Ottawa (Rideau Canal and Government Driveway)

The Rideau Canal was built in 1827 at a cost exceeding $2,500,000. The primary object of its construction was to connect Lower Canada with Lake Ontario by water so as to avoid the necessity of vessels ascending the St. Lawrence River under an enemy's fire in time of war. The Government Driveway which extends for some distance along the bank of the Canal is one of the "show" roads of Ottawa.