Water canals have played an important role in shaping the global economy and the functioning of societies for centuries. Connecting seas, lakes and rivers, they facilitate transportation, trade and communication. They are artificial watercourses, but also living artifacts of history. They support local and international water transportation and facilitate the daily movement of ships. We present a list of the world’s most famous water canals, which are not only engineering marvels, but also important elements of local economics and history.