
The Rideau is a paddlers’ paradise offering excellent flatwater paddling
Access is very easy at any of over 30 launch ramps and most lockstations. Those traveling the length of the canal have the option of “locking through” the locks or portaging past them. Those camping will find it convenient at the many campgrounds or at the lockstations. Those wishing to enjoy a more decadent trip may wish to stay in B&Bs along the route. With over 1,091 km (675 miles) of shoreline on the Rideau, there’s so much to explore.
Monuments & Plaques
Here are some of our Monuments & Plaques listed from Kingston to Ottawa Celtic Cross…
Frontenac Arch Biosphere
Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation…
Genealogy
Communities along the Rideau Heritage route originally began to be settled in the late 1700’s…
Best Time to Paddle
The shoulder seasons, May/June and September/October are typically the best times to paddle the Rideau. During these months, paddlers will encounter fewer powerboats on the water and more moderate temperatures in the region. Fewer visitors also means more availability (and sometimes better prices) when it comes to accommodation along the route.
Westport
Nestled in the heartlands of the Rideau Lakes, about 45 minutes north of Kingston at…
Manotick
The history of the town built by the dam, along the Heritage Rideau River goes…
Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls is the largest community between Ottawa and Kingston, and is close to the…
If you wish to paddle during the height of powerboat season (July and August), the trip can still be fantastic. Unlike powerboats, canoes and kayaks do not have to follow the channel. In fact most paddlers prefer to follow the shoreline and take a less direct route from one lock to another, away from the noise and wake of powerboats, and closer to interesting sights on shore. You may even decide to portage into one or more of the canals numerous feeder lakes and rivers.
Best Direction to Paddle
If you wish to travel the Rideau in its entirety or to paddle a large section, the best direction to go is from Kingston to Ottawa for two reasons. First, the prevailing southwest winds blow in that general direction. There is nothing worse than tackling a large lake such as the Big Rideau and paddling for miles into a stiff, rough south wind. Second, as you approach Ottawa, the current becomes a factor to a small extent.
Explore the Rideau on Two Wheels
The large number of secondary roads makes Rideau exploration a fun cycling adventure. It is…
Houseboats
When House Boating on the Rideau wake up every morning to a new and magnificent…
Outdoor Recreation
Welcome to Eastern Ontario’s playground! From pedaling to paddling, the Rideau Heritage Route has something…
The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA)
The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA) is a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) mandated to promote the Rideau Heritage Route (RHR) by developing marketing and promotional programs. The RHR, comprised of the Rideau Canal, its adjoining towns, villages and the Cities of Ottawa and Kingston, offers a variety of world-class heritage experiences.

The overall goal is to position the entire RHR Corridor as a tourism destination by promoting the region’s authentic, arts, cuisine and natural history experiences.
The Opinicon Resort
1697 Chaffeys Lock Rd. Elgin, ON Tel: (613) 359 – 5233 Email Us Since we…
Best Western Plus – Parkside Spa
Price: $159 – $259 82 Peter St. Perth, ON Tel: (613) 326 – 0082 Toll…
Green Valley Cottages & Trailer Park
538 Clear Lake Rd. Rideau Lakes, ON Tel: (613) 359 – 5799 We offer 6…