Ottawa 
Events Description
Join Parks Canada at this free community paddling event in the Nation’s Capital on Canada’s Parks Day (July 19). After a hugely successful event in 2024, we’re thrilled to bring paddlers together once again to celebrate the historic Rideau Canal. Be part of a story 193 years in the making as you experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the water. Paddle into the lock alongside a flash mob of colourful canoes and kayaks, and descend through the locks to the sounds of laughter and music. Make new memories with friends and family—your best story of the summer starts here!
What is Lock & Paddle?
Since 2017, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event held annually on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock & Paddle is best described as a ‘flash mob’ or ‘critical mass’ of canoes and kayaks. Visitors of all skills and backgrounds are invited to come together and pack the locks for this one-day event celebrating these historic treasures. Paddlers from all around will travel to be a part of this unique show.
HOW MUCH
Tickets:
Free, Participants are not required to register in advance of the event.
Rules and requirements
All-ages and skill levels welcome;
No inflatable vessels (stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or otherwise);
All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
Smoke-free and cannabis-free event;
Alcohol-free event while on the water;
Pets on boats are not encouraged;
Respect your fellow paddlers!
How to get tickets?
At the door
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Schedule
2:00 pm
Lock & Paddle begins!
2:30 pm
Once enough participants have assembled at the top lock at Hartwells, we will start our group lockages.
Give yourself 20 minutes to paddle from Hogs Back to Hartwells
Venue:
Hartwells Lockstation, 901 Hartwells Locks Lane, Ottawa
There will be no parking at Hartwells lockstation.
Parking options nearby
Hogs Back gravel parking lot – $8/day (588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa)
Hogs Back Falls parking lot (61 Rideau Riv Eastern Pathway, Ottawa)
Carleton University P18 parking garage – $6.00 for the day through the HotSpot application. (1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa)
Experimental Farm (960 Ottawa Regional Rd 38, Ottawa)
Option 1
Participants may drive to the Hartwells visitor parking and drop off their equipment at the “check-in” area. From there, nearby parking is available at the Experimental Farm and Carleton University Lot P18 parking garage. Parking at the Carleton location is available at $6.00 for the day using the HotSpot application that can be downloaded on your phone. Please note that this parking option is for vehicles only – please drop off your paddlecraft first at the “check-in” location. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk back to Hartwells Lock from these locations.
Option 2
Participants may drive to the gravel parking lot at 588 Hog’s Back Road, where they can park and launch their paddlecraft. From there, paddle towards the Hogs Back Lockstation, where Parks Canada staff will be waiting to lock you and your group down. Once you are through, make your way north towards the festivities at Hartwells.
Public Transit Accessible
More to Do:
Things to Do This Weekend in Ottawa
