About Rideau Canal
As seen on Great Canal Journeys - Wild & wonderful, take an unforgettable boating holiday on Canada's canals and wide open lakes
Our Canadian boating holidays are the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal. One of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America. Travelling this attractive waterway, you'll be able to unwind and take in the spectacular nature, picturesque towns and lively cities of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover more about Canada and the unique charm of each region of our cruising ground.
Find your bearings...
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Fishing
The lakes and rivers of the Rideau Waterway offer great fishing opportunities including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and Walleye.
Nature
Nature lovers will enjoy their journey through the Rideau, which provides a haven for many species of wildlife.
Cycling
Bicycle enthusiasts can fully enjoy the Rideau region. Although there are no bicycle trails directly along the Rideau, there are many trails and secondary roads close by that bicyclists can enjoy.
Shopping
All the cities along the Canal offer shopping opportunities. Check out the local products and crafts shops. Don't leave Canada without a bottle of maple syrup.
Useful information
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
A bit of background
As it winds its way 202km (125 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, the Rideau Canal is bursting with new experiences just waiting to be explored. Whether you like taking in abundant nature, discovering fascinating culture or simply indulging in some of the finer things - the Rideau Canal has something for you!
The Rideau Canal was originally intended as a military supply route between Montreal and Kingston in the event of an American invasion of Canada. Construction of the canal, under the charge of Lt. Colonel John By, began in 1826 through a wilderness of rough bush, swamps and rocky terrain. The 19th century working conditions were grueling and the work was done by hand. An estimated 1,000 men died during the six years of construction. Today, the Rideau Canal is one of North America’s most beautiful navigable waterways, with exquisite stone-masonry admired to this day.
Our Canada cruises are perfect for that short escape or epic expedition. Our base is located in Smiths Falls, midway along the canal, and is the perfect starting point for long or short breaks. So whether you have a few days or several weeks, our Canada cruises are the perfect standalone holiday or accompaniment to a wider break.
There are 24 lockstations and 47 locks on the Rideau Canal. Each lock has 3 to 4 staff members to help out in any way they can.
Opening hours:
- May 19 - June 25
Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- June 26 - Sept. 4
Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- September 5 - October 9
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Thanksgiving 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
There are many options for overnight moorings along the Rideau; private marinas, township marinas and Parks Canada moorings (situated at lock stations) all provide overnight moorings for a fee, with varying facilities and services.
However, a mandatory fee of $70 USD / $75 CAD for short breaks or $110 USD / $120 CAD for 7nts+ will be charged to Le Boat customers and covers overnight moorings at all Parks Canada sites, as well as the township marinas of Portland, Perth and Westport (first two Le Boats moor free in Westport, standard rates for others) which represents a significantly reduced rate than the fee charged locally at each of these moorings sites. All overnight moorings are operated on a first-come, first-served basis and exclude services such as shore power.
To find out how to get to our base in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available nearby, click on the link below:
- Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- A compulsory moorings fee has been included in the price quoted. See compulsory costs for more details
- Optional holiday extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour.
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of the Rideau Canal
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see...
Itinerary suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You don't have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Smiths Falls
6 hr(s) of cruising
22km 6 lock(s) 3 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Along the Rideau you'll discover an abundance of wildlife. With Beavers, Otters, Turtles, Ospreys and the famous Canada Geese just some of the fantastic fauna you be able to spot while you drift gently along the Rideau. So remember your binoculars and camera, because this region is a nature lovers dream.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Spotting wildlife on the Tay Canal
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
6 hr(s) of cruising
22km 6 lock(s) 3 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Perth
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Perth
Smiths Falls
10 hr(s) of cruising
42km 10 lock(s) 4 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Perth
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Canada is a paradoxical place, able to combine pristine wilderness with vibrant local culture. Find yourself taking in the natural wonders of Ontario as you make your way gently down the Rideau before unearthing the lively local culture of Perth with its quaint boutiques and lively markets.
Top highlights:
- The beautiful 200 year-old town of Perth, where there's something for everyone
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
- Perth: Linked to the Rideau Canal via the Tay Canal, Perth is a beautiful 200 year old town renowned for it's limestone architecture. The town has something for everyone: festivals and events, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, trail-riding, museums, genealogy, camping, heritage inns, provincial parks, conservation areas, golfing, horse riding, artisans, farmer's markets, great harvest foods, docking facilities, shopping and studio tours. Perth has a wide variety of restaurants and unique boutiques.
