When it opened on 22 February 1819 a general holiday was called and crowds of spectators, reportedly 60,000, gathered to watch the first boats, a flotilla of 10 arrive from Tinsley.
Nowadays it is a place to escape city life, enjoy a barging holiday or spot of fishing. We have dug out 20 great pictures from the archive showing the people who give the canals its character.
Want more Sheffield retro? Meadowhall shoppers, Read how Sheffield’s weather station played a vital role in WW2
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5. Published author
Simon Ogden with his book about Sheffield and Tinsley canal back in 1998 Photo: Barry Richardson
6. Sheffield Ramblers
Sheffield Ramblers Secretary Jack Burling with his Grandson Luke Raithby on the towpath alongside the Sheffield Canal East of the Halfpenny Bridge at Tinsley in 1998 Photo: Steve Ellis
7. Action shot
David Delaney from Kimberworth a member of Sheffield Canoe Club does a Seal launch into the Sheffield Canal from the Bridge alongside the Sheffield Arena in 1999 Photo: Steve Ellis
8. Enjoying the water
Canoeists making their way along the Sheffield Canal as part of try out sessions organised by British Canoe Union in 1999 Photo: Steve Ellis