Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: locks (20) boats (8) spot (7) picnic (6) Locks (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Keenan W. 2 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    It is as expected and if you'd like to see a lockstation in action, you can get right up close.
    4 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Patrick X. 9 months ago on Google • 382 reviews
    Had looked at the locks number 1-8 near the Fairmont Château Laurier. Today continueed our journey to locks number 9-10, located at the Hartwells. Also did a quick walk in the Fletcher Garden.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 carrie k. 1 year ago on Google • 45 reviews
    Wonderful place for a picnic while watching boats go through the locks!! Only downside is that there are no public washrooms. *Edit: Washrooms are now open!
    2 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Dan S. 8 months ago on Google • 237 reviews
    A really nice quiet spot to see and learn about the amazing Locks and the Rideau Canal…. It’s history and workings. Informative Parks Canada Guides are there all summer to inform and educate the curious. Very cool to see the locks in action… worth the wait!
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Jeniffer V. 5 months ago on Google • 446 reviews
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting Hartwell's Lift Locks in Ottawa, and I must say it was a truly remarkable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the grandeur and ingenuity of these historic locks. The first thing that struck me was the impressive engineering behind the lift locks. The system, which dates back over a century, is a testament to human innovation. Watching as the massive gates opened and closed, allowing boats to smoothly transition between different water levels, was both fascinating and awe-inspiring. The locks are impeccably maintained, showcasing a true commitment to preserving their historical significance. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped, with well-manicured gardens and walking paths that offer stunning views of the locks and the Ottawa River. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the beauty of this engineering marvel. One of the highlights of my visit was taking a boat tour through the locks. Seeing the locks in action from a boat's perspective was a whole new level of appreciation. The knowledgeable tour guide provided fascinating insights into the history and operation of the locks, making the experience educational and enjoyable. The visitor center at Hartwell's Lift Locks is another gem. It houses informative exhibits that delve into the history and significance of the locks, offering visitors a deeper understanding of their importance. The staff members were friendly and passionate, always ready to answer questions and share interesting anecdotes. Overall, my visit to Hartwell's Lift Locks was a truly memorable experience. It's a place where history, engineering, and natural beauty converge, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and admiration. Whether you're a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique attraction in Ottawa, I highly recommend a visit to Hartwell's Lift Locks.

  • 4/5 Rebecca J. 2 years ago on Google • 133 reviews
    Autumn Visit - we walked along the canal and found a few locks. Its really cool to be able to walk over them. We didn't get to see any boats go by but that would be super fun I imagine. Nice tails along the canal and the path is lit up at night as well.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Harry B. 10 months ago on Google
    The lock is pretty cool, you can walk across it. As well, there is plenty of green space in the area if you want to walk about or have a picnic.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Rula A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and serene. Everyone enjoyed it; 1 year old till 70 years old. Though no bathrooms where close by, you need to see the closest cafe or restaurant. We had a picnic at DOW’s lake. And it was amazing !
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Jennifer V. 7 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    Had a superb Parks Canada Learn to Paddle session, thanks to the excellent program, and guides. It was a rainy and somewhat windy day, which limited how far we could go, but Nick taught us a lot about canoeing. I now have several strokes to perfect, and much more confidence. We also saw a cormorant fishing, right in front of us.

  • 3/5 Fadi Al S. 2 weeks ago on Google • 85 reviews New
    Good location.

  • 5/5 Deshna K. 2 years ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Beautiful, gorgeous floral and fauna to explore. So much wildlife in the ecosystem thriving. Good kayak spot if you travel down towards dows lake

  • 5/5 unsapien2009 9 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    The perfect rest spot, and if you're going to Carleton U , it's a great cross over point to bike to school avoiding all the traffic on Bronson by going thru the Arboretum instead. There's a bike rail going from Carleton U up/down to Hartwell locks. There are limited Bathroom facilities at the locks... like 1 bathroom.

  • 3/5 Shal C. 2 years ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Water very gross looking. The reeds are almost out of the water. However, the canal is very peaceful and picturesque. It was an overall enjoyable paddle on the canal/Dows Lake. Lots of people kayaking and canoeing.

  • 5/5 michael h. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Relaxed on a bench and watched a boat go through.

  • 4/5 Cheryl M. 2 years ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Such a pretty area, with lots of pedestrians and cyclists; nature lovers will the area's tranquility. The locks are cool and the water creates a pleasant setting.

  • 4/5 Carina K. 1 year ago on Google
    Neat to ride by here and stop for a look. We took a break at the picnic tables under the trees. We used the public restroom in the back of the Parks Canada house.

  • 5/5 Marina and A. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience, It is so interesting to me how these bridges work!! But it's work so well.

  • 5/5 John N. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent spot to watch the boats and excellent for cycling. Great view along the canal

  • 5/5 Todd W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great stop along the Ottawa Hog's Back Park to Dow's Lake - Rideau River East path. This is the spot to stop and rest while watching Parks Canada staff move boats through the locks and also a crossover spot between the Rideau River west (experimental farm-Prince of Wales) and Rideau River east (Colonal By) pathways.

  • 4/5 Karina M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot for docking your boat, not much space for hanging around. Did have picnic benches. Not much lawn space. Plenty of biker traffic, and it's right beside a busy road as well. Well kept and clean.

  • 5/5 H B. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a simple place. Nice area to rest from a bike ride or walk in the park and see boats going up and down the locks.

  • 5/5 Abner K. 3 years ago on Google
    From Portage to Lock Sudden changes of elevation in a river produce rapids or waterfalls. Light watercraft like canoes or kayaks can be portaged around or even shoot the rapids, but rough water is a hazard for larger boats. Early Indigenous peoples and Europeans navigated in smaller crafts, but settlement meant more goods to transport. Barges and locks were needed.

  • 5/5 Cindy M. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a great day watching the boats go through the locks!!

  • 5/5 Josh 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Lock down a good time with a picnic at this lovely lock! Locks to look at! ;)

  • 5/5 Vitaliy 2 years ago on Google
    They open the gates manually. It's nice to be on the boat, but it's not worth visiting exactly only this place if you are coming to Ottawa from far. As a local entertainment it's ok.


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