Due to water hazards and challenging navigation, cruising along the Tay Canal to Perth is only suitable for those who have previous boating experience. Please follow the advice of the base team during your pre-departure briefing on whether you can navigate this stretch of the canal. If you are advised not to navigate, you can still visit Perth by mooring at Lower Beverages lock and taking a short taxi ride.
10 hr(s) of cruising
42km 10 lock(s) 4 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Smiths Falls
13 hr(s) of cruising
42km 14 lock(s) 4 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville
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Overview
Picturesque Victorian stone houses, local craft shops and a thriving artisan community. It is easy to see why Merrickville was voted Canada's most beautiful village. Let yourself wander around this chocolate-box town and delve deeper into this regions charming local culture.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Merrickville's homemade ice cream and mustards along the Rideau Canal
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Merrickville: Merrickville is Canada’s prettiest village. The village center consists entirely of picturesque Victorian-era stone houses perched by the waters of the Rideau Canal. Merrickville is home to many local arts and craft shops, museums, restaurants and specialty stores serving some of the best local handmade ice cream or gourmet mustards on the Rideau Canal.
13 hr(s) of cruising
42km 14 lock(s) 4 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Rideau Ferry
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
27 hr(s) of cruising
126km 14 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Jones Falls
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Overview
Gently cruise the vast lakes, mighty forests and hidden islands of the Southern Rideau. The perfect playground for any lover of the outdoors. Find yourself paddling the Big Rideau Lake, going on a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area or playing golf on one of Portland’s two golf courses.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- The remarkable operating structure of the Jones Falls lock
- Golf courses and swimming beaches in Westport
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
- Rideau Ferry: Straddling a thin strip of water between the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes, Rideau Ferry is the spectacular scenic gateway to the southern Rideau. A hub for live music and festivals throughout the summer, stop here for the biannual Vintage Boat Regatta first held here in 1897.
- Portland: Portland is a small village located on Big Rideau Lake.There are many things for the landlubber to see and do in the Portland area. There are several unique stores in town, including antiques and collectables. The Cataraqui all-season trail passes just a bit east of town, golf courses are located nearby, one of the local B&Bs offers horseback riding, and cheese lovers will want to visit local cheesemakers and wineries.
- Westport: Westport is a charming village. There you will find public docking facilities and a full range of land-based accomodations. The city offers a lot of activities: shops, two golf courses and swimming beaches. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area which has spectacular views of the area.
- Newboro: The Village of Newboro is a popular destination spot for anglers wishing to land one of the big Largemouth Bass that populate Newboro Lake. It is also a popular stop for boaters since Newboro is located adjacent to the Newboro Lockstation on the Rideau Canal. It's a good spot to restock supplies or have a quiet lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants or inns. Be sure not to miss Kilborn’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
- Chaffey's Lockstation: Chaffey's Lockstation stands on beautiful isthmus of land lying between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake. The Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society was formed in 1980 to oversee the development of the Lockmaster's House Museum and to preserve the heritage of the village and surrounding area.
- Jones Falls: Jones Falls must be one of the prettiest lockstations along the Canal. The lockstation is home of the "Great Stone Arch Dam". Jones Falls has a flight of 3 lower locks. The turning basin separates the locks from the upper lock. This is the highest lift of any lockstation on the canal.
27 hr(s) of cruising
126km 14 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Long Island
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Upper Nicholsons
Burritts Rapids
Long Island
Smiths Falls
34 hr(s) of cruising
136km 28 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Long Island
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Sometimes the best things in life are those little luxuries. Discover them with a cruise on the Northern Rideau. Combine some retail therapy in Canada’s prettiest village, Merrickville, with a visit to one of Canada’s top gardens, the Rideau Woodland Ramble in Burritt’s Rapids. Paradise is real, and you'll find it here!
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Birdwatch amongst the beautiful nature of Upper Nicholsons
- The "Tip to Tip Trail" in Burrits Rapids
- Picnicking in Long Island
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Merrickville: Merrickville is Canada’s prettiest village. The village center consists entirely of picturesque Victorian-era stone houses perched by the waters of the Rideau Canal. Merrickville is home to many local arts and craft shops, museums, restaurants and specialty stores serving some of the best local handmade ice cream or gourmet mustards on the Rideau Canal.
