MONDAY AUGUST 4, 2025

Lieutenant Colonel John By supervised the construction of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal and had a major influence on its design. Canal construction began in 1826 and involved some 6,000 workers at multiple sites along its 202 km route. The entire length was navigable by 1832. Today, the Rideau Canal is both a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In recognition of the history of the Rideau Canal and Bytown’s founder, Lieutenant Colonel John By, and in recognition of his birth date of August 7, 1779, Colonel By Day is being celebrated this year on Monday, August 4.

Heritage Ottawa is participating in the celebrations with ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING ALONG THE RIDEAU CANAL, a walking tour led by former president David Jeanes that explores the buildings and structures, as well as the construction of the canal itself, from the Rideau Canal locks to the Corkstown Bridge. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal corridor exemplifies nearly 200 years of change, while retaining the elements that made the canal such a remarkable achievement. CLICK HERE for more information about the tour and how to register. 

Our friends at the Bytown Museum have organized a day of family-friendly fun with arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, costumed interpreters, a live musical performance, and a ceremony at the Celtic Cross. Visit bytownmuseum.com for details. 

Image Credit: Artwork by C. W. Jeffreys, ca. 1930-1931 / Library and Archives Canada / C-073703