Belgium may not be the first place you might think of when it comes to European canals but there are quite a few of them to check out. While Belgian canals are not necessarily on the same scale as the canals in Amsterdam they are still very picturesque and well worth seeing.
When I visited, I found that most of the Belgian canals were in the flatter Flanders region in the north, far more so than the hilly Wallonia region (including the heavily forested area of the Ardennes) in the south.
The map below gives you some idea of the waterways comprising canals and rivers in Belgium.
Canals in Belgium
When researching my trip, I was so surprised to find Wikipedia listed over 80 canals across this relatively small country! Obviously, there is only a limited time anyone can spend exploring, so I prioritized what I considered to be the best to see from this list of canals, based on what I thought would be most accessible for travelers.
As it turns out, the most popular canals in Belgium are situated in, or very close to, major cities and centers in the Flanders region. I thought I would focus on these due to their popularity and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what I experienced.
Below are the highlights of what I think you should consider if you are keen on seeing some lovely canals in Belgium.
Bruges canals
When it comes to famous canals, the Bruges canals are certainly the most well known throughout Belgium. Tourists flock here, especially in summer to see this beautiful city and experience riding through these lovely canals.
These canals in Belgium are so popular because they are regarded as the most scenically appealing with a backdrop of architecturally attractive, historical buildings surrounding the medieval town of Bruges.
The Bruges canals, like the canals of Amsterdam and St. Petersburg, have often been referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’.
Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Located in the northwest, it is the seventh-largest city in the country by population.
The name Bruges is thought to derive from the old-Scandinavian word ‘Brygga’ meaning ‘harbor’ or ‘mooring place’. The river Zwin linked the settlement to the North Sea and it very quickly became an important international trading port.
The city originated on the banks of the river Reie. The Bruges’ canals are referred to as “Reie”, named after the river “Roya” which used to flow into the Zwin estuary.
Bruges (also known as Brugge) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, recognized as an ‘outstanding example of an architectural ensemble, illustrating significant stages in the commercial and cultural fields in medieval Europe’.
When you consider all the above and the images I have shared here, it probably comes as no surprise that Bruges canals are the most famous canals in Belgium.
We just loved our time exploring this historic city (which is really more of a town in terms of population: only around 20K in the city center) and gliding along the scenic waterways here was a delight.
Ghent
Another major center in the Flanders region, also located in the northwest (Flemish) area, Ghent is also a very lovely city to visit. Whether it is more appealing than Bruges, is a matter of personal choice.
Ghent is a larger center than Bruges and because of that, it doesn’t feel as though there are so many tourists. Due to the city’s preservation and restoration efforts, so much of the medieval architecture is still intact in the historic district of Ghent and this is arguably best seen from its canals.
Ghent’s history dates back to the 1300s when it was the richest and largest city in northern Europe. The confluence of two rivers, the Scheldt and the Leie, made Ghent a major port city, and in the 18th and 19th centuries, the city had a thriving textile industry. Bruges on the other hand was (and still is) known for its production of lace.
Today it is an easy city to explore and has a large student population. It is the second-largest city in Flanders after Antwerp. The canals here are equally accessible as in Bruges and Ghent obviously has more in the way of amenities and things to see within very close (walking) proximity of the city center.
There are many options to take a cruise along the canals in Ghent and you are also able to hop on and off at various points. As was the case in Bruges, your captain is also your tour guide and is happy to take questions during the cruise. Unsurprisingly, Ghent is one of the more popular canals in Belgium.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt. The largest city in Flanders, regarded as the Flemish capital of Belgium, Antwerp is famous as being a diamond center in Europe as well as one of the significant shipping ports in Western Europe.
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A major canal begins in Antwerp. Named after King Albert I of Belgium, the Albert Canal is a canal located in north-eastern Belgium. This canal connects the major cities Antwerp and Liège as well as the Meuse and Scheldt rivers. It has a total length of 129.5 kilometers (80.5 mi).
While Antwerp does not have the same history or architectural buildings as Bruges or Ghent, its port and proximity to the North Sea are scenic in themselves.
A great place to head for views of the area is the Museum aan de Stroom. This is a museum located along the river Scheldt in the Eilandje district of Antwerp. It opened in May 2011 and is the largest museum in Antwerp. Here you can look down to the river and out to the port as well as back out to the city.
Brussels
Being the capital and largest city in Belgium, you might think that a canal in Brussels might be rather spectacular. This is not the case when you compare it to the other centers I visited and talked about above. The canal runs through the city which is devoid of the character of those elsewhere in Belgium and surrounded by more modern and typical city buildings.
