Initial surveys of the Rideau corridor had been carried out as early as 1783, in the wake of the American Revolution.

It wasn’t until after the War of 1812, however, that increased concern over the possibility of renewed American attacks led to further surveys of the land between the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers, with a view to building a canal that would bypass the exposed American border along the St. Lawrence.

In this fascinating new film, produced especially for the “HSO 2026 Bytown200 Bicentennial Storytelling Challenge” by film maker Allison Margot Smith, we travel back to those years of crucial planning and exploration that led ultimately to the construction of the historic Rideau Canal: 

Would you like to contribute to the HSO 2026 Bytown200 Bicentennial Storytelling Challenge? Follow this link to learn more:

www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/hso-news/the-hso-2026-bytown200-bicentennial-storytelling-challenge