Canadian Destinations

Eastern Ontario waterways are sure to charm

By Cynthia McCorquodale

Waterways are a big part of the charm of Eastern Ontario. For centuries the Ottawa River has been one of Canada’s major transportation routes.

First travelled by Aboriginal peoples, it became the waterway by which most of Canada began to be opened to European trade and settlement. It was the chosen course first by French explorer Samuel de Champlain and later by the fur traders of the North West Company.

By the late 1800s, the river was used to float massive white pine logs to Bytown, today known as Ottawa, and Montreal.

This history has been recently commemorated by a series of heritage kiosks located along its length.

Extending for over 1,200 kilometres, the Ottawa River starts far to the northwest at Lake Timiskaming, flows towards Ottawa and then joins the St. Lawrence further east in Quebec.

Class III and IV rapids

The upper Ottawa River boasts Class III and IV rapids, the biggest whitewaters east of the Rockies. During spring flood, the water pounding down the river rivals some of the world’s most celebrated big-water rivers. In mid-summer, the water level drops, revealing play spots at all sections of its course.

River sports enthusiasts have a choice of options ranging from high-adventure white water rafting to gentle family float trips. The river also offers a variety of interesting canoeing and kayaking excursions suitable for all skill levels.

Other activities available along the river include hiking and cycling. Provincial parks located along the Ottawa River include Voyageur, Fitzroy Harbour and Driftwood.

Rideau Canal

A separate waterway, the Rideau Canal, creates a connection between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario.

The canal, 202 kilometres long, is considered an engineering masterpiece. It is a series of beautiful lakes and rivers stretching from Kingston to Ottawa and connected by manmade canals and locks.

The oldest continuously operated canal in North America, it was constructed as an alternative to the St. Lawrence River in case of war. The locks are operated today much as they were when first opened in 1832. In 2008 the Rideau Canal was declared Canada's 14th World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is considered the most outstanding slackwater canal system in the world.

The canal is a recreational paradise for boaters, and tours are available for sightseers who want to enjoy scenery from a different perspective. This is also a paradise for flatwater paddlers. Easy access to the canal at over 30 launch ramps and 23 lock stations helps you plan your trip, and you have the option of "locking through" the locks with boat traffic or portaging around them.

Along the route you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the 200-year-old landscape, historic limestone architecture and engineering marvels. This is an area rich in political history.

One way to enjoy Ontario's magnificent heritage canals along 568 kilometres of scenic lakes, rivers and locks at a leisurely pace is by taking a cruise. The 45-passenger Kawartha Voyageur offers three 5-day voyages: Peterborough to Big Chute, Peterborough to Kingston and Kingston to Ottawa. A crew of 11 and the Captain are your hosts.

Great paths

It is also an area with great hikes, including the Kingston-to-Ottawa Rideau Trail, one of Ontario's long distance footpaths. The nine-kilometre stretch from Merrickville to Burritts Rapids is one of many easy afternoon walks on which to stretch your legs. Talented artisans are just a short stroll away.

The Ottawa area, Canada’s Capital Region, is home to one of North America's largest networks of cycling pathways, the Capital Pathway network.

More than 170 kilometres of recreational pathways link superb natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions. Ideal for cycling, the paths are also very suitable or a variety of activities including walking, jogging and in-line skating.

In picturesque Merrickville, voted one of the prettiest villages in Canada, food lovers will want to stop by Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Mustard to sample their unusual flavours such as Cranberry Port, or Chipotle Lime, or the wonderful selection of artisan cheeses. They also offer cooking classes.