The Brussels canal divides the municipality of Brussels-City from Molenbeek, forming the border between them. Compared to the other canals I have covered in this article, it really isn’t half as scenic and due to this, visitor numbers to see or even travel on the canal are quite non-existent.
If you find yourself in Brussels and are interested in checking out more historical architecture, then you really do need to visit La Grand-Place. La Grand-Place is essentially a huge square completely surrounded by beautiful 17th-century architecture. It is a centerpiece of Brussels that you really shouldn’t miss seeing if you are in the area.
Le Grand Place is also registered on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
Other things Belgium is known for
Food and drink
In between racing to check out the best canals in Belgium, I would recommend trying some of the products the country is famous for. These include some items I have included below.
Belgium chocolate is something the locals are very proud of and we were told quite a few times that their chocolate is much better than Swiss chocolate. Whether this is true or not is probably more a matter of opinion or preference for each person.
What I can say, however, is that all the chocolates we bought (trying some there and bringing some home) were delicious. Extremely smooth and rich in texture with so many choices of flavors.
Belgian waffles are another food that is heavily promoted and available just about everywhere in the country. We were continually told that Belgian waffles in Belgium would taste better than anywhere else in the world. Although not the best thing for those trying to lose calories, we did try this and it did taste great.
Belgium Fries is something that came as a bit of a surprise. So many locals told us that fries actually originate from Belgium and not France! Apparently, anyone has a real hide to refer to Belgium Fries as French Fries and the Belgians supposedly feel ripped off when this happens. So of course, we had to try ‘Belgian Fries’ which is available everywhere and comes in a paper cone with mayonnaise on top.
Belgium Beer is another thing that is suggested at just about every restaurant or café you dine at. There are so many different styles of beer that are produced in Belgium, with Stella Artois probably being the best known internationally. We did try their beer on a few occasions at dinner (or rather James did and I had a sip of his as I’m not really a beer fan).
The Adventures of Tin Tin!
While we were staying in central Brussels, so many of the tourist souvenir shops had figurines, toys, and other mementos of the comic characters from Tin Tin. The Adventures of Tin Tin originated in Belgium and Brussels also has a dedicated store with Tin Tin comics, posters, books, and every conceivable souvenir you could imagine! The Belgians were pretty proud that Tin Tin was theirs! It was a fun experience to visit the store.
To conclude:
Canals in Belgium should form an important part of touring Belgium and appreciating the lovely towns and broader natural beauty of this country. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experience with the canals in Belgium and the ones I thought were best to highlight here.
Please do leave a comment on your impressions of the canals of Belgium, particularly if you have visited or if you would like to include this on your travels.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
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I had no idea that Belgium had so many beautiful canals! I could definitely see myself taking a tour there and seeing them all. Belgium seems like such a lovely country that is worth visiting and sightseeing. I’m a huge fan of being able to walk around and take in all the sights at my own pace.
Fortunately, you do have the option of doing tours there as well as spending time exploring at your own pace, Erica. Perhaps the best way to do this might be to book tours to the main centers where you will see the canals and then decide which areas you would like to return to on your own. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Belgium looks like such a beautiful place to visit. I have always been intrigued by the concept of canals as we don’t have anything quite like it here. They are often featured in TV and movies, and it’s always in this romantic and over-the-top way. I feel like I need to visit one at least once in my life… lol
In my opinion, Europe is certainly the continent to see canals, Britt. Whether this is Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, or even St Petersburg in Russia, there is certainly a feel of magic about them!
I’ve always wanted to visit Belgium. Your photos are so pretty and it sounds like you had a good time.
Thank you very much, Seriah. Yes, we enjoyed it so much and I appreciate your comment, thank you.
Great post. I live close to Belgium but never been properly. Is it possible to rent boats for individual travel and stay on the boat overnight? I also recommend the Belgian beer, especially the lambic fruit beer, even if you are not a beer fan. So tasty
Renting boats is definitely possible, Anja. Living close by, you will no doubt be able to arrange this easily. Sounds like a lovely way to spend a weekend, enjoying the lambic fruit beer. I would like to try that if I get to visit again in the future.
This looks like it would be a lovely trip, I love all the photos you included.
Thank you so much, Luna. So happy you enjoyed this.
We went to Brussels and did not see the magic of the canals. Now we know why they say go to Brugge~Carol
That’s for sure, Carolina! Perhaps you may be able to check this out if you plan another trip to Belgium in the future.
This is our kind of trip for sure. We often do canal walks at around 24 miles, so to tour the ones in Belgium would be great. Also, the stops for food would be a must for us as well x
Sounds great, Melanie. Seeing the canals while walking would be lovely but being in the canal offers a different perspective again. Thanks very much for reading and commenting.
