Sports & Leisure
The Rideau Canal is the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. From calm waters suitable for an array of aquatic activities to beautiful shared recreation trails, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, cycling, hiking, golfing, and more.
Fishing
The Rideau Canal (and its surrounding lakes) offer some of the best fishing in Ontario. Home to species like Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Muskellunge, and Walleye, the Canal offers anglers plenty of opportunities to make the catch of a lifetime. Be sure to obtain a valid fishing license prior to your trip, and carefully review Zone 18’s regulations about what fish species are in season.
Golf
Hitting the links along the Rideau is a golfer’s dream come true. With legendary tee views to rolling greens and unique designs, golf courses here roll out an impressive experience for beginners to advanced golfers. There are many scenic and challenging golf courses along the Rideau Canal. Whether you are looking for a challenging 18 holes course or nine, many courses have a wide variety of amenities including driving ranges, putting greens, licensed clubhouses with patios, and dining facilities. See listings
Bird Watching
The water route from Beveridges Lockstation Rideau Lake to Merrickville is a paddler’s paradise. It offers fantastic opportunities for waterfowl viewing in a variety of habitat including winding canal and river intermixed with shallow lakes and marshy shorelines. Part of what makes this particularly enticing for birding is the preceding detached lockstation in Smiths Falls, the Swale, which is a Class 1 Wetland, as well as the Tay River, the Tay Marsh (Class 1 Wetland) and Beveridges Locks. Numerous locks following that make this an ideal choice for short day trips. A variety of easy access spots are available for paddlers, and there is even a Federal Bird Sanctuary and Class 1 and 2 Wetlands located upstream from Merrickville. Guaranteed action from feathered friends!
