rideau canal museum

The museum provides well displayed historical background information that helps understand the amazing series of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes. The fact that so much of the almost 200 year old system is original construction and still functions so smoothly is a tribute to the skills and dedication of it's engineers and workers who built it under often brutal working conditions. This museum elegantly tells their story.This was one of the best stops on a pleasant and leisurely 5-day cruise along the Rideau Waterway System from Kingston to Ottawa aboard the Karwatha Voyageur. Living afloat on what is really a charming country inn is clearly the best way to totally experience the waterway. Running firmly aground in a narrow part of a river provided an unexpected element of excitement to an otherwise placid cruise. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

As a western Canadian, canals are something used for irrigation, not for travel. These canals and the museum that sets out how they are built and interconnected throughout Ontario was very interesting and definitely a must see for history buffs. The grounds are well maintained and the staff are very helpful.

What a great find Staff were very knowledgeable and truly knew there stuffGreat movie in basement and really enjoyed learning a about our Rideau Canal

It was raining in Smiths Falls and wanted something interesting to do with a 6 year old so we spent time at the Museum. Did not expect to stay so long nor enjoy it as much as we did, but we both learned lots and had a great time. The staff was excellent, knowledgeable and full of ideas to keep a young boy interested - he thought it would be boring and surprised the heck out of him - I am still hearing about the day at the museum looking from the top of the tower to finding all the endangered species amongst all the floors not to mention some good videos too. Thanks for the great day !

There is an 8-minute introductory film in the basement, one that is quite well-done. Then starting on the top (4th) floor there are interpretative displays--on two floors with an interactive quiz of 10 questions that is fun to take. We thought the top floor was the best, and it was the one that focused most on the canal history. The two guides we interacted with (one male, one female, but we didn't catch their names)were excellent and took the time to give us advice about other area attractions as well as responding to our questions about the exhibits. This was a fine stop, and one we'll recommend to anyone.

I was expecting a bit more from this museum, perhaps foolishly. I had read all I could about the history and construction of the Rideau Canal before I arrived by water to see it. Ontario Waterway Cruises had arranged for the passengers on the Kawartha Voyageur to visit it privately at the end of the afternoon and we were treated to a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. Museums are always created for visitors who know little about the subject and, for those, it was well done. Understanding how difficult the canal's construction had been in the 1820s was clear and learning how locks work was well illustrated. My favourite experience was the lookout at the very top of the building. This gives visitors an all-round look at the town of Smith Falls and an excellent view of the dam and weir, as well as the canal. Worth visiting if you don't know much about the Rideau Canal.

The exhibit is fun and educational. As a canal fanatic, I didn't expect to learn anything, but I learned plenty. The local Parks Canada office is trying to raise money to display more artifacts.

Having enjoyed spending time on the Rideau Canal for years we looked forward to visiting this museum.There is a parking lot adjacent to the museum. The entrance fee in 2013 is waived. Most likely since it is the anniversary of the War of 1812, being celebrated in 2013 (?).Start your tour in the Basement with a 10 minute film.Then proceed to the 4th floor and work your way down, visiting the many exhibits.Lots of fun and educational. There are some interactive exhibits and a couple of "quizs" along the way.

Fascinating 19th century river locks still in use connecting from Ottawa to Lake Ontario. The visitor can see the locks and the nearby museum.

This is simply one fabulous museum if you are a history buff and want to know more about the history of this engineering marvel from the 1820's.

Despite having relatives who have lived in this area for decades, this was everyone's first visit to the museum and we learned a great deal about the amazing canal system. The set up was informative and everything you would expect from a small museum. We arrived at 2 in the afternoon and were the first visitors of the day, so you don't have to worry about crowds.

Nice friendly staff, donation cost and a nice display. Stopped by accident, but sure glad we did. We now want to come back to the area and visit more of the Rideau Canal.

Museum is great although they are working on the lookout tower so that was not available. There is no charge in 2013 for visiting the museum. Well worth the time and very knowledgeable and friendly staff.So glad we stopped.

They have a lookout point at the top of the Tower in the Museum and you can see the Locks and Rideau River and the countryside for miles around, I was fortunate to visit this while working for ABCE-Language School teaching French to Parks Canada employees.