If you want to admire the real Canadian nature, go to the Rideau Falls, especially since you do not have to leave the city. Fans of travel will remember the visit to the falls for a long time. Apart from the falls, you will see the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, where the waterfalls and unique Green Island between them were formed.

The falls were named after the French traveler Samuel de Champlain at the beginning of the 17th century. He noticed that their folds are much like a theatre curtain. In French, a curtain is called «rideau». At first, only the waterfalls got this name. The second river, which is a part of their formation, received the same name later.

The scenery there is grand. By the way, winter is the best time for visiting them. The freezing water forms unique ice sculptures and bizarre ice castles. Some daredevils make efforts to conquer the icy peaks.

Nearby, there are plenty of historical sites: the French Embassy, ​​the National Research Council, and some others.

You can enjoy the beautiful views of the falls from observation decks in Rideau Falls Park or a boat during the boat trip. Built in 1832 in case of war with the United States, the Rideau Canal provides access to the falls during the summer season (from mid-May to mid-October). Being 202 km long, it connects Ottawa and Kingston. In winter, the Rideau Canal becomes a giant skating rink 7.8 km long (​​approximately 90 hockey rinks). In 2007, the channel was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Rideau Canal is the oldest permanently operating canal in North America and also one of the first designed for steamships.

The construction of the canal is related to the name of Colonel John By. The British soldier and engineer devoted his life to conquering the harsh northern Canadian nature. The retired colonel was sent to supervise the construction in 1826 because he had great engineering experience. The works took place in a hard-to-reach, sparsely populated and undeveloped area. The priority was to provide builders with houses. Thus, a small village appeared there that later expanded and became the city of Bytown (the former name of Ottawa).