Rideau Falls

Rideau Falls is a waterfall in Ottawa where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River, with water dropping 11 meters at this junction. Green Island in the center divides the flow into two distinct sections that form a unified, wide cascade.

Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, documented these falls in the early 1600s and noted their substantial width and power. The location became an important reference point for those exploring and settling the region afterward.

The falls take their name from a French word meaning curtain, inspired by how the water appears as it drops over the rocks. Visitors walking near the viewpoints can easily see why the early French explorers chose this description when watching the water cascade down.

The falls are easily reached on foot from Sussex Drive, with multiple viewing platforms positioned at different angles along the pathways. Each spot offers a different perspective on the cascading water and the power of the flow.

Right nearby stand the headquarters of the National Research Council and the French Embassy, creating an unexpected blend of natural power and diplomatic buildings. This unusual positioning makes it one of the few waterfalls in the world set against modern institutional architecture.

Location: Ottawa

Part of: Rideau River

GPS coordinates: 45.44140,-75.69620

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40