Fact Sheets & Video - Canada

Considered one of the most beautiful Capital cities of the world, Canada's National and Cultural capital, Ottawa, is the country's fourth largest municipality and offers visitors the best of both worlds; Cosmopolitan Culture and a thrilling outdoor life.

The city is the northern gateway to the Rideau Canal, a 202 km system stretching South to Kingston and a route rich in heritage and recreational appeal.

The oldest continuously operated canal in North America, its locks work today much as they did when it first opened in 1832. Back then, it was created to provide a safe trading link between Montreal and Kingston, on Lake Ontario, and it's construction was considered an engineering marvel.

In June 2007 the Rideau Canal was even inscribed to the World Heritage List by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. Today, the canal offers the opportunity for visitors and locals to cruise it's tranquil waterways right into the heart of Ottawa City, providing many locations along it's route for exploration, discovery, rest, recreation and admiration of the local scenery.

Stopping at the various towns and villages along the canal, visitors are able to discover the history of the canal at museums such as the Rideau Canal Museum, in Smiths Falls and indulge themselves at the Hersheys Chocolate Factory shop in the same town.

Merrickville, the jewel of the Rideau, prides itself on its artistic community, boasting over thirty local artist and artisans, whilst Westport, at the foot of Foley Mountain, is a core for hiking and cycling enthusiasts with the 300 km Rideau Trail linking Kingston and Ottawa passing through.

And then of course there is the adventure of cruising this scenic waterway, with it's 47 unique locks, most providing washrooms, overnight mooring and picnic facilities. Hiring a houseboat through a company such as Waterway Get A Way Houseboat Vacations is simple and easy and no previous boating experience is required.

So forget the inner city hotels and hit the Rideau Canal on a cruisey holiday instead.

Further Information:

Air Canada

Sydney to Vancouver Direct Flight Daily

Vancouver to Ottawa 10 Daily Connections

1300 655 767

www.aircanada.com