I didn’t know that Belgium had so many beautiful canals. Your photos are great and it sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I’d definitely love to explore Belgium one day.
Thanks so much, Kelly. That’s a lovely thing to say and I hope you will likewise explore this part of the world in the future.
Canals make such a lovely addition to these wonderful old cities, with all their beautiful architecture
It does make a lovely combination for sure, Trish.
We visited Brussels a few years ago but I would love to explore more of Belgium! You featured so many fantastic spots here and I didn’t realize there were so many canals in the country too. All the cities on the water look fantastic! Can’t wait to make it back one day and travel further around the area!
The best parts of Belgium are mostly outside of Brussells, Jenn. And transportation around the country is really easy and straightforward. Hope you do return to explore more one day.
I have a beautiful photograph hanging in my kitchen that my nephew actually took in Amsterdam on a canal. It’s one of my favorites. The Belgium canals look gorgeous also and I would love to visit in person.
If you ask me, Elise, it is really worth the trip. Plus you will be able to take your own photos to hang up on your return (with you in them!). Thanks so much for reading and sharing your comment.
This is a great article, and opened my eyes to how much more of Belgium there is to see, even as a small country. I’d love to visit Ghent and Antwerp, I keep seeing these pop up on traveler recommendations.
Ghent and Antwerp are extremely popular destinations, Nicole, but I would also ensure you see Bruges while you are there. I’m sure you would find it worthwhile to include it on your travels. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Indeed a great country to visit! I am sure you really had a good time. I wish to revisit this article hopefully soon to plan my own trip! Love your photos!
That’s great Anosa. Planning a trip is always fun and I hope you have a fabulous trip when you are able to go.
That was amazing and nice trip you got there. I hope i can go there too, the canals looks decent and the architecture looks like from classic or gothic style. Its cool
Thanks for reading and leaving your comment, Muhammad. I hope you will be able to visit as well.
Belgium sounds like a wonderful place to visit someday with the family and the canals sound and look beautiful and quite interesting.
These are certainly family-friendly places to visit, Lyanna. Beautiful, interesting, and also educational for the kids!
What a wonderful inspiration – exploring cities on waters without ruining the environment. All those canals ins Europe are so pretty and you get to see the cities from a different angle yet from really close. Belgian cities are so picturesque, therefore this kind of slow travel is really suitable. đŸ™‚
Environmental positives are definitely also a bonus wherever possible, Renata, aside from it being so picturesque in these areas. Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment.
Nnniiiccceeeee…it’s astonishing to hear that over 80 canals exist here! I’d love to see them all…and the food scene, too!
It’s well worth the trip in my opinion, Ntensibe! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
These photos are lovely! There’s always something magical about canals in Belgium and around Europe. It is always a great sight to see.
That’s for sure, Mae! So pleased you liked the photos and thank you for your comment.
I saw the Bruges canal last 2017. It was one of my favorites. I wish I can come back in Belgium. Maybe after the pandemic?
Maybe, Emman, who knows? Best of luck with your future travel plans.
I did not know that Belgium had so many waterways including canals. I have not yet explored Belgium but am adding a trip touring the canals to my bucket list. I love the looks of Bruges area, including canals and architecture of the city. Ghent and its canals are also beautiful. đŸ™‚
I felt the same way when researching to plan this particular trip, Jan. The photos I saw of the canals in Belgium made me want to see them in addition to those in the Netherlands. Well worth the trip.
I wish we can have places like this in my country. I want to go hiking and see nature within the canals. BTW, those Belgian waffles and fries look so yummy for a snack.
Thanks, Ramil. Perhaps you might be able to visit one day to check it out first-hand.
What an inspiring article. Would never think that Belgium has over 80 canals. This would make me want to explore the country more. You did a great job.
Thank you so much for such a lovely and kind comment, Nicoletta. It is really appreciated.
Between the canals, architecture, and fabulous food, this looks like a great place to visit. They may take pride in their fries, but I prefer mine without the mayonnaise. ????
You can always ask them to ‘hold the mayo’, Lorry, and that way you’ll get the perfect combination of Belgium for you! Thanks so much for reading and leaving your comment.
This sounds like such an amazing thing to do! I also love that there is a UNESCO site to see along the way. Honestly, when I think about traveling to other countries, I normally want to see the touristy spots, but doing something like this can really immerse you into a country. Fab idea!
As a general rule, I try to get away from the cities and tourist trails to discover more of the ‘real’ country and culture, Jennifer. While these canals are strictly speaking in cities, I still feel a connection to nature here via these waterways. It is also such a serene experience to glide through canals, exploring new places.
