SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO October 8, 2025 – Parks Canada advises that, due to prolonged dry conditions and limited precipitation across the watershed, water levels on the Rideau Canal are expected to fall below navigation draft requirements shortly after the close of the 2025 navigation season on October 14, 2025. As a result, water levels may recede more quickly than usual following the end of the season for the areas: between Long Island to Burritts Rapids, Clowes to Merrickville, Merrickville to Kilmarnock, and Kilmarnock to Edmonds.
Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to take this into consideration when planning for haul-out and winterization according to their draft specifications. Cottagers, marinas, and boaters are also advised to prepare accordingly.
The Rideau Canal water management team continues to monitor conditions on a daily basis and will make operational adjustments as required to respond to changing watershed circumstances. Updates regarding water levels and flow conditions are communicated through local Conservation Authorities.
Parks Canada remains committed to providing accurate and timely information. For additional details on water management practices for the Rideau Canal, please visit: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet.
For further information, please contact:
Media inquiries:
Haley Lang
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada, Rideau Canal National Historic Site