- Upper Nicholsons: For historians and bird-watchers this is a great place to visit. Upper Nicholsons features one of four remaining Unequal Arm, a center bearing timber swing bridge, on the Rideau. Then just up the road you’ll discover McGuigan’s Cemetery (448 County Road 23, aka Burritts Rapids Road), one of the oldest burying grounds on the Rideau. You will be touched by the poignant headstone of Margaret Davidson, the 2 year old daughter of one of the contractors for Clowes Lock, who died in 1829.
- Burrits Rapid: Tie up at Burritts Rapids Lock Station, then take a walking tour of the village and experience early Canada through centuries old heritage buildings or walk the "Tip to Tip Trail", a 2 km nature walk.
- Long Island: Long Island Locks is an idyllic location for picnicking, fishing, exploring and boat watching.
34 hr(s) of cruising
136km 28 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Seeley's Bay
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Rideau Ferry
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Seeley's Bay
Smiths Falls
33 hr(s) of cruising
166km 22 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Seeley's Bay
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Overview
Get in touch with the friendly Canadian culture with a cruise to Seeleys Bay and Newboro. Be sure not to miss Kilborne’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro - and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Mesmerising cycle views from Rock Dunder in Seeley's Bay
- Golf courses and swimming beaches in Westport
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
- Rideau Ferry: Straddling a thin strip of water between the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes, Rideau Ferry is the spectacular scenic gateway to the southern Rideau. A hub for live music and festivals throughout the summer, stop here for the biannual Vintage Boat Regatta first held here in 1897.
- Portland: Portland is a small village located on Big Rideau Lake.There are many things for the landlubber to see and do in the Portland area. There are several unique stores in town, including antiques and collectables. The Cataraqui all-season trail passes just a bit east of town, golf courses are located nearby, one of the local B&Bs offers horseback riding, and cheese lovers will want to visit local cheesemakers and wineries.
- Wesport: Westport is a charming village. There you will find public docking facilities and a full range of land-based accomodations. The city offers a lot of activities: shops, two golf courses and swimming beaches. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area which has spectacular views of the area.
- Newboro: The Village of Newboro is a popular destination spot for anglers wishing to land one of the big Largemouth Bass that populate Newboro Lake. It is also a popular stop for boaters since Newboro is located adjacent to the Newboro Lockstation on the Rideau Canal. It's a good spot to restock supplies or have a quiet lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants or inns. Be sure not to miss Kilborn’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
- Chaffey's Lockstation: Chaffey's Lockstation stands on beautiful isthmus of land lying between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake. The Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society was formed in 1980 to oversee the development of the Lockmaster's House Museum and to preserve the heritage of the village and surrounding area.
- Jones Falls: Jones Falls must be one of the prettiest lockstations along the Canal. The lockstation is home of the "Great Stone Arch Dam". Jones Falls has a flight of 3 lower locks. The turning basin separates the locks from the upper lock. This is the highest lift of any lockstation on the canal.
- Seeley's Bay: Seeley's Bay is a charming town with a great community park with playgrounds, tennis courts and picnic tables. Here you’ll be delighted to discover a little sliver of the region’s history at the Tepee in Centennial Park (just up Bay Street from the moorings). This modern day tepee commemorates the original Tepee of ‘Granny Seeley’, who ran a trading post and conducted business with Aboriginals and European settlers during the 1800s.
33 hr(s) of cruising
166km 22 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Kingston
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Rideau Ferry
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Seeley's Bay
Kingston Mills
Kingston
34 hr(s) of cruising
166km 25 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Kingston
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Overview
A week long one-way cruise, which takes you from Smiths Falls on the central Rideau down to Seeley’s Bay via the city of Kingston at the Rideau’s southernmost tip. Cruising through the Rideau’s most beautiful lakes you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy adrenaline filled water sports or fishing in tranquil inlets.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Golf courses and swimming beaches in Westport
- Catch fresh Bass in Newboro
- Learn what Canadian soldiers experienced in 1839 in Kingston Mills
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
- Rideau Ferry: Straddling a thin strip of water between the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes, Rideau Ferry is the spectacular scenic gateway to the southern Rideau. A hub for live music and festivals throughout the summer, stop here for the biannual Vintage Boat Regatta first held here in 1897.
- Portland: Portland is a small village located on Big Rideau Lake.There are many things for the landlubber to see and do in the Portland area. There are several unique stores in town, including antiques and collectables. The Cataraqui all-season trail passes just a bit east of town, golf courses are located nearby, one of the local B&Bs offers horseback riding, and cheese lovers will want to visit local cheesemakers and wineries.