The Bruges canals have been on my bucket list for a long time. I really want to visit to see them for myself. But I didn’t know there were more in Belgium!
There certainly are, Nina! Having said that though, there is no doubt that Bruges is the most popular.
How nice it must have been to be able to see so many pretty sights traveling on these canals. I did not know Belgium had so many of them. Awesome post. I enjoyed reading about your adventure and looking at your lovely photos too.
Thank you so much, Eileen. I am so happy you enjoyed this post and photos and thank you for saying so.
Good to see that you enjoyed touring Belgium. I have also enjoyed seeing a few canals, and hope to visit more in my travels.
Well there of course quite a few places in the world where you can see canals, Jumana. I must admit I enjoy seeing and cruising along them as well.
Adding this to my list of must-sees! Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, Dominique. So pleased you liked this.
Belgian chocolates are great, but beer is the first thing that comes to mind. Forget Stella Artois- the real Belgian beer that made the country famous is brewed in the monasteries.
Be that the case, Bryan, they obviously don’t have the same marketing budgets and sadly are not as well known. Thanks for reading and sharing your perspective.
I would love to take a trip there focused on the canals like that. Those views never get old. It’s such a lovely way to explore.
Thanks so much, Leanne. I couldn’t agree more.
Oh, wow! I actually had no idea that Belgium had canals. It’s gorgeous. I love the buildings right there on the water.
Some of the medieval architecture is certainly lovely, Brianne. Seeing it from the water makes for a wonderful experience.
I visited Belgium and was surprised to find so many canals too. But it definitely added the charm to many of the places we saw, Bruges, Ghent to name a couple.
Although perhaps not as well known as some other places for their canals, Belgium nevertheless has some lovely ones to experience, Renee. Thank you very much for reading and sharing your experience there.
I’ve been to all but Antwerp and loved the canals, food, moules et frites and Brussels. Belgium is a very interesting country with its mix of French and Flemish citizens.
We found that as well, Kemi. It is always interesting to learn about various peoples and cultures as you explore.
canal tourism is always super pleasant. in Belgium it’s a very nice way. I’d still prefer cycling there but that’s me (I prefer it most of the time)
Cycling is definitely a great way to get around to see the beauty of a country, Lyosha. A great way to stay fit at the same time!
totally! also it might be a great idea to rent a boat and combine it if you have people who stay on the boat to move it forward
That would indeed be a fun plan!
I have read Tin Tin so many times but now I know the character originated in Belgium! I have had the chocolates and waffles too. But everything looks beautiful about this country. I am sure the canals just add to the beauty.
I definitely think so, Ambica, and I love cruising canals, especially in such scenic places. Tin Tin was a bit of fun as well!
This post brought back lovely memories from my Belgian trip in 2019. I visited all these places mentioned aboved and yes the Belgian canals are picturesque. In Belgium, one cannot miss the canals. I loved Ghent for its history, Brugges for its old world charm and Antwerp for the Belgian fries Brussels has lots to offer. I also visited Ostend in Belgium.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, Manjulika! I’m so pleased you enjoyed Belgium also.
Interesting read. The view from the canals are lovely. It’s amazing how much history and architecture have been preserved in some of these parts.
That is for sure, Viano. History buffs and those keen on architecture and beautiful canals would all get a thrill out of visiting these locations.
After living in Europe for over 20 years, I still haven’t been to Belgium and I have no idea why. It definitely looks like a lovely place to visit and I cannot wait to go when it is safer to travel again.
Thank you, Alvern. I hope this helps give you the inspiration to check it out when you next can.
Belgium is such a beautiful place and it is amazing what you can see by following canals. I love this as an idea of a way to explore and discover a new location.
I completely agree with you, Sarah. Such a lovely way to see a few gorgeous locations.
Oh my! These photos are beautiful and I can’t wait to visit Belgium. My cousin lives there and she’s told me so much about the Belgian waffles and chocolates. Yum!
Thank you very much, Maureen. It is really a very scenic country with lovely food and visiting your cousin might make for a great reason to visit!
Bruges is the place to see the canals. That is a great part of it being a World Heritage Site. We were in Brussels and we didn’t even know there was a canal there!
Perhaps something for you to check out when you return to Belgium at some point, Carol. You are certainly right that Bruges is still regarded as the best or most popular among visitors.
I need to travel to Belgium again when it is safe to do so. I have only been to Brussels and driven through it briefly to go to Germany. All of those canals look amazing.
Definitely worth stopping over to experience next time, Yemi!
