The Rideau offers a myriad of choices for the canoeist or kayaker. It can be paddled the full length from Kingston to Ottawa (6 to 10 days). Any section can be done as a circle trip. Or any portion can be done depending on your interests and timeframe.
The best planning guides are the Paddling Guides to the Rideau which you can find in the Watson's Paddling Guides section of the main paddling page. Each of those guides contains a 1:50,000 map plus a listing of Points of Interest. These guides can be viewed on-line and/or downloaded as PDF files (print out and/or take with you on your mobile device).
The Rideau is serviced by public transportation. An alternative to a circle route is to launch from a community on the bus route and pull out at another such community and use the bus to get back and retrieve your vehicle. The Rideau corridor is served by Greyhound bus lines which makes stops at several Rideau communities including Kingston, Seeleys Bay (flag stop), Portland, Smiths Falls and Ottawa. You can contact Greyhound at 1-800-668-8747 (or locally 613-547-4916 in Kingston or 613-238-5900 in Ottawa) or visit their website at: www.greyhound.ca
Navigation and Safety
For safe navigation of the Rideau you will need a map. Paddlers have a choice of using the NTS series of 1:50,000 topographic maps or the 1:20,000 scale hydrographic charts of the Rideau. You'll find a listing of the NTS maps on the Map List Page. The more detailed hydrographic charts that cover the Rideau are Charts 1512 and 1513, both of which you can order on-line from the Friends of the Rideau or purchase at several of the lockstations (see the Lockstation Services Listing)
The visibility of paddlers is also a safety issue. Canoes and kayaks sit low in the water and can be difficult to spot by other boaters. It is up to you to make sure other boaters in the area know where you are. For more information see the Safety Issue of Visibility Page.
Launching
The issue here is safe storage for your vehicle. You may find that a campground, lockstation or marina is the most convenient place to leave your car. There are also several publicly accessible launch ramps.
Camping
The Rideau offers plenty of camping locations. One option is to camp at the lockstations. For information, have a look at the Lockstation Camping Page. For private campgrounds and provincial parks, have a look at the campgrounds page for a full listing of Rideau corridor campgrounds, including Rideau River Provincial Park and Murphy's Point Provincial Park.
Alternative Accommodations
If you're not into "roughing it" and want to keep the load light, consider staying at a local Bed & Breakfast or a local Inn, motel or lodge. Many of these are on or near the shores of the Rideau Waterway.
Supplies
There is no need to bring along a huge amount of supplies. Many of the local communities along the Rideau such as Seeleys Bay, Newboro, Westport, Portland, Smiths Falls, Merrickville and Manotick have grocery stores within easy walking distance of docking facilities. In addition, most marinas offer ice, beverages, and snack foods.
Canoe/Kayak Rentals
If you don't have your own canoe or kayak, rentals are available. Visit the boat rentals page for a listing of places along the Rideau that rent canoes and kayaks. Some even offer a pick-up service.
It is a non-commercial site run (and paid for) on a hobby basis by Ken Watson. You can help with its continued development by making a donation using PayPal (credit card) - just click on the button
Comments: send me email: Ken Watson
Take Me Home!
Paddling Page