The Historic Charm of Rideau Canal

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [we]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-koo-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell err ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon eur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dee-zeur ay dehm-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor doo-ee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [dehm-ahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [seht]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muhn-tray sur la kart]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay poor]

The Rideau Canal was constructed between 1826 and 1832 as a military precaution during the War of 1812. Designed by Lieutenant Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers, the canal provided a secure route between Montreal and the Great Lakes, bypassing the potentially hostile waters of the St. Lawrence River. This strategic importance was paramount in ensuring the safety and economic stability of the burgeoning Ottawa region.

In the latter half of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal played a crucial role in the economic development of Ottawa. The canal facilitated trade and transportation, allowing goods and timber from the Ottawa Valley to reach markets in the United States and beyond. The canal's waterways became vital arteries for local businesses, contributing to Ottawa's growth as a commercial hub.

As industrialization transformed Ottawa, the Rideau Canal evolved into a recreational space for residents. By the early 20th century, people flocked to the canal for activities such as boating, fishing, and skating. The annual Winterlude festival, which celebrates winter activities on the canal, began in 1979 and has since become a hallmark of Ottawa's cultural identity, attracting visitors from around the world.

In 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and outstanding universal value. This designation highlights the canal's engineering innovations and its role in the development of Canada as a nation. It has also spurred efforts to preserve the canal's historical structures and promote sustainable tourism in the region.

Today, the Rideau Canal remains a vital part of Ottawa's identity and urban landscape. The canal is not only a recreational venue but also a site for cultural events, art installations, and community gatherings. Its pathways and parks are integral to the city's green space, reflecting Ottawa's commitment to preserving its natural and historical heritage while fostering a vibrant community.

Rideau Canal is centrally located in Ottawa and easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the ByWard Market, you can walk to the canal in about 15 minutes. If you are coming from the downtown area, take the OC Transpo bus routes 1 or 7, which stop near the canal. For those arriving from further away, Ottawa's main train station, VIA Rail, is approximately 3 kilometers from the canal. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.

The Rideau Canal area is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for walking and cycling. Bike rentals are available at various locations near the canal, especially during the warmer months. The city’s public transit system, OC Transpo, provides bus services that connect to the canal. For a unique experience, consider renting a canoe or kayak to explore the waterway directly. During winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, making it a popular spot for ice skating.

Rideau Canal is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions are advised. Avoid isolated areas after dark, especially around the canal. While most crime in Ottawa is non-violent, petty theft can occur in crowded tourist spots. It’s best to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in popular areas like the ByWard Market and around major attractions.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, located a few kilometers from the canal. It’s also advisable to have travel insurance for any unforeseen medical needs. Local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress for the season; winters can be cold, and summers warm. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting nearby religious sites. Public Transport: Do pay your fare and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi', as Canadians are generally polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties, like BeaverTails. Don't litter or leave food waste in public areas.

To experience Rideau Canal like a local, visit during the winter months to enjoy skating on the canal. Stop by the local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with local vendors and ask for recommendations on the best spots to eat or visit. If you're in the area during summer, consider picnicking along the canal’s banks or participating in local festivals that often take place near the waterway.