2nd annual Lock & Paddle to take place on Rideau Canal
Posted Jul 18, 2025 02:22:53 PM.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2025 02:22:59 PM.
Parks Canada is hosting its annual Lock & Paddle event on the Rideau Canal Saturday, giving those of all ages a chance to get out on the water.
Lock & Paddle brings together dozens of paddlers to take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the canal.
“We’re thrilled to bring paddlers together once again to celebrate the historic Rideau Canal. Be part of a story 193 years in the making as you experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the water,” the Parks Canada website reads. “Paddle into the lock alongside a flash mob of colourful canoes and kayaks, and descend through the locks to the sounds of laughter and music.”
The event is completely free to enter, but if you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, there are places you can rent. A list of gear rental options can be found here.
Those looking to participate are asked to gather at the Hartwell locks at 2 p.m. with the Lock & Paddle beginning at 2:30 p.m. Those participating are asked to take into account that the paddle from Hog’s Back Falls to Hartwell can take between 20 minutes and an hour.
There is no parking at the Hartwell locks. Following drop off, visitors can park at the Experimental Farm or at Carleton University.
Parks Canada has held the Lock & Paddle on the Trent-Severn Waterway since 2016. In 2024, Parks Canada brought the event to the canal. The success of the event in 2024 led to it being held again this year.
“Last year marked our first time hosting Lock & Paddle on the Rideau Canal, and we were pleased to welcome approximately 100 participants,” Haley Lang, Public Relations and Communications Officer for Ontario waterways at Parks Canada, told CityNews in an email statement. “We’re looking forward to building on that momentum and hope to see even more paddlers join us this year.”
It’ll be a great day to be out on the water. Environment Canada predicts sunny skies for Saturday with a high of 28 C.
