Welcome to the Rideau Heritage Route

T he Rideau Heritage Route from Lake in Kingston to the River winds its way through historic sites, charming villages, quaint attractions and spectacular recreation areas. This guide will provide you with travel information to plan your visit.

Climate: Moderate with four distinct seasons. Average winter temperature -8º C (17º F), average summer temperature 24º C (75º F).

Currency: Canadian dollars. U.S. currency is accepted and may be exchanged at community banks and trust companies. Look for businesses offering “Fair Exchange”.

Language: English primarily, with numerous services available in French.

Transportation: VIA Rail – (888) 842-0588 www.viarail.ca Greyhound Bus – (800) 661-TRIP www.greyhound.ca Coach – (800) 461-7661 www.coachcanada.com Air Canada Reservations (for flights into Kingston or Ottawa International Airports) (800) 247-2262

Where We Are Located

The Rideau Heritage Route is located in the Eastern part of Ontario, Canada and is accessible to domestic, International and U.S. visitors.

Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Not to scale. Consult a detailed map.

Urban Ottawa North Rideau Central Rideau South Rideau Urban Kingston Lockstation Provincial Park

Travel Information Along the Route Produced by: Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA) Ottawa 800-363-4465 Graphic design by: (Kemptville) 877-258-4838 1dea Design + Media Inc., Kingston Merrickville 613-269-2229 Special thanks to: 800-257-1334 Cycle Ontario Alliance, Direction Ontario, 888-452-6275 , Ontario Council, Parks Kingston 888-855-4555 Canada, Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve 888-773-8888 RHRTA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in the materials For more information check us out at contained herein. www.rideauheritageroute.ca By email: [email protected] www.rideauheritageroute.ca Bienvenue au Circuit patrimonial Rideau. Un guide de vacances est disponible en français.

The Rideau A UNESCO World Heritage Site The , including Fort Henry and the Kingston Fortifications, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. It was inscribed to this prestigious list because it remains the best preserved example of a slackwater canal in North America, and is the only canal dating from the early 19th century to remain operational along its original line with most original structures intact. It is also indelibly linked to a significant stage in human history - the fight to control the northern part of the North American continent. For more information on UNESCO and the World Heritage Site designation, visit whc..org.

Photo Credits: Inset Left: Merrickville, Locks in Merrickville Inset Right: Parks Canada, Shoal Tower, Kingston Bottom: Parks Canada, Jones Falls Top: RHRTA, Cycling at Kingston Mills Locks Inset Left: Ken Watson, Old Stone Mill Inset Right: Merrickville, Signs in Merrickville Table of Contents

4 Life by the Water 22 Outdoor & Recreation 6 Story of a Nation - Boating ...... 23 - Marinas ...... 24 - History of the Canal...... 8 - Golfing Along the Rideau...... 25 - Museums ...... 8 - Overnight Mooring ...... 25 - History Comes Alive...... 10 - Additional Recreation...... 26 - Historic Plaques ...... 10 - Ontario Provincial Parks...... 27 - Tours of the Rideau...... 11 28 A Day in the Countryside 12 Colours & Flavours - Heritage Walking Tours...... 30 Along the Rideau - Paddling Routes...... 38 - Visual Art Experiences & - Cycling Routes...... 4 Shopping ...... 13 - Trails...... 4 - Driving Tours ...... 5 - Fall Colours ...... 13  - Dining ...... 13 56 Accommodations - Maple Syrup Experiences..... 14 - Flavours of the Rideau ...... 15 58 RHRTA Partnerships - Gourmet Picnics ...... 16 18 Celebrations & Diversions - Recurring Events...... 19 - Featured Events By Season.. 20 - Celebrate Canada Day...... 21 Life by the WATER

B y power of sail, motor or a paddle, the Rideau Canal is an amazing boating destination. Having 47 locks at 24 lock stations, the Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes running 202 kilometres from Lake Ontario in Kingston to the in Ottawa. The canal is a mecca for boaters and is well marked with buoys, making it very easy to navigate. Planning on touring the Rideau could not be easier or more fun.

The Rideau Canal’s 24 lockstations are all accessible by road, and can therefore be reached by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. Most lockstations have parking spaces and bicycle racks, public washrooms and picnic areas for the convenience and enjoyment of visitors.

4 Rideau as I watch the sun “…I find myself dancing to the rhythms of the to the rhythms climb over a ridge.” Voyageur Canoe Trip on the Rideau Right Inset: Simon Lunn, Enjoying a Left Inset: Merrickville, Boat in Basin Near Davis Lock Bottom: Ken Watson, Paddle Morning Chaffeys Lock Top: Ken Watson, Launching a Boat at Photo Credits: Power Cruising Magazine Quote: Mark Stevens, information on page 23 & 24. boating and marinas see For more

5 Life by the Water Story of a NATION

6 “As the War of 1812 raged on, the T as a safe alternative British government looked to the route and commissioned Colonel John By to build them a canal.” provide unique insight into the canals’ past. lockstations feature museums and interpretive displays that Merrickville, Jones Falls, Chaffeys and Kingston Mills lockmasters’ houses and other out-buildings at the Ottawa, Museum and at the lockstations. Several blockhouses, of the canal itself is presented The story by the Rideau Canal history.Museum narrate early Canadian naval and military Great Tower Lakes at Kingston, Fort Frederick and the Murney Woodworking Museum. Fort Henry, the Marine Museum of Heritage House Museum, Watson’s Mill, and the MacLachlan Historic Site, Delta Mill, the Rideau District Museum, National Historic Site, Bellevue Pioneer stories come to life at the Billings Estate Museum, in North America. attractions – making it one of the premiere tourism experiences institutions, as well a variety of heritage and natural The region is home to many world class cultural and federal in this country.Ottawa – the current seat of federal government The Rideau links Kingston, first Capital of a United Canada, to of Canada. he story of the Rideau Canal is a central chapter in history in Delta Right Inset: Ken Watson, Old Stone Mill Town Crier for the Township of Middle Inset: Simon Lunn, David Boyd - Bottom: Fort Henry, Tatoo Fort Henry Left Inset: Simon Lunn, Watsons Mill, Manotick Top: C.T.R. Bridge at Kingston Mills Photo Credits:

7 Story of a Nation H istory of the Canal The Rideau Canal was built between Kingston and Ottawa during the years 1826 to 1832. Its intended purpose was to provide safe passage to personnel and supplies during war time.

Military man, Lieutenant Colonel John By of the British Royal Engineers was dispatched from England to create the canal. He was beset by difficulties, including the rugged terrain, disease ridden bogs, and an overly optimistic budget. Nevertheless, in seven years time, he had built a 202 kilometre canal linking a beautiful chain of lakes and rivers from Kingston to Ottawa. It remains as North America’s largest operating 19th century canal.

The Rideau never had to fulfill its military purpose, but it did become an important trade route. The communities along its shore began to thrive due to its existence. In the 1850’s the advent of the railway reduced the amount of commerce on the canal, but steamboats and pleasure craft began to discover its beauty.

Today, Parks Canada maintains the Rideau Canal as an historical haven to the steady stream of tourists exploring it by land and by water. Most of the lockstations are still operated by hand, preserving the tradition started in 1832 by Colonel By.

Photo Credits: Left: Sharon Matthews-Stevens, Colonel By Overlooking His Engineering Masterpiece in Ottawa 8 Right Inset: RHRTA, Sign for Rideau Canal Museum useums

M Nation Our museums provide an unwavering link to our region’s rich cultural history.

Bellevue House National Historic Pump House Steam Museum Site of Canada 613-542-2261 23 Ontario St., Kingston 613-545-8666 35 Centre St., Kingston Story of a Rideau Canal Visitor Centre Blockhouse Museum 613-284-0505 613-269-4034 St. Lawrence St., 34 Beckwith St. S., Smiths Falls Merrickville Rideau District Museum Bytown Museum 613-273-2502 29 Bedford St., Westport 613-234-4570 Ottawa Locks, Ottawa Rideau Hall Fort Henry National Historic 866-842-4422 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa Site of Canada 613-542-7388 Smiths Falls Railway Museum 1 Fort Henry Dr., Kingston of Heritage House Museum 613-283-5696 613-283-8560 90 William St. W., Smiths Falls 11 Old Slys Rd., Smiths Falls Watson’s Mill 613-692-6455 Laurier House Dickinson Square, Manotick 800-230-0016 or 613-992-8142 335 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa

Lockmaster’s House Museum Chaffeys Locks

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum 613-542-0543 2993 2 Hwy. E., Kingston

Murney Tower Museum 613-544-9925 Kingston

Old Stone Mill Museum 613-928-2658 46 King St., Delta

9 H istory Comes Alive! Barracks Banquet & Sunset Ceremonies Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston – Wednesday Evenings in July and August 613-542-7388

Heritage Mica Days at Silver Queen Mine Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, Perth 613-267-5340

Indoor Exhibits, Interpretive Programs and Museums Rideau Canal Lockstations – Mid-May to Mid-October Ottawa, Merrickville, Chaffeys, Jones Falls and Kingston Mills Lockstations 1-800-230-0016 Ask us about our new Lockmaster for a Day program.

