We'll take a walk along the first kilometre of the Rideau Canal to learn how its surroundings have changed from its construction in 1826 to the present. The walk will cover everything in time from Colonel By to the Senate of Canada moving into the old Union Station and in space from the Alexandra Bridge to the Corktown Bridge.
The walk will take us along Canal Road from the Bytown Museum, under the Plaza Bridge, then along the canal path to Mackenzie King Bridge and Confederation Park, finishing at the Colonel By Fountain.
There are stairs down to the canal path at the Bytown Museum, but the rest is on streets, pathways, or ramps. There is a bypass route for the steps. To avoid the steps down from Wellington Street or the War Memorial to the museum, go through the National Arts Centre and take the elevator to the Canal level. During the walk there are a few steps down along the canal path. There is an alternative via the ramp under the Mackenzie King Bridge.
David is a retired professional engineer. He is a past president of Heritage Ottawa and Transport Action Canada. This marks his 25th year giving heritage walking tours in Ottawa, and he has been a regular walk leader for Jane's Walk. David's other interests include railway history, model railroading, genealogy, and Welsh culture. He attended Lisgar Collegiate and the University of Toronto.
In mid-summer, David will lead a Heritage Ottawa walk about Colonel John By. See https://heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season.
David Jeanes
| Date: | Sun May 3, 2026 |
| Time: | 2:00 PM |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Language: | English |
| Start: | Bytown Museum, Canal Rd. |
| End: | Confederation Park, Elgin St. |
| Area: | Centretown/ByWard Market |
| Distance: | 1.0 km |
See the Route description for how to bypass the steps from Wellington St.
© 2026 - Janes Walk Ottawa