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Paddling the Rideau Canal
The view of Davies Lake [Sand Lake] is very pleasing. The many islands, as if floating on a transparent mirror which mellowed and reflected by the tint of the morning, strikes the contemplative mind with a sensation of pleasure not easily forgotten.
- Surveyor John Burrows’ impression of Sand Lake while paddling the Rideau Route in May 1827.

heronThe Rideau Canal is a wonderful place for young and old alike to canoe or kayak, offering some of the best paddling in Canada. The locks have created an easy to paddle slackwater system and the central lakes have hundreds of interesting nooks and crannies for the paddler to explore. There are lots of camping locations, many with washroom facilities. Multiple points of access along the Rideau provide the paddler with easy ways to get out on the water.

Paddling

Your Rideau Paddling Adventure

This section of the Rideau website contains everything you'll need to plan and enjoy your Rideau paddling adventure. Start with the buttons below:




** Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) - Parks Canada does not allow these in a lock **



Paddling Planning Information

Paddling through Kilmarnock Lock
A group of canoeists and kayakers at Kilmarnock Lock


Other Internet Resources

  • Rideau Canal Waterway Website - I know you're here already but have you checked out all the other information on this site, the boating page, boater's trip planner, accomodation listing, attractions, etc. etc.? A page of interest if you don't own a canoe/kayak is the canoe/kayak rental section on the Boat Rentals Page


  • Paddling the Tay River - info about paddling the Tay River, including the Tay Canal portion of the river.


  • Paddling the Beverley Lakes - just east of the Rideau, on the Rideau Heritage Route, these lakes make for interesting day paddles.


  • Paddle Canada - headquartered in Kingston, they offer lots of information for the paddler.


  • Cataraqui Canoe Club - this is the canoe association that covers the southern portion of the Rideau Waterway.


  • Rideau Canoe Club - this is the canoe association based in Ottawa (at Hogs Back).


Paddling






Comments: send me email: Ken Watson

©1996- Ken W. Watson