H istoric Plaques Memorials to the fallen labourers have been erected along the canal route in the following locations:

Celtic Cross at Douglas R. At Kingston Mills Lockstation Fluhrer Park, at Kingston Plaque, Rideau Canal 1826-1832 Plaque, James Philips, at Philipsville Plaque, The King’s Mills, 1784 Plaque, Workers on the Rideau Plaque, Lieutenant Colonel John By, R.E., at Jones Falls Lockstation At Lyndhurst Plaque, Bedford Mills, at Bedford Mills Plaque, Founding of Lyndhurst Plaque & Statue, Lieutenant-Colonel Plaque, Lansdowne Iron Works John By, at Majors Hill Park, Ottawa Plaque, The Lyndhurst Bridge Celtic Cross, at Ottawa Lockstation At Chaffey’s Lock Plaque, Chaffey’s Mills Memory Wall At Newboro Plaque, The Founding of Newboro Plaque, The Royal Sappers and Miners At Burritt’s Rapids Plaque, Christ Church Plaque, Founding of Burritt’s Rapids

10 T at Newboro Lock Right Inset: Ken Watson, Rideau Canal Tour Boat 1826-1832 Bottom: Marc Villebrun, Plaque of Rideau Canal Top Inset: Fort Henry, Guard Fort Henry Photo Credits: Merrickville. Full day cruises week from its home port of Monday through Thursday every A 50ft steel tour boat that sails The Rideau King 613-264-0094 Fri. to Sun. from May to Sept. Rideau Canal system. Tours run Falls to Perth also part of the historic Tay Canal linking Smiths A relaxing narrated cruise on the Blue Goose Tay Canal Tours aboard the 800-353-3157 Rideau lockstations. Departure locations at various Brock III on a full-day cruise. river cruising aboard the General Relive that bygone era of genteel Colour Cruises Rideau Canal Spring and Fall 613-225-6781 Arts Centre to Dow’s Lake. the Rideau Canal from National Ottawa sightseeing cruises along Boat Lines Paul’s 800-561-5767 the Rideau on 5 day, 4 night tours. “Kawartha Voyageur” glides through The comfortable and spacious Ontario Waterway Cruises ours of the Rideau Walking tours on pages 30-37. 800-848-0108 historic Trolley Tours. Kingston and 50 minute narrated a 1 1/2 hour harbour cruise of Cruise abroad the Island Belle for & Tour Trolleys Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises 613-549-6366 haunts…evening walking tours. Ghosts, graveyards, hangings & or Ottawa Haunted Walk of Kingston 613-284-8338 included. Instruction, PFDs and paddles all Tours in length and themes. vary voyageur canoes along the Rideau. An interpretive paddling tour in Experience The Rideau Voyageur Canoe 613-269-9342 transportation. include lunch and return 11 Story of a Nation Colours& Flavours Along the RIDEAU

12 “A feast for the senses with Photo Credits: Top: RHRTA, Fall Harvest a broad array of visual Left Inset: RHRTA, Kingston Farmers’ Market Bottom: Simon Lunn, Ottawa Locks arts assets, spectacular Middle Inset: RHRTA, Fine Food Shop in Merrickville fall colours and bountiful Right Inset: Sharon Matthews-Stevens, Waterfront Dining in Perth local flavours await.” Flavours Colours &

V isual Art Experiences & Shopping Over 80 artists and artisans call the Rideau home, from painters and potters to glass blowers and wood craftsmen. Some display and sell their works in galleries, while others open their studios to the public. Art lovers will enjoy the galleries of Kingston and Ottawa, the vibrant artist’s community of Merrickville, and the many studio tours and art festivals held along the route. Other unique Rideau shopping experiences include treasure hunting at antique stores and shows, and exploring the charming retail shops of our smaller communities. F all Colours A tapestry of fire and brilliance erupts along the Rideau every autumn. For breathtaking fall colour viewing, visit Spy Rock lookout on Foley Mountain overlooking Westport – or Rock Dunder near Morton. For more fall colour information visit www.rideauheritageroute.ca! D ining There is no better way to celebrate the region’s culture than through its exceptional dining experiences. Enjoy home-style bakeries, gourmet coffee and ice-cream shops, breezy waterfront patios and restaurants featuring fresh local produce – they’re all delicious ways to taste the Rideau!

13 “Come sample the sweet flavours of the Rideau”

M aple Syrup Experiences The “Maple Capital of Ontario” is right here along Rideau in Lanark County. Groups and individual travelers can sample and watch the product in the making during February to March. Visitors are also welcome year round for tours and delicious maple meals.

Maple, Cheese, Sweet Stuff... Flavours of the Rideau

Maple Coutts Maple Products Maple sugar bush, Rideau Ferry 613-267-0277 Fulton’s Maple sugar bush, Lanark County 613-256-3867 Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Maple sugar bush & farm, Ottawa 613-821-2751 Temple’s Sugar Bush Maple sugar bush, Lanark County 613-278-2430 Wheelers Maple Products Maple sugar bush & museum, Perth 613-278-2090 Cheese Balderson Village Cheese Factories Located 7km North of Perth since 1881 613-267-4492 Bushgarden Farmstead Cheese Bush Road, Elgin 613-359-5084 Forfar Dairy Located in Forfar since 1863 613-272-2107 Sweet Debbee’s Bees Stuff Liquid & creamed honey 613-483-8000 Foley Mountain Bees Westport 613-273-2782 Sweet’s Corners Bee Co. Honey, candles & lip balms, Lyndhurst 866-928-2999

14 Pick Your Own, Farmers Markets... Flavours of the Rideau

Pick Your Fruition Berry Farm Own Pick strawberries, pumpkins, raspberries & veggies 613-548-3378 Jasper Apple Farm & Jasper Organics Apples, tomatoes, strawberries & vegetables, Jasper 613-283-8699 Flavours Kilmarnock Orchards Apples, Jasper 613-284-9843 Mensen Farm Strawberries, raspberries, vegetables & pumpkins, Delta 613-928-2555 Miller’s Bay Farm Strawberries, vegetables, corn & pumpkins, Rideau Ferry 613-283-0205 Colours & Palmer Veg & Berry Farm Strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins & more, Westport 613-273-3367 Treeland Orchards Apples, cut your own Christmas trees, Perth 613-267-4507 Waddell Apples Apples, Kingston (Lower Brewers Locks) 613-546-1690 Farmers’ Crosby Flea Market Markets June to September, Saturdays Hwy 15 & CR 42 Kingston Public Market Year round, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun & Holidays Market Square Merrickville Farmers’ Market June to Thanksgiving, Saturdays Main St. West Farmers’ Market End of May to mid-Oct, Saturdays 2155 Regional Rd. 6 Ottawa’s Byward Market Year round, 7 days a week Byward Market Perth Farmers’ Market Mothers Day to Thanksgiving, Saturdays Crystal Palace Smiths Falls Farmers’ Market May to October, Saturdays Main St. West

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve Designated by UNESCO in 2002, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere covers the triangle between Kingston, and Westport – the most biodiverse region in eastern Canada. The biosphere is the focus of a major tourism initiative, the National Model of Sustainable Tourism. See their website www.FABR.ca.

Photo Credits: Left Inset: Ken Watson, Maple Sap is Running Middle Inset: RHRTA, Maple Sugar Bush Event 15 F lavours of the Rideau Gourmet Picnics

85% of Ingredients locally sourced using Farm Fresh in season produce! Picnics include insulated picnic basket, cutlery, plates, tablecloth & condiments.Choose from smoked turkey wraps & chicken salad sandwiches, artisanal cheese, In season veggie & deli platter, beverages of choice & desserts.

Group rates, custom orders & gluten free options available. Pick up or delivery available to select Parks Canada Locks along the Rideau. (Delivery charges vary depending on distances)

Order at

Wendy’s Country Market 613-928-2477 www.wendysmobilemarket.com

16 It’s about spending time with the people who matter to you. It’s about relaxing and great experiences. It’s about nding new pathways, new friends and lasting memories. It’s about experiencing all your favourite things to do, close together - in The Great Waterway. Imagine your DISCOVER THE 1000 ISLANDS – ENJOY A DAY ON THE WATER perfect vacation...

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING – BROWSE THE LOCAL SHOPS

GREAT CAMPING - EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

SUPERB CYCLING PATHS – HAVE AN ADVENTURE

WORLD CLASS FISHING - CATCH THE ACTION Montreal Ottawa 417 CORNWALL & THE COUNTIES CANADA 416

RIDEAU HERITAGE ROUTE 1000 ISLANDS LAND O’LAKES

KINGSTON CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF - BAY OF QUINTE Toronto 401 PRINCE PLAY A NEW COURSE DAILY EDWARD COUNTY Lake Ontario USA

A FOODIE’S PARADISE – SAVOUR GREAT FOOD AND WINE Celebrations & DIVERSIONSDIVERSIONS

Photo Credits: Top: RHRTA, Merrickville CanalFest Inset: Simon Lunn, Voyageur Canoe Experience Bottom: Simon Lunn, Town Crier at Jones Falls Locks 18 Right page: Julianna Harbec, Sunset Ceremony at Fort Henry T hroughout the year, the Rideau Heritage Route hosts a diverse selection of entertaining festivals and special events catering to a variety of interests.

