The Rideau isn't just a canal cut (only 10% is man-made), it's a waterway combining canals, rivers and lakes. This makes the Rideau a wonderful blend of urban, rural and natural landscapes. You can see million dollar homes, quaint cottages, and loons swimming in a sheltered, undisturbed bay, all in the same day.
You have do at least what's in the manual (to maintain warranty coverage). More often than that is up to you. With most drivers, the oil change light will come on before 6k miles. I change mine anywhere from 3k to 5k - all depending on convienience for me. 2009 Chrysler T&C Touring 4.0L
The common suggestion is to change the oil every 3000 miles. And numerous service stations and their mechanics gladly parrot this recommendation. After all, every time you come to change your oil, they will get paid. After every oil change, your windshield or the inside of your cars door is decorated with an oil change sticker, nicely telling you to come back in a few months or 3000 miles. Lovely.