About Rideau Canal
Combine big city adventure with big lakes and sensational scenery on an unforgettable boating holiday in Canada
Boating on the Rideau Canal is the perfect way to see Southeastern Ontario and discover the beauty of the natural landscape. Be your own Captain! Cruise your licence-free luxury houseboat along the rivers and pristine lakes of the Rideau Canal Waterway as it stretches 202km from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Beginning at our Smith Falls base, relax and unwind as you take in the spectacular nature, picturesque towns and lively cities of this attractive waterway.
Save up to £650* when you book your 2026 holiday by 30 September.
Interactive map of the Rideau Canal
Le Boat base
Point of interest
You can enjoy our Canadian boating holidays from our base Smiths Falls. Download our region guide to learn more about this wonderful country and the unique charm offered by each stop along our cruising ground.
No boat licence or experience required!
Not many of our new customers have driven a boat before. However, they quickly realise how easy it is and soon become confident navigating the waterways. Our base teams will show you everything you need know, so you can relax and enjoy your time away!
Our customer reviews on Rideau Canal
See all reviews >Well-equipped boat is easy to use with bow/stern thrusters. Beautiful scenery along the way. Friendly folks at the dock/locks
It’s beautiful. The locks were fun and very manageable. The lock staff was super friendly and helpful. The towns were quaint.
We loved the Rideau! The Parks Canada staff at the locks was always amazing and made our voyage much more enjoyable.
Perfect 3 nights boating vacation!
Great location to start and end our trip.
The lakes and canals of the Rideau system are great for cruising, I found our fellow boaters to be very friendly to socialize with after docking for the day.
The small villages and beautiful scenery along the canal made it a memorable vacation
Boat was clean and worked well and was easy to use.
All went well from beginning to end
The boat was very comfortable and included all the necessary features for a relaxing trip.
Everything was excellent! We had the most amazing vacation with our friends that will remembered for ever! We are booking another trip for 2024!
We travelled from Smith Falls to Kingston and return. We saw the most beautiful parts of the Rideau Canal and the lakes and locks that would have been unreachable by car. Very nice experience to see this part of Canada in this manner.
The only thing wrong with our holiday was the cool weather so not a thing bad to say about our boat! It handles easily, after a little practise. Everyone on the Rideau system was friendly and helpful. We all loved our trip! Two teens, two young adults, two parents fit in our three bedroom Horizon very well.
Great cruising location. Boat was even better than the one we chartered last time.
The Rideau Canal is a perfect location to cruise. Lots to see and do. Great memories particularly of Westport and Colonel By Island.
Lovely canal with wonderful lock system manned by very friendly, helpful staff who directed us to perfect over-night moorings/docking
The base was the perfect location to start and finish our vacation from. A week of cruising around the Rideau Lakes and making a few stops in some lovely little towns for end of season shore-based fun was grand. Highly recommend the kayaks as the rivers, canals and lakes offer some pretty amazing shore lines and protected paddling areas.
The boat was beautiful and extremely well equipped. More than enough space for four adults.
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.
Family
The Rideau Canal has everything you need for the perfect family vacation. Make a splash with watersports on the Rideau, then discover all the adventure Canadian culture has to offer at the many towns and cities along the way.
Rideau Canal: Read our Articles
Gone Fishing: Explore the best Rideau Canal fishing spots
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Select your route
Smiths Falls is our base on the central section of the Rideau Canal. Its central location gives you fantastic choices for your cruising route; either head north to pretty Merrickville, 6hrs from Smiths Falls, or cruise right into Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, on a 7nt one-way trip. Or head south to the Big Lakes this region is so famous for. A week’s cruise will get you as far as Seeley’s bay and back. You’ll need at least 10 to 14 nights to visit Kingston on your boat.
Travel connections
- 80km Ottawa (YOW)
- 230km Montreal (YUL)
- 340km Toronto (YYZ)
- 3.2km from Smith Falls Station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Smiths Falls is our base on the central section of the Rideau Canal. Its central location gives you fantastic choices for your cruising route; either head north to pretty Merrickville, 6hrs from Smiths Falls, or cruise right into Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, on a 7nt one-way trip. Or head south to the Big Lakes this region is so famous for. A week’s cruise will get you as far as Seeley’s bay and back. You’ll need at least 10 to 14 nights to visit Kingston on your boat.
Travel connections
- 80km Ottawa (YOW)
- 230km Montreal (YUL)
- 340km Toronto (YYZ)
- 3.2km from Smith Falls Station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Select your date and boat
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Sorry, it looks like there aren’t any boats available based on the criteria you’ve selected. Try searching on a different start date and if you still can’t find the vacation you want, you can call us on +18665245487 or contact us
Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
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Le Boat Base
Canal
Navigable river
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating holidays allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions only. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
7nt Smiths Falls RETURN via Jones Falls
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
Smiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
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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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Perth
Smiths Falls RETURN via Perth
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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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville
Smiths 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 centre 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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Jones Falls
Smiths 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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Long Island
Smiths Falls RETURN via Long Island
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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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Seeley's Bay
Smiths 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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville and Kingston
Smiths 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.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Ottawa
Smiths 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 centre 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.