With the route anchored on either end by the rich culture and Diversions heritage of urban centres Ottawa and Kingston, there is no shortage of interesting diversions along the Rideau. Many of the smaller communities along the corridor hold their own festivals and special events – the variety and scope of which are unparalleled anywhere else in Ontario. Participating in these unique celebrations is a wonderful way to experience the culture, heritage and hospitality of the region.

Let a historic re-enactment or theatrical production take you back in Celebrations & time to when the canal was first built. Enjoy the scenic countryside as you visit local artists and artisans on one of the regions’ many studio tours. Discover why county fairs have become cultural institutions in several communities along the route. Or get out there and enjoy the frosty Canadian winter with outdoor skating and entertainment at a family-friendly winter carnival. All of this and much more awaits you along the Rideau Heritage Route!

Recurring Events

Blues on the Rideau Cove Country Inn, Westport 3rd Fri. & Sat. of each month, October to May Live Jazz on the Rideau Cove Country Inn, Westport Every Thursday, June to Oct Changing of the Guard , Ottawa Award-Winning Sunset Ceremonies Fort Henry, Kingston Wed. & Sat. evenings, July & August Bytown Museum Ottawa Heritage Entertainment Every Thursday evening, July & August Heritage Mica Days at Silver Queen Mine Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, Perth June-Sept 19 Featured Events by Season Discover the seasons of the Rideau Heritage Route. We have listed some of our annual events by season and in the month that they occur. For specific dates and complete event listings check www.rideauheritageroute.ca

SPRING Delta Maple Syrup Festival April Perth Festival of the Maples April Brooke Valley Spring Tour, Lanark May Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa May Country Lanes Studio Tour, Lanark May Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour, Westport May Merrickville Fine Art Festival May Dandelion Festival, North Grenville June Dickinson Days, Manotick June First Capital Days, Kingston June Orchid Festival, Lanark June Photo Credits: Ottawa Fringe Festival June Left Inset: Ottawa Tourism, Tulip Festival in Ottawa Westport Antique Show & Sale June Top Right Inset: RHRTA, Westport Heritage Festival June Kingston’s Chilifest Middle Right Inset: Ken Watson, Skate the Lake SUMMER Bottom Right Inset: Ottawa Fanfayr on the Lake, Kingston June/July Tourism, Canada Day at the Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour June/July Ottawa Locks Buskers’ Rendezvous, Kingston July Railway Festival, Smiths Falls July Delta Fair July Merrickville CanalFest July Stewart Park Festival, Perth July Antique Classic Boat Show, Manotick Aug Jewel of the Rideau Antique Show & Sale, Merrickville Aug Limestone City Blues Festival, Kingston Aug MUSICwestport Aug Perth Garlic Festival Aug Rideau Canal Festival, Ottawa Aug Rideau Valley Art Festival, Westport Aug

20 July 1 st Rideau Lakes Cup Dog Sled Race, Newboro Kin Winterland, North Grenville Frost Fest, Seeley’s Bay Feb Fest, Kingston Marathon, Portland International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Olde Fashioned Christmas, Manotick Merrickville Spirit of Christmas Celebrating the Season, Delta WINTER Scarlet Maple Tour, Lanark County River & Rails Film Festival, Smiths Falls Perth Autumn Studio Tour Kingston Town & Country Studio Tour Haunted Harvest, Manotick Fall Colours Studio Tour, Westport Merrickville Fall Studio Tour Pickle Fest, Smiths Falls Lyndhurst Turkey Fair Kingston Fall Fair Forest Fair, North Grenville Perth Fall Fair FALL July 1 the Canadian flag. and parades, and by proudly displaying Canada – mark the day with fireworks Heritage Route – and throughout Communities along the Rideau Scotia as the Dominion of Canada. and Quebec), New Brunswick Nova Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario celebrating the 1867 unification of st is Canada Day, a national holiday Canada Day! CELEBRATE Aug/Sept Nov/Dec Sept/Oct Sept Sept Sept Sept Dec Dec Feb Feb Feb Feb Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Jan 21 Celebrations & Diversions Outdoor RECREATION

22 Photo Credits: “The Rideau is Top: Westport, Rideau Lakes Golf & Country Club Left Inset: Simon Lunn, Campground Beach at a recreational Murphy’s Point Bottom: Simon Lunn, Fishing on Big Rideau Lake paradise for boaters Middle Inset: Ken Watson, On the Cataraqui Right Inset: Ken Watson, Boats at Dock on Colonel By Island, Big Rideau Lake and sightseers.” Bottom Inset: Ken Watson, Cruising the Rideau Recreation Outdoor

From pedaling to paddling, the Rideau Heritage Route boasts 4 Provincial Parks, 10 conservation areas, over 202 km of navigable waterway with quaint towns and villages to visit and to stock up on supplies. There are so many ways to enjoy the area and every visit offers a new and exciting adventure.

Boating The 202 kilometres (125 miles) of the Rideau Canal incorporate sections of the Rideau River and the Cataraqui River as well as several lakes including the Lower, Upper and Big Rideau Lakes. About 19 kilometres (12 miles) of the route is man made. Today, only pleasure craft make use of the Rideau Canal. Boat tours of the canal are offered (see p.9) and boaters can make use of it to travel between Ottawa and Kingston with ease. Most of the locks are still hand-operated. There are a total of 47 locks at 24 stations along the Canal. In normal operations, the canal can

23 handle boats up to 27.4m (90ft) in length, 7.9m (26ft) in width, and 6.7m (22ft) in height. In special circumstances, a boat up to 33.5m (110ft) in length by 9.1m (30ft) in width can be handled.

For the boater, two 1:20,000 scale hydrographic charts (canal navigation maps) cover the Rideau – Chart 1512 covers Ottawa to Smiths Falls and Chart 1513 covers Smiths Falls to Kingston. These charts may be purchased at various lockstations, the Rideau Canal headquarters, or from the Friends of the Rideau www.rideaufriends.com or phone 1-613-283-5810.

M arinas (as listed by the OMOA) Ottawa Dows Lake Pavilion 613-232-1001 Manotick Hurst Marina 613-692-1234 Manotick Marina Inc. 613-692-4083 Kars Long Island Marine Inc. 613-489-2747 Kemptville Pirate Cove Marina Inc. 613-258-2325 Merrickville Ayling’s Boatyard/Marina 613-269-4969 Rideau Ferry Rideau Ferry Harbour 613-264-2628 Portland Bayview Yacht Harbour Ltd. 613-272-2787 Len’s Cove Marina Ltd. 613-272-2581 Elgin Brown’s Marina Ltd. 613-272-5466 Franklin's Marina 613-359-5457 Sand Lake Marine 613-359-5612 Kingston Blue Woods Marina 613-634-1304 Collins Bay Marina 613-389-4455 Confederation Basin Marina 613-542-2134 Kingston Marina 613-549-7747 Portsmouth Olympic Harbour 613-544-9842 Rideau Marina 888-407-1784 Treasure Island Marina 613-548-1239

Public docking facilities available in Westport, Perth, Seeley’s Bay and at the Rideau Canal lockstations.

24 G olfing Along the Rideau When visiting the Rideau Heritage Route be sure to bring along your golf clubs to enjoy the challenge of our winding terrain and beautiful greens. Some of Ontario’s oldest courses await...in fact,

Links O’Tay, built in 1890, is the oldest course in Canada on its Recreation original site.

Golf Courses Ottawa Cedarhill 18 holes 613-825-3154 Falcon Ridge 18 holes 613-822-6742

Manderley 18 holes 613-489-2066 Outdoor The Marshes 18 holes 613-271-3370 Kemptville Equinelle Golf Course 18 holes 613-258-2105 Nationview 18 holes 613-989-5633 Rideau Glen 18 holes 613-258-4404 Smiths Falls Donneybrooke 9 holes 613-283-7013 Smiths Falls 18 holes 613-283-3050 Lombardy Lombard Glen 18 holes 800-554-0285 Perth/Lanark Blue Heron 9 holes 613-264-1062 Links O’Tay 18 holes 613-267-4504 Mapleview 18 holes 613-264-1235 Westport Evergreen 9 holes 613-273-6463 Rideau Lakes 9 holes 613-273-2937 Elgin The Maples 9 holes 800-408-3494 Lyndhurst Lyndway Hills 9 holes 613-387-2811 Kingston Belle Park 9 holes 613-389-5923 Colonnade 18 holes 613-542-4779 Glen Lawrence 18 holes 613-545-1021 The Landings 18 holes 613-634-7888 O vernight Mooring Boaters may camp overnight at or near all lockstations, except Ottawa locks. Lockstations provide washrooms, parking, first-aid, overnight mooring and picnicking.

Left Inset: Town of Smiths Falls, Docked in Smiths Falls Photo Credits: Bottom: RHRTA, Heritage Navigation Right Inset: RHRTA, Golfing Along the Rideau 25 A dditional Recreation Here are some other suggested ways to enjoy the many seasons the Rideau has to offer.