We love to see places from the water so would definitely try the canals in Belgium. Although I would not have expected to find over 80 canals! Good to know the more popular ones give you views of some of the pretty cities in Belgium. I might have to try the four ones you have highlighted. Each seems to be just a bit more different. This would stop hubby from spending all his time taste testing the Belgium beer!
I love the idea of you using the canals as a distraction against your husband and his focusing on Belgian beer, Linda! Sounds like a plan to me! Totally agree that these cities are really so pretty and make a huge difference to cruising in them.
You are right – the canals in Belgium are very well worth a visit. We did boat cruises in Ghent as well as in Bruges to experience the cities from the water and had a very good time. And I am a BIG Tintin fan (since childhood). There is also a Tintin Museum in Belgium as well as a Tintin Walk through Brussels (I did both….). Your post brought back fond memories!
Wow! I wasn’t aware of the canals in Belgium. Would love to visit there to experience this side of the world. Hopefully I get a chance one day
Thank you, Pooja. I really hope you will one day too. I found it really worthwhile.
I’m so pleased to hear that, Natascha! I knew about Tin Tin from childhood as well, although I didn’t realize until much later that he came from Belgium! Experiencing the canals was a real treat.
Wow, more than 80 canals is quite a number for a small country indeed! This is such a source of discovery learning in engineering and architecture. I’m particularly interested in Antwerp.
That’s for sure, Trisha. I hope you will visit yourself one day to see it all first hand. Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
I think we do only focus on canals in the Netherlands and forget about Brussels too! Great that you put a focus on this and I would love to visit Belgium again from a different perspective.
Thank you, Kenny. That is a lovely thing to say and I hope you will visit again in the future.
Thanks for this. I have only been to Brussels and now looking forward to checking out the rest of the cool places in Belgium.
My pleasure, Bree. Totally worth getting out of Brussels to see so much more that Belgium has to offer.
You had such a wonderful trip! I have never thought about a canal tour! Love your food trials as well.
Well, we couldn’t go all the way to Belgium and not give everything a try while we were there, Christy! So happy that we did.
I have always wanted to visit Belgium. I’d love to tour the canals. I just know that it’d be a wonderful experience.
I felt the exact same way when we were planning the trip, Jasmine, and I’m happy to say we were not disappointed!
Wow, I didn’t know there were such canals in Belgium. I learned so much, they are beautiful!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this and found it interesting, Amy. Thank you for reading and sharing your impressions.
It seems like you had a great time touring Belgium! I would love to visit and tour the Canals specially in Antwerp. I would also love to see the La Grand-Place at Brussels. It is actually in my bucket list to eat Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate (ehem… Belvas and Godiva) in Belgium.
Belgium is a place where foodies love to sample the delicious fare the country is known for, Polly. No doubt you would enjoy the food as much as the new and different places there.
My partner and I have got back into traveling, camping, and seeing areas of beauty and interest. I would love to venture out of the UK and into Europe. Thanks for sharing informative inspiring posts, we may just do that soon đŸ™‚
Hopefully, it will be safe for you to do so soon, Aimee. Fortunately, it is not that far to travel from the UK.
I went to Belgium a few years ago and visited all these places. My favourite was Ghent and I loved that pretty place. Also, the Belgium chocolate and waffles. I had them almost everyday when I was there as they were so delicious. Oh my God, just thinking about them, my mouth waters. I wish to go back again someday and spend more time exploring and of course eating.
Exploring and eating would be highlights for many people visiting Belgium, I think, Raksha. Not a bad way to spend some holidays!
I haven’t been to Belgium before and I didn’t know that the country had canals. The pictures of the canals you have here are beautiful!. Maybe I will get there one day!
I certainly hope you do as well, Dominique. Thank you for leaving a lovely comment.
Belgium is so high on my bucket list! My parents did a canal tour and this made me even more anxious to do one ourselves. The architecture in your photos is incredible!
The medieval architecture in these towns/cities definitely stands out, Chloe. If you love this, you will definitely love visiting the centers I discussed above. I hope you end up making the trip and having a fabulous time.
I’m sure you had an excellent time! I love the trees along the banks of the canals. The tour somehow reminded me of Venice. And the food, oh so delicious.
No doubt that’s why it’s also referred to as’ the Venice of the North’, Ivan! A lovely way to see some of their major centers.
Thank you for the reply, Nicole! I’ll have to add this to my travel bucket list then. The buildings look impressive, too!
That’s great, Ivan. All the best for your future travels.
Beautiful photos! I would love to visit Belgium’s beautiful places someday.
Thanks very much, Risa. We really found Belgium to be worthwhile exploring.