it, but I loved it. Ask for the self-guided audio toor. It's worth. The phones weren't Bose noise cancelling NASA level, quite the opposite, but it worked 100% and I enjoyed

We read a lot about Rideau canal. These locks are connecting it to Ottawa river. During our visit they did some work on the site as you can see from my photos. I would love to see it in winter when it freeze and people skating. But when we were on guided bus tour our guide told us that the canal didn't freeze for 2 years!.

These are a must see. There are historically very significant and look splendid as they step down into the river. The chambers are all full in the morning but as craft go through some are empty some full. You can walk across the top of the pock gates to get to the other side