Fishing and take a plunge, while those coming by road will find public The Rideau has been a fishing hot swimming opportunities at many spot since the late 1800’s when the of the Rideau’s Conservation areas first fishing resorts were built to such as Foley Mountain and Rideau cater to those wishing to catch a Ferry, as well as the area’s parks. few “big ones.” The southern Rideau lakes offer unparalled bass Cross Country Skiing fishing with many lodges catering Several of the local parks and to your needs. Lake trout abound conservation areas offer skiing in the cold deep waters of Big opportunities such as Murphy’s Rideau and Dog Lakes. The Rideau Point Provincial Park (25 km River offers bass, pike and musky. of groomed trails) and Little You’ll also find walleye and crappie Cataraqui Creek Conservation at various spots on the Rideau. Area (13 km of groomed trails). And, of course, there is the Swimming offering 200 km The entire Rideau waterway offers (124 miles) of groomed trail. great swimming opportunities. The clean waters of the Rideau push Skating past 20ºC (68ºF) by early June and The Rideau Canal Skateway holds stay that way until late September. the Guinness World Record as the Those boating can stop anywhere world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink at 7.8 km. Skating on the canal has become a favourite pastime of winter visitors, especially during Ottawa’s Winterlude festival. Visitors can also enjoy a nostalgic outdoor skating experience at Market Square in Kingston.

26 O ontarioparks.ca Kemptville with sandy beaches, a fitness trail and fishing. This park occupies a shady bank on the historic Rideau Canal near Rideau River Provincial Park canoeing and exceptional fishing. At Big Rideau Lake, pitch your tent at a boat-in campsite and enjoy boating, a restored mica mine and trails, groomed in winter for cross-country skiing. Located on the historic Rideau Waterway, this park near Perth offers tours of Murphy’s Point Provincial Park canoeists head into the interior. forests, plants and wildlife. Trails wind through rugged terrain as hikers and park features granite outcrops,semi-wilderness vast wetlands and mixed arm of the Canadian Shield north Kingston, this Situated on a southern Frontenac Provincial Park canoeists to these scenic shores and winding trails. The rugged look of the north blended with south still draws hikers and lake near Lansdowne, and then wealthy Victorian cottagers summered here. Natives once sheltered under rock overhangs on the shores of this coldwater Charleston Lake Provincial Park well marked snowmobiling fun. trails provide many kilometres of Rider’s Snowmobile Club. These clubs such as the Rideau Ridge maintained by local snowmobile established snowmobile trails, The Rideau is home to several Snowmobiling ntario Provincial Parks in the recipe for making memories, Ontario Parks style. pristine beaches – these are just a few of the ingredients Sparkling waters, rocky shorelines, towering treescapes, and Bottom Inset: Simon Lunn, Skiing in Murphys Point Provincial Park Top: Simon Lunn, Relaxing in Stewart Park, Perth Photo Credits: family outing picnic lunch and enjoy a great the Rideau Corridor. Pack a areas all of the Conservation in at all of the lockstations and Public picnic tables are available Picnicking . 613-258-2740 613-267-5060 613-376-3489 613-659-2065 27 Outdoor Recreation A Day in the COUNTRYSIDE

28 of Old Ontario, crisscrossed “The Rideau is in the heart by dozens of charming county roads.” 52 42 48 38 30 D H C P H Suggested driving tours for spring, summer and fall. The , Cataraqui Trail and more. of our scenic cycling loops. Cycle from Kingston to Ottawa, or choose one Easy paddling suggestions from Kingston to Newboro. Smiths Falls, Merrickville, Manotick and more. Self guided tours of Kingston, Westport, Perth, addling Routes addling ycling Routes riving Tours riving eritage Walking Tours iking Trails iking Right Inset #6: Simon Lunn, Watsons Mill Right Inset #5: RHRTA, Fall Drive Along Rideau Right Inset #4: RHRTA, Summer Rideau Hike Right Inset #3: RHRTA, Cycling the Rideau Right Inset #2: Ken Watson, Paddling Davis Lock Right Inset #1: City of Kingston, Hall Bottom: Simon Lunn, Smiths Falls Detached Lock Left Inset: RHRTA, The Opinicon Resort Top: Ken Watson, Fall at Chaffeys Locks Photo Credits: 29 A Day in the Countryside Heritage Walking Tours

Consider doing one of the many heritage walking tours in our villages or towns which showcase our unique cultural treasures.

Walking tours are a wonderful way to experience the unique history of each village. Local history comes alive with each step. Walking tour information referenced from Township of Rideau Lakes, Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committees (LACAC) and area Historical Societies. Most of the buildings featured on these walking tours are designated “Historic” under the Ontario Heritage Act and are identified by plaques.

Photo Credits: Top Inset: RHRTA, Sam Jakes Inn, Merrickville Bottom: Ken Watson, A Heritage House in Perth Walking Tour Maps Referenced From Ken Watson

30 Canada’s first capital and the K ingston southern gateway to the Rideau. Countryside

1 Ontario St., 1844 - City Hall 2 Market Square, 1801 3 310 King St. E., 1894 - British Whig Building 4 King St. at Clarence St., 1856-58 - Customs House A Day in the 5 Clarence St. at Wellington St., 1854 - Old Post Office 6 King St. E. at Johnson St., 1825 - St. Georges Cathedral 7 Corner of Johnston St. & Wellington, 1865 - St. Georges Church Hall Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. 8 264 King St. E., 1830 - Gildersleeve House 20 82 Sydenham St., 1851 - Sydenham 9 243 King St E., 1853 - Empire St. United Church Life Insurance Company 21 Johnson St. at Clergy St., 1843 - 10 225 King St. E., 1845 - Frontenac St. Mary’s Cathedral Club Inn 22 251 Brock St., 1846 - Elizabeth 11 200 Ontario St., 1809 - Prince Cottage George Hotel 23 Princess St., 1820-21 - St. Andrews 12 55 Ontario St., 1890 - Marine Presbyterian Church Museum 24 Montreal at Queen St., 1845 - 13 11 Ontario St., 1890 - Pump St. Paul’s Anglican Church House Steam Museum 25 70-72 Princess St., 1808 - 14 Barrie and King St., 1845 - Rochleau House 26 44 Princess St., 1832 - Panchancho 15 Court St., 1855-56 - Frontenac Bakery County Courthouse 27 Princess at Ontario St., 1841 - 16 14 Sydenham St., 1851 - S&R Department Store McIntosh Castle 28 251 Ontario St., 1872 - Lone Star 17 24 Sydenham St., 1880 - Café, Old Firehall Hochelaga Inn 29 209 Ontario St., 1885 - Tourist 18 49 Sydenham St., 1850 - Information Office, Old K&P Rosemount Inn Rail Station 30 19 73 Sydenham St., 1888 - Shoal Tower, 1846 The Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast 31 W estport

The largest village in the Rideau Lakes area boasting unique shops and quaint restaurants.

1 29 Bedford St., 1859 - Rideau District 15 Bowes and Cocks Realtor, c. 1850 - Museum, Blacksmith shop General Store, Hotel 2 30 Bedford St., 1853 - Town Hall 16 United Church, 1889 - Methodist Church until 1925 3 28 Bedford St., 1850 - Wesleyan Methodist Church 17 18 Church St., c.1880 4 22 Bedford St. - Former Masonic Hall 18 14 Church St., 1879 - Conley House 5 Pest House - Used during the 19 Olivet Baptist Church, c. 1830 smallpox epidemic, closed 1902 20 17 Spring St., 1850 - Hamilton House 6 The Cove Country Inn, c. 1876 - Residence, became hotel in 1930 21 St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1890 7 21 Main St. - The Roberts’ House, 22 Knox Presbyterian Church, 1859 Furniture factory 23 Railway Station, 1888 8 Lockwood’s House and Business, 1872 - General Store, Union Bank 24 Concession at Rideau St., 1899 - Continuation School 9 Cawley’s and Darby’s Houses - Present in photographs taken in 1871 25 St. Edward’s School and Convent, 1886 10 Bennett’s Store and Adjoining 26 Buildings, 1845 - Post Office, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1859 poolroom 11 41 Main St. - McEwen Building, Cameron Hotel 12 Westport Spring - Native artifacts, village focal point since colonization 13 Post Office, 1935 14 45 Main St., 1864 - Foley House

Photo Credits: Top Inset: RHRTA, Foley House Historic Inn & Pub in Westport Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. 32 Home of the mammoth 22,000 lbs. cheddar Perth displayed at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Countryside

1 Old Fire Hall, 1855 2 27 Herriott St., 1834 3 29 Herriott St., 1898 - Doctor’s office 4 4 Drummond St. E.,

1904 - Rumored to be A Day in the haunted 5 31 Foster St., 1864 6 1 Drummond St. W., Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. 1928 - St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 20 2 Wilson St. W., 1946 - Car showroom/garage 7 3 Drummond St. W., 1924 21 80 Foster St., 1835 - Black Sandy 8 6 & 8 Drummond St. W., 1832 - Ferguson Hotel, was Revere Hotel Blacksmith 1869-1983 9 10 Drummond St. W., 1860 - 22 57 Foster St., 1835 - Drug store Residence since 1871 10 12 Drummond St. W., 1835 - 23 1 Gore St. W., 1838 - Perth Hotel Residence until 1979, Inns operating in Perth since 1817 11 11 D’Arcy St., 1846 - Residence 24 2 Gore St. E., 1840 - James Brothers, 12 15 D’Arcy St., 1851 - Concert Hall Hardware shop, machine and leather goods store shop/foundry 13 17 D’Arcy St., 1842 - Baptist Church 25 1 Gore St. E., 1840 - Saddle and harness shop 14 21 D’Arcy St., 1863 26 15 11 Gore St., 1840 - Matheson House, 25 Gore St. W., 1854 - St. Paul’s converted to a museum in 1966 United Church 27 30 Gore St., 1884 - Bank of Montreal 16 20 Gore St. W., 1860 - Stone manse 28 17 39 Gore St., 1848 - Perth Courier 30 D’Arcy St., 1834 - Grammar since 1898 school until 1852 29 18 50 Herriott St., 1906 - Kininvie, 27 Wilson St. W., 1844 - Barrie’s Residence Hotel 1919, Imperial Hotel 1970 30 19 51 Herriott St., 1842 - Code’s Mill, 22 Wilson St. W., 1850 - Group of five different buildings The doctor’s house dating back to 1842 33 S miths Falls

Come discover Smiths Falls, Heart of the Rideau Canal.

