The Rideau Canal - Kingston to Ottawa! Or parts thereof.

Submitted by MillerIori on Mon, 01/23/2023 - 20:16

Flatwater

"From May to October, the canal is open as a 202 km-long navigational waterway for boaters and paddlers. This historic lockage system and UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of 29 individual locks, and facilitates travel up and down the canal through many remote environments and townsites." I have paddled the entire length of the canal 1.5 times. This May I am organizing a paddle for WCA members. There is an article in the Nastawgan ('Tripping Ontario's Two Great Canals') that was published in the Fall of 2022, on my adventures on the Rideau, and the Trent Severn Canal. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04PjIiLpqdA) This is a sort of 'glamping' trip, ideally suited for flatwater paddlers who might wish to try a long trip for the first time, without the stress of back country camping. All nights on this trip will be either at the Rideau canal's locks on nicely mown grass, or in a proper campsite such as exists at a Provincial Park.

The Basics

Event Location:

The Rideau Canal, Ontario

Date(s) & Time:

Saturday, May 27, 2023 (All day)

Registration Cut Off:

May 20,2023

Event Duration:

10 days (see Itinerary)

Difficulty Rating:

Beginner

Participant Info

Who's Invited:

All WCA members and their friends

Maximum Group Size:

8 boats/canoes

Minimum Group Size:

1 boat

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

We will paddle from Kingston, all the way to Ottawa, ending at the last locks which sit just above the Ottawa River. More than likely we will do a short portage with canoes up to do a photo opportunity with the Parliament Buildings in the background.
While we will plan to cook our own food along the way, and share in a lot of the meal preparation, but we will also take the opportunity to sample some of the food at restaurant/pubs that are accessible along the way.
As the occasion approaches we will work out a 'functional' itinerary. TBD
** It is possible to ride every lock just like the power boats. But that adds an extra cost (they charge by the foot, and its best to buy a pass. Personally, I skip this as I need to get out and stretch ... so I portage most of the locks. Occasionally the lock masters/people who work the locks just let you through for free.

Required Items to Bring:

All your own canoeing and camping gear. Be prepared for cool nights and the occasional rain storms. As this is a flatwater trip there is NO need to bring a heavy whitewater canoe. If you are portaging all the locks a Kevlar boat is best.