Ken Watson Shares the History of the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada

Ken Watson, of the Friends 
of the Rideau Canal gave
an engaging talk on the
 history of the Rideau Canal.

Kingston & its shipyards were

vulnerable to attack by

 Americans in the War of 1812.

The Rideau Canal was built

to provide a supply route from 

Ottawa to Kingston. 

Construction started in 1826.

This is a slackwater canal.  It was build mostly by hand - simple hand operated cranes, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, draft animals and carts.  Local rock clay and timber were used.  Transport of materials was by canoe or horse and wagon.Masons, carpenters, smiths, miners performed skilled labor.  Many unskilled laborers worked on the canal, including children.








The canal was completed
in 1832.

In addition to its military purpose,

the Rideau Canal became

a commercial trade route.

Timber, iron, phosphate, mica,

wheat & flour, cheese, alcohol,

food, coal & people were

transported on the canal.

Eventually, the Rideau Canal
became a tourist destination.

The Rideau Canal Was designated a National Historic Site on May 15, 1925.  In 2007 this canal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The canal's preservation is important to Ontario Province, to Canada, and to the world.