- Westport: Westport is a charming village. There you will find public docking facilities and a full range of land-based accomodations. The city offers a lot of activities: shops, two golf courses and swimming beaches. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area which has spectacular views of the area.
- Newboro: The Village of Newboro is a popular destination spot for anglers wishing to land one of the big Largemouth Bass that populate Newboro Lake. It is also a popular stop for boaters since Newboro is located adjacent to the Newboro Lockstation on the Rideau Canal. It's a good spot to restock supplies or have a quiet lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants or inns. Be sure not to miss Kilborn’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
- Chaffey's Lockstation: Chaffey's Lockstation stands on beautiful isthmus of land lying between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake. The Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society was formed in 1980 to oversee the development of the Lockmaster's House Museum and to preserve the heritage of the village and surrounding area.
- Jones Falls: Jones Falls must be one of the prettiest lockstations along the Canal. The lockstation is home of the "Great Stone Arch Dam". Jones Falls has a flight of 3 lower locks. The turning basin separates the locks from the upper lock. This is the highest lift of any lockstation on the canal.
- Kingston Mills: This is the site of the first mill built on the Rideau, the King’s Mill, built here at Cataraqui Falls in 1784. The site today features a lovely set of three locks, a turning basin, a detached upper lock and the Robert Anglin Visitor’s Centre. Kingston Mills Falls is located on the outlet of Colonel By Lake, an artificial lake created by the damming of the Catraqui River. The falls is just below the dam.
- Kingston: Kingston is located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the southern end of the Rideau Canal. It's known as the "Limestone City" for its grand 19th-century buildings, including the lakeside Kingston City Hall. The grand house and gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site commemorate Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Fort Henry, built in the 1800s, holds military demonstrations throughout the summer and is the site of a fabulous rooftop restaurant providing a panoramic view of the beautiful historic city and the Saint Lawrence River.
34 hr(s) of cruising
166km 25 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville and Kingston
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Beveridge's Locks
Rideau Ferry
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Seeley's Bay
Kingston Mills
Kingston
Smiths Falls
50 hr(s) of cruising
240km 36 lock(s) 14 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville and Kingston
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Overview
Stopping off at Newboro and Seeleys Bay this itinerary is perfect for any budding angler looking to catch one of the region’s Largemouth Bass. For those less piscis-ly minded, this cruise also takes in the charming artisanal community of Merrickville and pulsating culture of Kingston. The perfect cruise for mixing nature, adventure and culture.
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Merrickville's homemade ice cream and mustards along the Rideau Canal
- Catch fresh Bass in Newboro
- Golf courses and swimming beaches in Westport
- Learn what Canadian soldiers experienced in 1839 in Kingston Mills
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Merrickville: Merrickville is Canada’s prettiest village. The village center consists entirely of picturesque Victorian-era stone houses perched by the waters of the Rideau Canal. Merrickville is home to many local arts and craft shops, museums, restaurants and specialty stores serving some of the best local handmade ice cream or gourmet mustards on the Rideau Canal.
- Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
- Rideau Ferry: Straddling a thin strip of water between the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes, Rideau Ferry is the spectacular scenic gateway to the southern Rideau. A hub for live music and festivals throughout the summer, stop here for the biannual Vintage Boat Regatta first held here in 1897.
- Portland: Portland is a small village located on Big Rideau Lake. There are many things for the landlubber to see and do in the Portland area. There are several unique stores in town, including antiques and collectables. The Cataraqui all-season trail passes just a bit east of town, golf courses are located nearby, one of the local B&Bs offers horseback riding, and cheese lovers will want to visit local cheesemakers and wineries.
- Westport: Westport is a charming village. There you will find public docking facilities and a full range of land-based accomodations. The city offers a lot of activities: shops, two golf courses and swimming beaches. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area which has spectacular views of the area.
- Newboro: The Village of Newboro is a popular destination spot for anglers wishing to land one of the big Largemouth Bass that populate Newboro Lake. It is also a popular stop for boaters since Newboro is located adjacent to the Newboro Lockstation on the Rideau Canal. It's a good spot to restock supplies or have a quiet lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants or inns. Be sure not to miss Kilborn’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
- Chaffey's Lockstation: Chaffey's Lockstation stands on beautiful isthmus of land lying between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake. The Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society was formed in 1980 to oversee the development of the Lockmaster's House Museum and to preserve the heritage of the village and surrounding area.
