Paddling the Rideau Canal
A Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking
The Rideau Canal stretches 202 km from Kingston to Ottawa, connecting boaters and visitors with an earlier time when canal building was a means of improving trade and defending a growing nation. Today the canal offers the perfect setting for relaxation and recreation, particularly for the paddler.
Rideau Canal ©Parks Canada
The Rideau system encompasses 47 locks, 24 lockstations, historic buildings, and two large watersheds: the Rideau and the Cataraqui. The canal was built in the early 19th century under the direction of Lt. Colonel John By of the British Royal Engineers, but native people of the area had been travelling the lakes and rivers of the Rideau route for centuries. In fact, only 19 kilometers of the system is cut channel. The Rideau offers a number of natural paddling environments -- lakes, rivers and wetlands – showcasing the beauty and diversity of the system. Imagine yourself gliding across the calm waters of the Rideau on a crisp, bright September morning … the following tips will bring you closer to this enjoyable Rideau Canal experience.
Best Time to Paddle
The best time to paddle is during the shoulder season: May, June, September and October.
Fewer powerboats, moderate temperatures.
Best choice of places to pitch a tent and watch an amazing sunset or invigorating sunrise.
Paddling During Peak Season
If you wish to paddle during the height of powerboat season (July and August), the trip can still be fantastic. Unlike powerboats, canoes and kayaks do not have to follow the channel. In fact, most paddlers prefer to follow the shoreline and take a less direct route from one lock to another, away from the noise and wake of powerboats, and closer to interesting sights on shore. You may even decide to portage into the canal's numerous feeder lakes and rivers.
Best Direction to Paddle
If you wish to paddle the Rideau in its entirety or to travel a large section, the best direction to paddle is from Kingston to Ottawa for two reasons.
1) The prevailing southwest winds blow in that general direction. There is nothing worse than tackling a large lake such as the Big Rideau and paddling for miles into a stiff and rough south wind.
2) As you approach Ottawa, the current becomes a factor to a small extent.
Length of Trip (end to end)
Obviously, this depends on the weather and skill level of the paddler. In general, you should set aside 6 - 10 days to paddle the entire Rideau Canal. If you'd like to paddle the lakes and rivers throughout the Rideau and the Cataraqui watersheds, plan for an entire summer of canoe tripping.
Class of Paddling
Open lake with capsize potential on the large lakes, particularly in extreme conditions such as thunderstorms and strong winds, and Class I river (so long as you avoid the dams - Class IV to Class VI).
Paddling Environment (Following the navigation route)
The canal offers five different paddling environments: lakes (various sizes and depths), marshes, open rivers, narrow channels, and populated rivers.
Kingston to Upper Brewers Locks
Starts with the Cataraqui Marsh (Class I Wetland) followed by Kingston Mills Lockstation and Colonel By Lake (a shallow, stump littered lake with a shoreline of low rocks and few trees, it expanded as a result of flooding during the construction of the Rideau). The lake leads into a narrow channel and canal with cattails, grasses and overhanging trees.
A great place to paddle and to escape the wind (with the exception of Colonel By Lake, which can become quite rough) with few interruptions. Not the best place to swim. However, camping is excellent at all lockstations.
Upper Brewers Locks to Narrows Lock (including the Big Rideau)
Beautiful, clear, scenic lakes with natural shorelines featuring local flora and fauna. Short sections of canal as you enter and exit lockstations along the way. This stretch of the canal is the most popular with boaters and visitors. Great for swimming and fishing. There are many bays and islands – an ideal atmosphere for paddling.
Beveridges Locks to Long Island Locks
Marsh, winding canal and river intermixed with smaller, shallow, flooded lakes and marshy shorelines. Preceding Detached Lockstation in Smiths Falls is the Swale (Class I Wetland), the Tay River, the Tay Marsh (Class I Wetland) and Beveridges Locks. Following Detached Lockstation, there are numerous locks that make this area an ideal choice for short day trips, with easy take-out and put-in. En route is a Federal Bird Sanctuary and Class 1 and 2 Wetlands located upstream from Merrickville.
Long Island Locks to Ottawa
Winding canal lined with overhanging trees. The density of residential development along the shoreline increases as you approach Ottawa. An urban type of paddling – a chance to get out on the water without having to go far from the city. Largely sheltered from strong winds and waves.
Maps
There are two excellent sources of maps:
- Navigation charts that can be purchased at most lockstations or the main canal office in Smiths Falls
- Topographic maps that cover a wider area (feeder lakes, rivers and streams along with highways and road access points) than the boater navigation charts.
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