1 Smiths Falls Library, 1903 - Carnegie 15 57 Chambers St., c. 1899 - Residence Library building of Town Founder Abel Russell Ward 2 Recreation Centre, 1871 and Town 16 65 Chambers St., c. 1900 Hall, late 1800’s 17 69 Chambers St., c. 1900 3 20 Beckwith St., 1901 - Rideau Hotel 18 SE corner of Chambers and Elmsley 4 PharmaPlus, 1885 - Bank, grocery St. - Residence of Senator FT. Frost store, barbershop, Wardrobe Hotel, Russell Hotel 19 15 Elmsley St. - Residence of James Shaw, first senator of Smiths Falls 5 1 Beckwith St. S., 1880 - Pioneer shacks until it became a pharmacy 20 12 Bay St. N., as early as 1835 - Became Methodist Manse in 1878 6 SW corner Main and Beckwith, 1875 - Washburn Block 21 2 Bay St. N., - Craine House: Residence 7 SE corner of Main and Beckwith, 1871 - Clark and Lewis Hardware, 22 55 Main St. - Example of original Bank of Nova Scotia “board and batten” construction 8 28-30 Beckwith St. S, mid to late 23 32 Main St. E., 1843 - Story Hotel, 1800’s - Fort Hemlock funeral home, Lalonde’s Dry Goods 9 Wood’s Mill Complex, 1855-1891 - 24 10 Main St. E., 1893 - Union Bank Site of the Rideau Canal Museum 25 Post Office on the NW corner, 1984 10 The Carss House, 1895 - Residence 26 Trinity United Church, 1886 11 81 Brockville St., c. 1840 - The Powers House: Residence 12 84 Brockville St., c. 1875 - Residence of the father of public utilities Captain Adam Foster 13 Old Rideau Theatre, 1912 - Renamed “The Capital” in 1929, closed in late 1940’s 14 32-34 Chambers St., c. 1899

34 Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Merrickville The Jewel of the Rideau. Countryside

1 Main & St. Lawrence, 1832 - The Blockhouse: Canal defence 2 The Industrial Complex, 1790 - Sawmill, flour and grist mill, foundry, A Day in the woolen mill 3 129 Mill St., c. 1821 - William Merrick Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Hous: Residence 15 105 Lewis St W., c.1855 - The Tyndall 4 205 Mill St., c. 1845 - The Magee House: Residence House: Residence 16 130 Brock St. W., c.1860 - John Mills 5 106 Mill St., c. 1830 - Merrick House: Store, furniture factory Tavern: Tavern, residence 17 323 St. Lawrence, c.1830 - Early 6 Main & St Lawrence SE., c.1862 - Stone House: Residence, older than Jakes McLean Block: Department the Canal store 18 136 St. Lawrence, c. 1848-1855 - 7 118 Main St. E., c. 1861 - Sam Jakes General Store: retail House: Residence 19 St. Lawrence, c. 1856 - Aaron Merrick 8 111 Main St. E., c. 1890 - The Block: General store, renovated 1974 Pearson House: Residence, library in 1938 20 Old Town Hall, c. 1856 9 206 Main St. E., c. 1890 - Percival House: Residence 10 106 Brock St E., c.1850 - Stephen Merrick House: Residence 11 905 St. Lawrence, c. 1845 - Aaron Merrick House: Residence 12 618 St. Lawrence, 1861 - Knox Presbyterian Church: Restored 1983 13 605 St. Lawrence, c. 1861 - McEntyre House: Residence, millinery shop Photo Credits: 14 512 St Lawrence, c. 1850 - John Top Inset: Town of Smiths Falls, Heritage Johnston House: Residence House Museum Right Inset: RHRTA, Merrickville Antique Shop 35 Kemptville

Stroll down Prescott and Clothier Streets — bisected by the picturesque South Branch of the Rideau.

1 119 Clothier St E - Odd Fellows Hall 12 5 Clothier St. W - Ferguson House 2 115 Clothier St. E - Grahame’s Bakery 13 8 Clothier St. W - Lyman Clothier’s House 3 103 Clothier St. E - Rowland Leather 14 35 Clothier St. W - St. James 4 38 Clothier St. E - Anderson’s Anglican Church Old Stand 15 22 Clothier St. W - Greystones 5 31 Clothier St. E - The Kerr House 16 30 Clothier St. W - Dr. Sparham’s 6 27 Clothier St. E - O’Heaphy’s Pub House 7 Clothier x Prescott - The White House 17 126 Clothier St. W - The Sparham 8 21-23 Clothier St. E - Beddingfield’s Family Home Store 18 204 Clothier St. W - Landon House 9 13-17 Clothier St. E - Bell Exchange 19 205 Clothier St. W - The Grammar 10 8 Clothier St. E - The Clothier Inn School 11 3 Clothier St. E - The Dell Block 20 319 Clothier St. W - Squire Bottum’s Estate

For walking tour maps go to www.northgrenville.ca/walkingtours or call the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce at (613) 258-4838.

Photo Credits: Top Inset: Prescott Street 142-144, Bottom: 8 Clothier St W., Downtown Kemptville 36 A dditional Walking Tours Come discover the wonderful heritage buildings of Elgin, Portland, Newboro and Delta. Countryside

For details of each property/building please pick up a free copy of our heritage walking tour booklets available at Travel Information Centres along the Rideau Heritage Route. A Day in the Elgin Portland • Ebenezer Halladay House, 1844 • Emmanuel Anglican Church, 1861 • Empire House, 1884 • John Grant House, c. 1872 • Henry Laishley House, 1886 • Ford Austin House, c. 1850 • Benjamin Halladay House, 1858 • William Snider House, c.1850 • Alman Newman Store, 1867 • Peter Bresee House, c. 1840 • John Dargavel General Store, 1893 • Peter Cole House, c. 1850 • Santelle Dargavel Barn, 1905 • Eliza Hartwell House, c. 1850 • Elgin Community Hall, 1873 • Albert Gallagher Bank, 1903 • SS#5 School, 1887 • John Polk Store, 1891 • United Church, 1894 • The Gingerbread House, 1880-90 • St. Columbanus Catholic Church, • Harmon Toffey House, 1892 1897 • Portland Public School, 1888 • Paul’s Anglican Church, 1903

Newboro Delta • St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 1850 • Anglican Church, 1811 • Court House, 1840 • Alexander Stevens House, 1882 • Richard Blake House, c. 1858 • Omer Brown House, 1905 • Thomas Patrick Foster House, 1889 • William Bell House, 1860 • “Dominion House” Hotel, 1865 • William Bell Store and Residence, • R.O. Leggett Shop and House, 1870 c. 1850 • Foster House, 1860 • Delta Business Block, 1887 • Benjamin J. Tett House, 1834 • Walter Denault House, 1849 • Block House, c. 1832 • Delta Mill, c. 1810 • John Poole Tett House, c. 1886 • Richard Johnston House, c. 1850 • John Draffin House, 1854 • Israel Stevens House, 1876 • J.T. Gallagher House, 1885 • Philo Hicock House, 1845 • Union Building, 1903 37 Rideau Paddling Routes

T he Rideau is a paddlers’ paradise offering excellent flatwater paddling. Access is very easy at any of over 30 launch ramps and most lockstations. Those traveling the length of the canal have the option of “locking through” the locks or portaging past them. Those camping will find it convenient at the many campgrounds or at the lockstations. Those wishing to enjoy a more decadent trip may wish to stay in B&Bs along the route. With over 1,091 km (675 miles) of shoreline on the Rideau, there’s so much to explore.

Check out the new paddle docks installed by Parks Canada at each Rideau lockstation.

38 R ideau Canal Waterway Countryside A Day in the

Photo Credits: Top Inset: Tobi Kiesewalter, Tay Canal Bottom: Frontenac Outfitters, Getting Ready to Paddle the Rideau Map Credit: Ken Watson 39 L uxury Paddling

Check out our Rideau Heritage Route paddling itinerary.

Experienced area canoeists and kayakers have contributed a wealth of information to this colourful itinerary which takes you all the way from Kingston to Ottawa along the historic Rideau waterway. Complete with paddling tips, portages, accommodations, sights along the route and more!