- Jones Falls: Jones Falls must be one of the prettiest lockstations along the Canal. The lockstation is home of the "Great Stone Arch Dam". Jones Falls has a flight of 3 lower locks. The turning basin separates the locks from the upper lock. This is the highest lift of any lockstation on the canal.
- Seeley's Bay: Seeley's Bay is a charming town with a great community park with playgrounds, tennis courts and picnic tables. Here you’ll be delighted to discover a little sliver of the region’s history at the Tepee in Centennial Park (just up Bay Street from the moorings). This modern day tepee commemorates the original Tepee of ‘Granny Seeley’, who ran a trading post and conducted business with Aboriginals and European settlers during the 1800s.
- Kingston Mills: This is the site of the first mill built on the Rideau, the King’s Mill, built here at Cataraqui Falls in 1784. The site today features a lovely set of three locks, a turning basin, a detached upper lock and the Robert Anglin Visitor’s Centre. Kingston Mills Falls is located on the outlet of Colonel By Lake, an artificial lake created by the damming of the Catraqui River. The falls is just below the dam.
- Kingston: Kingston is located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the southern end of the Rideau Canal. It's known as the "Limestone City" for its grand 19th-century buildings, including the lakeside Kingston City Hall. The grand house and gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site commemorate Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Fort Henry, built in the 1800s, holds military demonstrations throughout the summer and is the site of a fabulous rooftop restaurant providing a panoramic view of the beautiful historic city and the Saint Lawrence River.
50 hr(s) of cruising
240km 36 lock(s) 14 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Ottawa
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Burritts Rapids
Upper Nicholsons
Long Island
Manotick
Ottawa
Smiths Falls
43 hr(s) of cruising
190km 38 lock(s) 10 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Ottawa
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Overview
This cruise will allow you to enjoy some of the spectacular nature that lines the Rideau Canal, from the Otter to the Osprey, as you make your way to Ottawa. Here, you’ll be able to take in all that Canada’s capital has to offer before gently making your way back to Smith Falls for a second chance to spot any animal you may have missed on the way up!
Top highlights:
- The Heritage House Museum of Smiths Falls which delves into the lives of a family living in 1860s Canada
- Merrickville's homemade ice cream and mustards along the Rideau Canal
- Birdwatch amongst the beautiful nature of Upper Nicholsons
- The "Tip to Tip Trail" in Burrits Rapids
- Art, culture and history in Canada's stunning capital city - Ottawa (and don't miss the famous Byward Market)
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Smiths Falls: Located in the Heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and fishing.
- Merrickville: Merrickville is Canada’s prettiest village. The village center consists entirely of picturesque Victorian-era stone houses perched by the waters of the Rideau Canal. Merrickville is home to many local arts and craft shops, museums, restaurants and specialty stores serving some of the best local handmade ice cream or gourmet mustards on the Rideau Canal.
- Upper Nicholsons: For historians and bird-watchers this is a great place to visit. Upper Nicholsons features one of four remaining Unequal Arm, a center bearing timber swing bridge, on the Rideau. Then just up the road you’ll discover McGuigan’s Cemetery (448 County Road 23, aka Burritts Rapids Road), one of the oldest burying grounds on the Rideau. You will be touched by the poignant headstone of Margaret Davidson, the 2 year old daughter of one of the contractors for Clowes Lock, who died in 1829.
- Burrits Rapid: Tie up at Burritts Rapids Lock Station, then take a walking tour of the village and experience early Canada through centuries old heritage buildings or walk the "Tip to Tip Trail", a 2 km nature walk.
- Long Island: Long Island Locks is an idyllic location for picnicking, fishing, exploring and boat watching.
- Manotick: Manotick is a charming town with plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained. A highlight is Watson’s Mill, a fascinating working museum that is one of the only remaining grist mills in North America.
- Ottawa: Canada’s capital has at its center Parliament Hill, with grand Victorian architecture and museums like the National Gallery of Canada, with noted collections of indigenous and other Canadian art. The park-lined Rideau Canal is filled with boats in the summer. Historic Byward Market and old town is near the canal and offers a wide choice of restaurants, shopping and outdoor entertainment.
43 hr(s) of cruising
190km 38 lock(s) 10 nights