The Rio Barcelona Canal is a short, half-mile long canal located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, within the Atlantic Coastal Plain. It serves as a southern boundary for the Middle River system, connecting to the waters around Sunrise Key. Paddling access is available at the Rio Desota Canal Bridge, which provides a boat ramp and facilities for launching kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards. The canal is a saltwater feature influenced by tidal patterns from the adjacent Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, so paddlers must plan for tidal currents. A significant and critical safety consideration is that the canal and the broader Middle River area have been subject to long-term precautionary advisories against all water contact activities, including paddling. These advisories are related to water quality issues, and the boundaries of the closed area have historically extended from north of Federal Highway south to the Rio Barcelona Canal. The George English Park boat ramp and lagoon, a nearby potential access point, has also been closed until further notice. Due to its urban location within Fort Lauderdale, the canal experiences boat traffic, and paddlers should be prepared for potential channel crossings where the canal meets larger waterways. The surrounding area is densely developed with residential properties. The primary character of a paddle here is an urban, residential canal experience, contingent upon the lifting of any active water quality advisories which must be verified with local authorities prior to any trip.