Wonderful Waterways

Canals have long been a popular means of transit for trade and recreation, whether they are large shipping lanes or little waterways. Here, we look at the most amazing canals and waterways from across the world, covering everything from floating lagoon communities to cross-country water systems.

The Grachtengordel, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's canals, a vast network of waterways, are arguably the most recognizable aspect of the city. There are an astounding 165 canals in the Dutch capital, which are connected by more than 1,200 bridges and span about 60 miles (100 km). The Grachtengordel, one of Amsterdam's most photographed rivers, is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by stunning structures. The Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Singel canals make up the 17th-century canal ring, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2010.

Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

The Rideau Canal, which winds through Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is the oldest canal system in North America still in continuous operation. It was intended to serve as a safe supply route from Montréal to Kingston after the War of 1812 when it was first established in 1832. Now recognized as one of Canada's most impressive technical achievements of the 1800s, the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every winter, when the waters of the downtown Ottawa canal ice over, it becomes a wintry wonderland. It is the world's longest naturally occurring ice skating rink, spanning over 4.8 miles (7.8 km).

Giethoorn canals, Giethoorn, Netherlands

The secluded Dutch town of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, which borders Overijssel, is located just northeast of Amsterdam and is well-known for its exquisite canals. Giethoorn was founded in 1230, and its canals are believed to have been built by monks as a means of moving peat throughout the region. The community is renowned for lacking roads nowadays, with its thatched farmhouses connected by a network of canals that are bordered by more than 150 wooden bridges. Giethoorn is a tranquil getaway from the city because the only methods to get about are by boat, bicycle, or foot.

Llangollen Canal, England and Wales, UK

The beautiful Llangollen Canal links the Welsh town of Llangollen with Hurleston in Cheshire, spanning the boundary between England and Wales. The river, which stretches 46 miles (74 km) across rural England and Wales, is home to several picturesque sites and important historical sites, including the well-known Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. One of Wales' most well-known crossings, the UNESCO-listed aqueduct was finished in 1805.

Dubai Water Canal, Dubai, UAE

This contemporary canal winds its way through Dubai's huge city, namely in the Old Quarter. The 3.2km (about two miles) long water canal meanders between Business Bay and Old Creek. It was first opened in 2016. The canal, praised for its modern architecture, is lined with opulent stores and hotels on both sides and is crossed by several bridges that offer breathtaking views of Dubai's famous cityscape.

Canal du Midi, France

This charming canal in southern France is known for its unmatched beauty and has been there for hundreds of years. The Canal du Midi, which connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean, was constructed in the middle of the 17th century by engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet. The canal, which has 328 buildings total—including bridges, aqueducts, and tunnels—is a remarkable example of contemporary civil engineering. We can see why the river was included to the UNESCO list in 1996 as we pass through the serene, verdant south of France.

Göta Canal, Stockholm, Sweden

One of the biggest engineering projects Sweden has ever undertaken was the stunning Göta Canal, which opened for business in 1832. Baltzar von Platen, a naval officer, founded the canal, which was largely dug out by hand and took an astounding 22 years to create, involving some 60,000 men. The canal stretches an astounding 118 miles (190 km) from Lake Vœnern in the north to Lake Vœttern in the south. The ancient canal is a well-liked attraction that winds through some of the most picturesque lakes, rivers, and aqueducts in all of Sweden.

Read Also: Worlds Most Fascinating Hidden Rivers

Can Tho, Vietnam

The biggest city in the Mekong Delta is Can Tho, which is located in southern Vietnam. Known as "Vietnam's rice basket" due to its rich soil and flourishing farming sector, the Delta is a surreal network of rivers, wetlands, and islands that revolves around Can Tho. Can Tho, which is on the Hau River's southern bank, is well renowned for the floating markets that are close by on the crowded Ninh Kieu waterfront. The markets, filled with vibrant fruit and flowers, are a popular destination for tourists.

Grand Union Canal, England, UK

The Grand Union is the longest canal in the United Kingdom, spanning an astounding 137 miles (220 km). The Chiltern Hills and other gorgeous rural areas are traversed by the canal paths that lead from the heart of London into the West Midlands town of Birmingham. The Iron Trunk Aqueduct (also called Cosgrove), a beautiful Georgian building spanning the River Ouse, and Hatton Locks, commonly known as the "stairway to heaven," a steep set of 21 locks in Warwickshire, are highlights along the huge canal.