Black Rapids

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Black Rapids is a peaceful oasis within a suburban setting. It offers a beautiful, park-like setting with large trees and lush lawns. It is one of only three locks that was converted from manual to electric operation. Black Rapids is the closest lockstation to the Ottawa International Airport.

How to get here

Black Rapids

2453 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, Ontario

GPS: 45°19'17"N 75°41'52"W


Hours of Operation

Phone
613-226-5434

Email
rideau@pc.gc.ca

Navigational data
  • Distance from Ottawa: 15.0 km (9.3 mi)
  • Distance from Kingston: 187.1 km (116.3 mi)
  • Nautical chart: #1512 (Sheet 1)
  • Lock length: 40.8 m (134 ft)
  • Lock width: 9.7 m (33 ft)
  • Average lift: 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
Facilities and services
History

The contractor for this lockstation was the partnership of Andrew White and Thomas Phillips. The rapids in this spot dropped 1.4 m (4.5 feet) over a 900 m (0.5 mile) distance. A quarry was opened on the east bank of the river to provide limestone for the construction of the dam, lock and a lockmaster's house. The house was completed in 1829 and the dam and artificial channel in 1830. The lock and earth embankment were completed in 1831.

Read more history about this lockstation
Google Street View

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