Saturday 7/5 – Thursday 7/17
From the relative solitude of the Thousand Islands, we motor past the former British stronghold of Fort Henry standing guard over the entry to Kingston, the geographical crossroads of the Rideau Canal, Lake Ontario and the St.Lawrence River. Royce and I rendezvous with MaryLou and Joan of “Catnip Too” at Confederation Basin Marina and together we explore the highlights of this major historical seaport and first capital of the Upper and Lower Canadas. With our tours and provisioning accomplished, we commence our travels on the Rideau Canal heading 4 miles north on the Cataraqui River to Kingston Mills, the location of the first southern set of locks. In the wake of the War of 1812, the Rideau Canal was created between Kingston and Ottawa to provide a strategic and secure route for troops and supplies during war time. Completed in 1832, the 125 mile canal connects rivers and lakes through 24 lock stations and 47 stone locks, most operated by hand. Upon our arrival at Kingston Mills, we are struck by the immense challenges that must have been encountered from the towering granite cliffs, part of the rugged Canadian Shield. After spending the evening at the lock's moorings, Catnip Too & crew arrive this morning to join us on our 45 feet ascent through this 4 lock station.(Locks 49-46) Both boats continue on several man-made lakes created by the canal's construction and transit two more lock stations until arriving at Jones Falls (Locks 42-39/60' lift) to tie up along the mooring wall for the evening.(Most of the lock stations provide mooring space above and/or below the locks) We resume our northerly trek thru numerous lakes and 4 more lock stations, the third one at Newboro Lock represents our 14th lock and the last “up” lock raising us a total of 162 feet and the fourth station at Narrows Lock starts our 271-foot descent and 31 lock journey to Ottawa. With that, we arrive for the evening at Len's Cove Marina in the town of Portland on Big Rideau Lake, the largest lake on the Rideau Canal and enjoy a delicious dinner at the marina restaurant. The next day finds us stopping about halfway between Kingston and Ottawa at Smith Falls (Locks 31-28), where we tour the Rideau Canal Museum and enjoy meeting loopers, Bob & Claudia aboard “Claudia J”. The town of Smith Falls is famous for the Hershey Chocolate Factory, so the next morning we tie up at Old Slys Locks for a short walk to tour the facility and of course bring back a bag-full of goodies before heading off through miles of rural countryside and arriving at our next destination of Merrickville (Lock 23-21). We are surprised to discover a delightful historic town with many “artsy” shops, an old blockhouse turned museum, and a Saturday arts and craft festival embellished with period-costumed exhibitors. After overnight stops at Burritts Rapids (Lock 17) and Hartwell (Lock 10-9), the urban influence of Ottawa makes itself present and as we arrive at the mooring wall above the Ottawa Staircase Locks (Locks 8-1), we are awed by the beauty of Canada's capital. Our tour of the Parliament not only reveals the incredible architecture of this grand structure but also gives us an understanding of the political workings of Canada's federal government. The pomp of the changing of the Guard on the grounds of Parliament Hill is also fascinating to watch. Shopping at By Market makes us feel as though we might be in some European marketplace as we peruse various shops for meat,cheese, baked goods,and produce. After exploring the city for several days, Puffin & crew descend the impressive flight of eight locks that borders the towering Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Our 79 foot vertical descent takes us about 90 minutes, provides entertainment for many tourists, culminates our trip on the Rideau Canal and begins our route on the Ottawa River to Montreal.

Fort Henry

Touring The Museum

Cataraqui River

Hand-Operated Locks

Catnip Too Entering Kingston Mills Lock Chamber

Stone Lock Wall

Along The Waterway

Chaffey's Lock(Note hand-wheels to open water gates)

Crossing Big Rideau Lake

Visiting Rideau Museum

Hershey's Chocolate Factory

Merrickville Shops

Arts & Crafts Festival

Overnight Stay At Burritts Rapid Lock

Approaching Ottawa

Puffin & Catnip Too In Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier



Parliament

Parliament Hill

Parliament Interior

Ottawa River Views From Clock Tower

Changing Of The Guard


BeaverTails Anyone?



By Market

Ottawa Staircase Locks