Many nations took to canal building. But they are extremely labour intensive because there are not mechanical shovels or other earth moving gear.
Bristol Harbour was once a tidal port that existed on a Severn estuary that has one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe.
At the beginning of the 19th century there were attempts to modernise this harbour into a 'floating harbour' that would require a diversionary canal for one of the river confluences. This was at a cost in today's money of £23,358,637.
The eventual alternative was the railways. For many European countries this was the cheaper alternative.
Canal building was big but by the mid 19th Century they were being superseded by the railways. By the 20th Century the Canals were falling into disrepair.
The resource that Canals bring is probably not very well used in RPGs. Maybe because of an 'American' focus but it certainly has a lot going on around the Canals. Coupled with their tow paths, locks, horses etc.