Check out our Rideau Heritage Route Paddling Itinerary Z

Rideau heritage route ADVENTUREShuttle

Pick up and drop Flexible service Canoes, Kayaks off to most lock designed to suit and all safety stations along the your holiday needs equipment provided Rideau Canal

Experience Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and come Pedal & Paddle the Rideau from Kingston to Chaffey’s Lock while staying at historic Inns, quaint B&B’s or waterfront cottages. Your Rideau Adventure begins here!

ahoyrentals.com

40 Rideau Paddling Routes

You’ll find some suggested paddling routes below for your Rideau exploration.

Route 1 – Kingston Route 2 – Jones Falls to Jones Falls to Newboro By Terry Sprague By Larry & Christine Showler

Begin from Kingston Mills Our favourite paddling adventure Locks and paddle north begins at Jones Falls, winds north towards Colonel By Lake where through Sand Lake to scenic Davis the waterway narrows on our Lock. From here we continue north journey through the River Styx to Chaffeys Lock, a fantastic lunch then to Brewer’s Mills. When spot. Rested and refreshed we paddle we reach the banks of Upper on through Indian and Clear Lakes to Brewer’s Mill we will have the Newboro Lake Lock Station. A short paddled a total of five hours, hike to the village offers ice cream, and the lockstation here is a cold drinks and is the perfect ending good spot to pitch a tent and to a leisurely days paddle. spend the night. From Upper More adventurous canoeists & kayakers Brewer’s Mills, it is another five then have the option to paddle north hours or so on the water to our into the Upper Rideau Lake, then west next destination, Jones Falls, to the Village of Westport (a full days one of the most gorgeous paddle) or to paddle westerly through destinations along the entire Mosquito & Loon Lakes to Bedford route. We pass through Mills. A Short portage to Devil Lake Cranberry Lake and Whitefish and you arrive at Frontenac Provincial Lake, dotted with islands Park, Ontario’s most Southern before we reach Jones Falls and Wilderness Park (multi-day trip). listen as retired canal man Raymond LaForest, a fixture Contact Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & here at Jones Falls, serenades Kayak Centre for more detailed Eastern us with his accordion as we Ontario “Paddle Routes” information ascend one of the locks. www.frontenac-outfitters.com.

Photo Credits: Top Inset: Ken Watson, Preparing to Paddle Morton Bay Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Map Credit: Ken Watson Countryside

Route 1 Kingston to Jones Falls

Route 2 A Day in the Jones Falls Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. to Newboro Map Credit: Ken Watson

Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Top Ten Map Credit: Ken Watson Countryside Reasons to Route 1 Paddle the Kingston to Countryside Jones Falls

Rideau Route 1 Route 2 Not to scale. Kingston to Jones Falls Consult a detailed map. A Day in the Jones Falls to Newboro Map Credit: Ken Watson 1 Interesting – The Rideau is made 6 Decadent – Stay at local Inns 44 Route 2

up of varied naturescapes and and/or B&Bs located close to the A Day in the Jones Falls Top Ten to Newboro landscapes. It is a blend of rivers, water.Reasons to lakes and canal cuts. 7 PhotogenicPaddle the– Lovely cottage & Top Ten Rideau 2 Easy – The Rideau offers easyReasons to boathouse architecture, lots of flatwater paddling. Paddle the wildlife1 Interesting opportunities– The Rideau is made and 6beautifulDecadent – Stay at local Inns up of varied naturescapes and and/or B&Bs located close to the Rideau 3 Safe – With lots of islands and Canadianlandscapes. Shield It is a blend viewscapes. of rivers, water. lakes and canal cuts. 7 Photogenic – Lovely cottage & 1 Interesting – The Rideau is made 6 Decadent – Stay at local Inns bays, a paddler can easily find 8 Historic2 Easy – The– RideauFirst offers opened easy in 1832,boathouse architecture, lots of up of varied naturescapes and and/or B&Bs located close to the flatwater paddling. wildlife opportunities and beautiful shelter from waves on some oflandscapes. It is a blendthe ofRideau rivers, Canalwater. is the oldest 3 Safe – With lots of islands and Canadian Shield viewscapes. lakes and canal cuts. 7 Photogenic – Lovely cottage & the larger open lakes. continuouslybays, a paddler canoperated easily find canal8 Historic in – First opened in 1832, 2 Easy – The Rideau offers easy boathouse architecture, lots of shelter from waves on some of the Rideau Canal is the oldest flatwater paddling. wildlife opportunities and beautiful 4 Accessible – The Rideau is only Norththe largerAmerica. open lakes. continuously operated canal in 3 Safe – With lots of islands and Canadian Shield viewscapes. 4 Accessible – The Rideau is only North America. bays, a paddler9 can easily find 8 Historic – First opened in 1832, a 3 hour drive from Toronto, only Friendlya 3 hour drive– The from Toronto,locks onlyare operated9 Friendly – The locks are operated shelter from waves on some of the Rideau Canal is the oldest 2 hours from Montreal, and only by Parks Canada and the friendly 2 hours from Montreal, and onlythe larger open lakes.by Parks Canadacontinuously and operated the friendly canal in 1 hour from the U.S. lockstaff are more than willing to 4 Accessible – The Rideau is only North America. 1 hour from the U.S. lockstaff5 Quiet – areOnly atmore some of than the more willinghelp tothe visitor. a 3 hour drive from Toronto, only 9 Friendly – The locks are operated popular lockstations will you find 10 Fun – With 1091 kilometres 2 hours from Montreal,help and the only visitor.by Parks Canada and the friendly 5 Quiet – Only at some of the more boater congestion during some (678 miles) of shoreline you could 1 hour from the U.S. lockstaff are more than willing to weekends in July and August. paddle for weeks and still not see 10 help the visitor. popular lockstations will you5 Quietfind– Only at someFun of the – more With 1091 kilometresall the Rideau has to offer. boater congestion during somepopular lockstations(678 will you miles) find 10 ofFun shoreline – With 1091 kilometres you could 42 boater congestion during some (678 miles) of shoreline you could weekends in July and August.weekends in July andpaddle August. for weekspaddle forand weeks still and stillnot not seesee all the Rideau has to offer. all the Rideau has to offer. 42 42 Not to scale. Consult a detailed map. Map Credit: Ken Watson Countryside

Route 1 Kingston to

NotJones to scale. Falls Consult a detailed map. MapRoute Credit: Ken 2 Watson Jones Falls op Ten Reasons A Day in the to Newboro T to Paddle the Rideau

Top Ten Countryside Reasons to Paddle the Route 1 RideauKingston to Jones Falls 1 Interesting – The Rideau is made 6 Decadent – Stay at local Inns up of Routevaried naturescapes2 and and/or B&Bs located close to the

landscapes.Jones ItFalls is a blend of rivers, water. A Day in the lakes toand Newboro canal cuts. 7 Photogenic – Lovely cottage & 2 Easy – The Rideau offers easy boathouse architecture, lots of flatwater paddling. wildlife opportunities and beautiful 3 TopSafe – TenWith lots of islands and Canadian Shield viewscapes. Reasonsbays, a paddler to can easily find 8 Historic – First opened in 1832, Paddleshelter from thewaves on some of the Rideau Canal is the oldest the larger open lakes. continuously operated canal in 4 RideauAccessible – The Rideau is only North America. a 3 hour drive from Toronto, only 9 Friendly – The locks are operated 1 Interesting – The Rideau is made 6 Decadent – Stay at local Inns 2 hours from Montreal, and only by Parks Canada and the friendly up of varied naturescapes and and/or B&Bs located close to the 1 hour from the U.S. lockstaff are more than willing to landscapes. It is a blend of rivers, water. 5 Quiet – Only at some of the more help the visitor. lakes and canal cuts. 7 Photogenic – Lovely cottage & popular lockstations will you find 10 Fun – With 1091 kilometres 2 Easy – The Rideau offers easy boathouse architecture, lots of boater congestion during some (678 miles) of shoreline you could flatwater paddling. wildlife opportunities and beautiful weekends in July and August. paddle for weeks and still not see Canadian Shield viewscapes. 3 Safe – With lots of islands and all the Rideau has to offer. bays, a paddler can easily find 8 Historic – First opened in 1832, 42 shelter from waves on some of the Rideau Canal is the oldest the larger open lakes. continuously operated canal in 4 Accessible – The Rideau is only North America. a 3 hour drive from Toronto, only 9 Friendly – The locks are operated 2 hours from Montreal, and only by Parks Canada and the friendly 1 hour from the U.S. lockstaff are more than willing to 5 Quiet – Only at some of the more help the visitor. popular lockstations will you find 10 Fun – With 1091 kilometres boater congestion during some (678 miles) of shoreline you could weekends in July and August. paddle for weeks and still not see all the Rideau has to offer. 42 Rideau Cycling Routes

T he large number of secondary roads makes Rideau exploration a fun cycling adventure.

It is easy to take the “road less traveled” and discover the quiet beauty the Rideau has to offer. In the central Rideau, the Cataraqui Trail will take the cyclist off the beaten path. In Ottawa, the many cycling paths make it easy to get around the city. We have featured some suggested cycle loops for you in the following pages.

