1. The Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway in Scotland that connects the east and west coasts of the country, running from Inverness in the north to Corpach near Fort William in the south. It was built in the early 19th century to allow ships to avoid the treacherous waters around the north coast of Scotland and navigate through the Scottish Highlands instead. The canal is 60 miles (97 km) long and includes several man-made locks and natural lochs (lakes) along its route, including the famous Loch Ness. The scenery along the canal is stunning, with mountain ranges, forests, and wildlife to be seen. Visitors can take a boat trip along the canal, go fishing or hiking, or simply enjoy the views.
2. The Caledonian Canal is open year-round, although the opening times of the various facilities along the canal may vary. The official website for the canal is https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/canals/caledonian-canal/, where you can find contact information if necessary.
3. There is no admission fee to use the canal, but there may be charges for boat trips, fishing permits, or other activities. If you are travelling by car, there is parking available at various points along the canal. Bus and train services also run to Inverness, which is the main starting point for exploring the canal.