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Wooden boats will be front and center in the Nations Capital of Ottawa this weekdend as The Celebration of the Rideau Canal 175th anniversary and it's possible inclusion as a World Heritage Site such as the great Pyramids in Egypt by UNESCO.This designation should be bestowed on this remarkable engineering feat built between 1826 and 1832 and still using the same hand levers to open and close the locks that enables 96,000 boaters per season to travel its 202 kms through 45 locks.

The locks were designed by the Engineer Corps as a Secondary water route in the event the St. Lawrence Seaway was taken over by enemy forces. The canal raises 275ft from Ottawa to the Rideau Canal and then descends 161ft to Kingston Ontario. Some of the most beautiful parts of Canada can be seen along this adventure which can take from 3 to 7 days to complete. You have to pay a lock fee and if you want to tie up and over night at a lock there is a mooring fee, varies per lock. If you tie up to another boat at the lock you still have to pay the mooring fee. I believe if you are over 70 years of age and your boat is under 18ft you can travel for free but don't quote me on that !

Don't forget 4 boat bumpers, a lock pole, 4 dock lines, a horn, and follow the dock masters instructions. Keep in mind zebra mussells have attached themselves to the canal side wall so watch your hands and make sure everyone wears a PDF. Have fun and enjoy the boats in Ottawa this Saturday.

When the canal is emptied in the fall, it becomes the world's largest outdoor skating rink which is a fantastic experience in it's self!

beautiful and unique boat houses can be found along the canal and its lakes as captured by K. Watson

The Manotick ACBS is having there 31st Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show Sat Aug 11th, Tel 613-692-2496