Some memories stay with you for a lifetime. About 40 years ago, I had the rather unique honour of portraying Colonel John By’s daughter during Smiths Falls Settlers Days weekend. At the time, I was mostly excited about wearing a period costume and taking part in the festivities. I certainly wasn’t thinking that decades later I’d be writing about it! Looking back now, I realize just how remarkable Colonel By’s story really is.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Colonel John By was the engineer responsible for creating one of Canada’s greatest historic treasures — the Rideau Canal.
If you’ve lived in Eastern Ontario for any length of time, chances are you’ve spent time around the canal. Maybe you’ve watched boats pass through the locks, enjoyed a scenic walk along the water, gone fishing, paddling, skating, or simply sat on a bench with an ice cream in hand. But how many of us know the story behind it?
Construction officially began on September 29, 1826, when the Governor of Canada, the Earl of Dalhousie, turned the first sod for the canal’s lowest lock. The canal was designed as a secure military route between Montreal and Kingston. At the time, the St. Lawrence River bordered the United States and was considered a little too close for comfort should another conflict arise.
What followed was a massive undertaking. More than 2,000 Irish labourers were brought in to help carve the canal through forests, rock, swamps, and rugged terrain. And when I say “carve,” I mean mostly by hand. No bulldozers, no excavators, no power tools — just hard work, determination, and probably a few colourful words along the way.
The workers faced harsh weather, dangerous conditions, disease, and endless challenges. Yet somehow, against all odds, the canal was completed in 1832 with an astonishing 47 locks and 52 dams.
On May 24 of that year, Colonel By, his family, and several military officers made the inaugural journey from Smiths Falls to what would later become known as Bytown — now Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Not a bad legacy for a fellow whose name most of us only hear when crossing a bridge or reading a history plaque.
It was this historic journey that became part of the annual Settlers Days celebrations in Smiths Falls and the reason I once found myself pretending to be Colonel By’s daughter. I wish I could tell you I remember my lines, but after 40 years, that detail has sailed down the canal.
Sadly, Colonel By himself never received much credit during his lifetime. The project went far over budget, and instead of being celebrated, he was recalled to London in disgrace. He died in 1835, nearly penniless. It’s a reminder that sometimes history takes a while to figure out who the real heroes were.
Thankfully, time has been much kinder to Colonel By. Today, the Rideau Canal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Eastern Ontario’s greatest treasures.
Communities all along the canal proudly celebrate their connection to this remarkable piece of Canadian history. From Smiths Falls to Merrickville, Perth, Kingston, and Ottawa, the locks and waterways continue to attract visitors from around the world.
If you have friends or relatives visiting this summer—or if you’re simply looking to rediscover your own backyard—consider taking a boat cruise along a section of the canal. There are several excellent options available. Feeling a little more adventurous? You can even get your boating licence and captain your own vessel through this historic waterway. Just remember that steering a boat through a lock requires a bit more skill than steering a shopping cart through Walmart.
And while you’re travelling, take a few moments to learn about the people behind the place names and communities along the route. You may be surprised by how many local families and historic figures helped shape the Rideau Canal’s story.
Nearly 200 years later, that story is still flowing through Eastern Ontario—one lock, one boat, and one curious visitor at a time.
That’s my story-what’s yours?
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