Download a copy of the Great Waterway Cycling Map at www.thegreatwaterway.com. Reference Trail Map on Page 44 for complete Rideau Cycling Route. Countryside

Kingston to Perth Merrickville to • From downtown Kingston go Ottawa

north on Division St. which • MR23 (River Rd.) northerly A Day in the leads into MR10 (Perth Rd.) along south shore of Rideau north to Perth. River to MR44 outside of Note On-Road Alternative to Kemptville Perth Road: • Take MR44 to MR5 • Battersea Rd. (MR11) north to • MR5 and turn right into Hwy 15. Hwy 15 north to Dilworth to MR13 across Elgin. MR8 east to Hwy 42, Hwy 416 then south to pick up MR8 • MR13 north along the Rideau east through Chantry to Hwy River into Manotick 29 and MR16 to Jasper. From • MR8 east to Spratt Rd. here connect with Route #22 • Spratt Rd. to Rideau Rd. and go northwest to Perth or • Rideau Rd. to Limebank Rd. east to Merrickville. • Limebank to MR19 • Left onto Hunt Club Rd. Perth to Merrickville • Right onto Prince of Wales Dr. • Prince of Wales Dr. to • MR1 south through Rideau Hog’s Back Ferry to Tower Rd. • At Colonel By turn left and • Tower Rd./Bay Rd. to Golf follow the Rideau River Club Rd. • Colonel By into Sussex Dr. • Golf Club Rd./Eric Hutcheson which turns into Rockcliffe Rd. to MR29 Parkway • MR29 to Smiths Falls • MR17 south to Jasper • MR16 northerly to Merrickville Photo Credits: Left Inset: RHRTA, Cycling the Cataraqui Trail Bottom: Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Cycle Path Right Inset: RHRTA, Cycle Stop at Burritts Rapids MR: Municipal Road C ycling Loops

Bicycle enthusiasts can fully enjoy the Rideau region. Although there are no bicycle trails directly along the Rideau (except for bicycle paths in Ottawa), there are many trails and secondary roads close by that the cyclist can enjoy.

You can either come here just to cycle or strap a bike or two onto your boat (trails cross the Rideau Waterway in several places). In addition, several shops and some bed & breakfasts offer bicycle rentals.

12 Kingston Mills – Brewers Mills Locks: 65 km - Follow gentle rolling route counter clockwise. Explore the locks at Kingston Mills and Brewers Mills.

Map © Copyright AdverMap, 2007. Used with permission. Photo Credits: RHRTA, Cycling through Westport For more information on cycling in the region check www.rideauheritageroute.ca Countryside

37 Merrickville – Jasper: 37 km - Tour gives you both sides of the Rideau River. Merrickville – Andrewsville – 38 Burritts Rapids: 16 km - Short tour provides scenic views of the A Day in the Rideau River. Merrickville – Kemptville: 39 50 km - Links two major Rideau towns. Smiths Falls – Rosedale Rd. 40 Loop: 20 km Perth – Murphy’s Point: 40 km - 47 Explore the Rideau Lakes and visit Murphy’s Point Provincial Park.

Riding the Rideau On Two Wheels DISCOVER THE REAL CHARM AND NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE RIDEAU ON TWO WHEELS. Louisa Mursell, Ontario By Bike

The Rideau Heritage Route welcomes all levels of cyclists with scenic touring routes and charming places to relax and unwind. With all routes on-road, riding longer distances in the area does require some experience but sharing the road with traffic isn’t a worry - the quiet country roads on either side of the Rideau make for a much more relaxed ride than an average big city cycling outing. The small towns strung along the Canal are a perfect cycling distance apart and offer a great variety of eclectic stops and refreshment break options to slow down even the hardiest riders. You can arrive by car, park for the day and choose from a number of routes that are easily accessible. The heritage lock stations along the Canal system provide a great spot for tying up dock side and hopping on a personal boat bike. For a challenging ride, set off early from Westport Village or nearby Foley Mountain Conservation Area and make a day of it. You can pedal to the hamlet and Old Stone Mill in Delta, and as far as Jasper, before looping back via Portland and Newboro on a 125km well mapped route that would put anyone through the paces. Or you can take it easy and split the ride into two days. An easier one day ride starts from Kemptville and follows the flat riverside road into the most picturesque of all towns, Merrickville, passing four lock stations enroute, including the pretty park-like setting of Burritts Rapids. Making the full 76km all the more worthwhile are stops at orchards and apple farms that sell seasonal produce and fuel for the return trip. Whether you choose a challenging ride or a scenic tour - The Great Waterway cycling routes have something for every two wheeler! Maps of two Rideau Heritage ride routes are available for trip planning and download at: www.thegreatwaterway.com/cycling/itineraries Rideau Hiking Trails

H iking along the Rideau Corridor is a fun and healthy way to enjoy the scenery and view the sights. “There is no better way to see the wildlife of the Rideau” CountrysidE

The two longest trails are the Rideau Trail and the Cataraqui Trail, part of the Trans-Canada trail system. There are also dozens of A Day in the other smaller trails, located in parks and conservation areas with spectacular vistas and educational interpretive programs. More details are available on our website at www.rideauheritageroute.ca.

Rideau Trail The Rideau Trail is the longest trail in the area, extending from Kingston to Ottawa (~200 km one way, 300 km including loops & side trails). It is a hiking only trail with some cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It is maintained by the Rideau Trail Association. Go to www.rideautrail.org to order your copy of the Rideau Trail Guidebook, which is an excellent resource, including a full description of the trail and detailed fold-out 1:50,000 maps.

Cataraqui Trail The Cataraqui Trail is a year-round, shared-use recreation trail for hiking, cycling, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. It extends 104 km from Strathcona to Smiths Falls. It is part of the Trans- Canada trail system and follows an old railway bed, so it is a very easy hike. Full details, including a trail map, are available on the Cataraqui Trail website at www.tctrail.ca.

Photo Credits: Left Inset: RHRTA, Taking a Break Along Middle Inset: Simon Lunn, Rideau Trail Sign the Rideau Right Inset: Ken Watson, Hiking Along Bottom: Ken Watson, Fall Colours in Morton Bay the Cataraqui

Rideau Trail (For Hikers Only) Rideau Cycle Route

1

2

6 5 Cataraqui Trail

4

3

Photo Credits: Left Inset: Simon Lunn, Sylvan Trail at Murphy’s Point Right Inset: Ken Watson, Cataraqui Trail Cycle Stop Countryside

Here is a selection of some of our trails… Northern Trails

(Ottawa to Smiths Falls) 4 Frontenac Provincial Park (150 km) A Day in the 1 Baxter Conservation Area Located on Salmon Lake Road, Located on Regional Road 13 north of Sydenham, the park features (Dilworth Drive) off Hwy 16, 12 different trails ranging in length south of Kars. It features from 1.5 to 21 kilometres. Many swimming, hiking and year are wilderness trails, sights include round programs. It has a 5 km waterfalls, beaver ponds, lakes and walking trail, an Interpretive abandoned homesteads and mica mines. Centre, marsh boardwalk, Part of the Rideau Trail crosses the washrooms, a beach, change southern side of the park. house, small boat launch, picnic 5 tables and a picnic shelter. Foley Mountain Conservation Area (6 km) Located near Westport, 2 Rideau River Provincial Park off County Road 10, it offers swimming, (3.5 km) Located on County group camping, hiking, educational Road 5 just across the Rideau programs. It also has a 6 km walking River from Kemptville. It has a trail, an Interpretive Centre, washrooms, 3.5 km walking trail along the beach, change house, picnic tables and shore of the Rideau River. a picnic shelter. Southern Trails 6 Murphys Point Provincial Park (Kingston to Smiths Falls) (20 km) Located 19 km south of Perth on County Road 21, the park 3 Little Cataraqui Creek has 5 hiking trails ranging in length Conservation Area from 1 to 5.5 kilometres. Sights Located 2 km north of Hwy. 401 include interpretive displays, beaver on Division St. (County Road ponds, Silver Queen Mica Mine, 10), Kingston. Offers 5 trails of viewscapes of Big Rideau Lake, beaches varying lengths, plus picnic and mixed forest. In addition, 6.5 km tables, washrooms, canoe rentals of the Rideau Trail traverses the park. and an outdoor centre. Rideau Driving Tours

The Rideau Heritage Route is a wonderful spot to tour by car or motorcycle. Each turn of the road presents a new vista. There are lots of interesting stops: any one of the 24 lockstations, the Manotick many quaint villages or the local conservation areas. Carleton Place

Kemptville

Perth Merrickville Rideau Ferry

Sharbot Lake

Portland Westport Crosby

Newboro Elgin Delta

Morton LLyndhurstyndhurst

Seeleys Bay Access is easy, four-lane highways lead you to the Rideau Region and then you can relax, slow down and explore. Follow the Rideau Heritage Route

signs through our towns and villages. Countryside Enjoy the scenery and take in all the Rideau has to offer.

