** Note, this is NOT an on-line ordering page ** (we don't normally do mail order)
You find listings of a few of the books we have available for sale as well as links to other sections of this website with free PDF downloads of various Rideau reports and documents (scroll down).
Visit us at The Depot this summer for an interesting selection of Rideau items, including books. The Depot is located in Blockhouse Park in Merrickville and we're open in July and August (sometimes weekends in June and September depending on availability of volunteers).
We're also out and about at various events along the Rideau with a selection of Rideau merchandise - look for our booth.
Charts: We no longer sell charts. The Rideau navigation charts (Charts 1512 and 1513) can be purchased from World of Maps. In addition, most of the lockstations along the Rideau sell the Rideau charts.
HISTORY BOOKS FOR SALE
A History of the Rideau Lockstations by Ken W. Watson - a history of each lockstation on the Rideau Canal detailing why each spot was chosen, problems that had to be overcome, and how they did it. Illustrated with maps, period paintings and photographs. 120p. 2000 (updated to 2025).
Building the Rideau Canal: A Pictorial History by Robert Passfield. A 2003 reprint of the 1982 classic. The book features 72 period illustrations of the canal during and just following construction, 43 of which are in stunning colour. Passfield provides expert interpretation of these images and engaging descriptions of the engineering of the works. This is one of the best books about the Rideau. 184p. 1982. (reprinted in 2003). (click here for more info)
Tales of the Rideau. This non-fiction books contains 17 tales, ranging from classics such The Lost Barrel of Silver to lesser known tales such as the Sluiced Superintendent. Focusing on the back-story, the details that formed the basis for each tale, this book explores many fascinating facets of Rideau history. For details see the Tales of the Rideau Page. 166p. 2010.
Pathfinders, The Guides of The Rideau by Ed Bebee. Explore the lore and the lure of the Rideau with this engaging book about unsung group of men and women who contributed to the flowering of the Rideau. 170p. 2004. (click here for more info)
The Sweeney Diary: the 1839 to 1850 Journal of Rideau Lockmaster Peter Sweeney The fascinating diary of the first lockmaster at Jones Falls. The book also includes The Life and Times of Peter Sweeney and Who's Who in the Diary by local historian Sue Warren. Anyone interested in a first hand account of life in Upper Canada, of an early Rideau lockmaster, or just interested in a good read will enjoy this book. 198p. 2008.
MANUSCRIPT REPORTS (free digital versions)
We have digitized several of Parks Canada's research reports about the Rideau Canal.
These are available as free PDF downloads and can be found on the Manuscript Report Page
BOOKS & REPORTS (free digital versions)
This section has various books, reports, theses and publications in PDF format that can be freely downloaded from this website.
