The Rideau Waterway stretches 202 kilometres through a chain of lakes, rivers, and canals, linking Smiths Falls to Kingston on Lake Ontario and to Ottawa. At its core, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site was built between 1826 and 1832 and is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. Originally conceived as a key part of a military defence system for Upper Canada, now Ontario, it soon became a route for local trade and luxury steamers. Considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the canal uses 31 locks to raise vessels 83 metres from the Ottawa River to the height of land at Newboro on Upper Rideau Lake, and 14 locks to lower vessels to Lake Ontario at Kingston. Most lockstations still hand-operate locks and swing bridges, while a few locks on the system are electronically operated. Along the Rideau, wildlife, city life, country life, past and present, nature and culture come together in a unique blend, and its designation as a Canadian Heritage River recognizes its national significance and supports stewardship, wise management, and protection of its unique resources.