“Rideau Heritage Route” Driving Tour Kingston to Lyndhurst/Delta Loop A Day in the Start at the Fort Henry Travel Centre. Follow Hwy 2 east to Hwy 15 then north on Hwy 15 to Seeley’s Bay (33km). Continue north on Hwy 15 to Morton or take CR 33 to Lyndhurst/Delta. Lyndhurst/Delta Loop CR 33 north to Lyndhurst. West on CR 42 to Delta, Philipsville, Forfar and Crosby. From Crosby, south on Hwy 15 to Morton, west on CR 42 to Newboro/Westport/Perth/Rideau Ferry, or north on Hwy 15 to Smiths Falls. Highway 15 - Morton to Crosby From Seeley’s Bay, north on Hwy 15 to Morton and Crosby. From Crosby, north on Hwy 15 to Smiths Falls or west on CR 42 to Newboro/Westport/ Perth/Rideau Ferry. Newboro/Westport/Perth/Rideau Ferry Loop From Crosby, CR 42 west to Newboro and Westport. From Westport, CR 10 north to Perth. From Perth, CR 1 east to Rideau Ferry and Lombardy. At Hwy 15 go south to Crosby or north to Smiths Falls. Highway 15 - Crosby to Smiths Falls From Crosby, north on Hwy 15 to Portland and Smiths Falls. From Smiths Falls, east on CR 43 to Merrickville and Kemptville. Merrickville/Kemptville to Ottawa Legend From Merrickville, east on CR 23 to Kemptville, south on CR 44, east on CR 43, north on CR 19 (Rideau River Rd.) past Manotick, west on Hogs Back Dr., north on Colonel By Dr. into downtown Ottawa.

© 1999, 2006 - C & L Specialty Maps - (613) 342-1745 Photo Credits: May not be reproduced without written permission. Not to be used for any legal or survey purposes. Top Inset: RHRTA, Sign in Merrickville Fall Colour Tour By Ken Watson

1 Leave Kingston via Montreal Street 7 From Delta to County Road 32 to (or Montreal St. exit off 401). Lyndhurst, then to Hwy 15. 2 Drive north on County Road 11, 8 Hwy 15 south to County Road 12. to Sunbury, to Battersea and then 9 County Road 12 to Upper to Jones Falls. Brewers, then to Sunbury, then 3 Continue from Jones Falls to to Inverary. Hwy 15 – take Hwy 15 north 10 From Inverary south on County to Chaffeys Lock Road. Road 10 back to Kingston. 4 Chaffeys Lock Road to Chaffeys Locks – then on Opinicon Road to County Road 10. 5 County Road 10 north to Westport. 6 Westport back along County Road 42 to Crosby, then to Forfar, then to Delta.

Photo Credits: Left Inset: Ken Watson, Lockhouse at Chaffeys Locks Right Inset: Ken Watson, Rest Stop Along the Rideau Right: Ken Watson, Aerial View of Big Rideau Lake A ccommodation Listings Refer to map on inside back cover for corresponding coloured regions.

KINGSTON 1-888-855-4555 Denaut Mansion Country Inn 613-928-2588 Lower Beverly Lake Park 613-928-2881 SOUTH RIDEAU Shawmere Cottages Inc. 613-387-3847 (SEELEY’S BAY/KINGSTON MILLS) Singleton Lake Family Camping & Cottages B&B, Lodges, Motels 613-387-3230 Bay Motel 613-387-3800 Tye’s Cottages 613-928-3430 Charleston Lake Provincial Park 613-659-2065 Wilson’s Tent & Trailer Park 613-928-2557 Cranberry Park 613-387-3275 Chaffeys Locks/Jones Falls Frontenac Provincial Park 613-376-3489 Davis Cottages 613-359-6175 Melody Lodge 613-387-3497 Dorothy’s Lodge 613-359-6424 Rideau Acres Campground 613-546-2711 Hotel Kenney 866-536-6397 Rideau Relax’Inn B & B 613-387-1100 Indian Lake Campground 613-359-5779 Rideau Rendezvous B & B 613-387-3927 Rideau B & B (Elgin) 613-359-5906 Sunny Acres Resort 613-387-3379 Shangri-La Lodge 613-359-5774 CENTRAL RIDEAU Skycroft Family Camps 613-359-5491 Elgin Sun on the Brow 613-359-5977 Bass Cove Campground 613-359-5643 Newboro Battams Camps Cottages 613-359-5560 Camp Mon O’Kel 613-272-2412 Green Valley Cottages 613-359-5799 The Poplars 613-272-2345 Pine Glen Lodge 613-359-1060 The Stagecoach Inn 613-272-2900 Sand Lake Cottages & Camp. 866-359-6361 Stirling Lodge 613-272-2435 Portland Westport Cedar Cove Cottages 613-272-2882 A Victorian Reflection 613-273-8383 Clear Lake Cottages 613-272-2745 The Bing Retreat 613-273-3106 Gisela’s B & B 613-272-2246 Chisamore’s Cottages 613-273-5352 Len’s Cove Marina Cottages 613-272-2581 The Cove Country Inn 888-268-3466 Narrow’s Lock Campground 613-272-3401 Green Bay Heritage Cott. 613-273-2370 Portland Bay B & B 613-272-0222 Howard’s Cottages 613-273-5950 Rideau Lakes Country Condo 613-272-2227 Lakewood Crossing B & B 613-273-4444 Rideau RelaxInn 613-561-2912 Lilly’s Cottages 613-273-5720 Stonegate Farm 613-272-3044 Long Bay Camp 613-273-5728 Waterways Campground 613-272-2791 Loon Lake B & B 613-273-3839 Delta/Lyndhurst McCulloch Cottages 613-273-6777 Beech Bay Campground 613-928-3001 McParlands Cottages 613-273-3281 Cedar Knoll Camp 613-928-2088 Mill Pond Cottage 613-273-8328 Delta Dawn B & B 613-928-3120

a n 866-890-9498 866-906-0082 613-264-0050 800-790-9952 White House Annex Tay Inn 613-326-0017 Perth Plaza Motel Perth Manor 800-362-6039 Perth Colonial Motor Inn Nevis Estates 613-326-0082 Murphy’s Point Provincial Park 613-267-1038 Drummond House B & 866-232-2342 Parkside Inn 800-518-2729Best Western Plus Aquarius Motel A Suite Downstairs 613-283-3353 Perth 613-284-0216 Twin Pines Campground & Campground 6 Otter Lake Park Motel 613-283-4198 888-814-7404 Montague House B & 613-283-0136 Rideau Ferry Inn Loon Lodge B & 613-283-5150 Bass Lake Lodge Lombardy/Rideau Ferry 613-283-5112 Victoria Park Campground Comfort Inn Best Western Colonel By Inn 877-384-4477 Smiths Falls 613-273-3627 Wolfe Springs Resort 613-273-5358 613-273-7224 Westport Station Motel Upper Rideau Resorts 613-273-0044 Twin Oaks Camp 613-273-2880 613-273-3124Sunset on the Rideau Sunnyside Campground Scott’s Cottages 613-273-2920 613-273-8181 613-273-5365 The Roberts House B & Pine Haven Cottages Nordlaw Lodge Michael’s Olde Frontenac Landing 866-918-9555 888-ONTPARK 613-273-5294 13-283-4804 www.1000islandstourism.com 1000 Islands Accommodations 800-363-4465 . attractions, shopping and events. distance of the capital’s museums, and B&Bs are within walking Most of Ottawa’s major Hotels, Inns 613-692-0564Ottawa Accommodations 613-226-2758 613-226-5813 Water’s Edge B & 613-692-3731 Prince of Wales B & 613-692-4329 613-826-2201Olde Virginia Manor B & Monterey Inn Chilvers B & Brownlee House 613-258-2940 Ottawa South/Manotick Wildwood Campground 613-258-2740 613-258-7778 Rideau River Provincial Park 613-258-3514 Stonehaven Tourist Home Nestle Down B & 613-258-3289 613-258-7816 Memory Lane Acres B & 800-399-4422 613-258-0164 Keewaytin Farms B & Howard Johnson Inn 613-258-2420 613-258-9966 Clothier Mills Inn Anthony House B & Acton House B & 613-269-3112 613-269-3842 North Grenville (Kemptville) 613-269-3627 Wolford House B & 613-269-3702 Travers Inn B & 613-269-2838 On Mill Pond Guest House 613-269-4413 Millisle B & 613-269-4223 Lions Club Park 613-269-3592 Gypsy Cove B & Foxglove Meadow B & Baldachin Inn Merrickville NORTH RIDEAU

Accommodation Listings Partnership Opportunities

Check out great opportunities to promote your business through the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association’s co-operative marketing programs. Discover how one or more initiatives can meet your marketing objectives by promoting your product or service under the Rideau brand in our programs.

Media Resources

The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association is able to assist the media with editorial or photographic needs. The RHRTA has guidelines for planning a media familiarization tour of the Rideau region and we are dedicated to arranging individualized itineraries as well as group press trips to suit your needs. Please contact our office at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Group Travel & Meeting Planners Plan your next group travel event along the Rideau Heritage Route and you’ll be amazed by the unique selection of sites and services available to make your event a memorable one. Let us assist you by suggesting venues, planning itineraries and linking you to the right contacts in our quietly invigorating resort-like setting. Capitalize on our convenient location just 3 hours from Toronto and Montreal.

Photo Credits: Cover Left: RHRTA, Kingston City Hall Back Cover Top: Ken Watson, Public Habour, Westport Cover Centre: Ken Watson, Delta Mill Back Cover Left: RHRTA, School Kids Having Fun in Cover Right: Ottawa Tourism, Evening Skate on Rideau Voyageur Canoe Cover Bottom: Ken Watson, Misty Fall Morning, Jones Falls Back Cover Right: Simon Lunn, Jones Falls For more information visit our website at www.rideauheritageroute.ca By email: [email protected]