Hogs Back Dam

A favourite spot in Ottawa at this time of year is Hogs Back Falls. The spring runoff is near a peak and the rush of water attracts locals and visitors to view, hear and feel the spectacle of rushing water.

180 years ago, on April 3rd, 1829, this was the site of a setback for the Rideau Canal when the first dam was washed out. Col John By reported that "at about ten o'clock in the morning the water began to flow over the top (of the dam) without carrying off any of the coping stones. ... I felt it (the dam) tremble, and instantly ordered the men to run. I stood and looked at it for a few seconds, when the stones fell from under my feet as I ran off.