Two renowned world waterways – one region!  The 1000 Islands is one of the most unforgettable world landscapes with an archipelago of 1,864 islands within an 80 km section of the St. Lawrence River.  The Rideau Canal Waterway is a National Historic Site of Canada and Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Destination. It melds 202 km of natural and 19th-century structural beauty with 45 locks. 

In addition to skating, the Rideau Canal region offers a myriad of winter activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing along the canal’s adjacent pathways, immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the winter scenery. The area also hosts events and festivals celebrating the winter season so be sure to check out villages like Seeleys Bay, Newboro, Westport, Portland, Merrickville, and Kemptville for activities and local fare.