Great Loop: Lower Rideau Canal - Smith Falls to Kingston



We continued our journey on the Rideau Canal south from Smith Falls.  The topography was rougher, more hilly and more rocky.  Passage was through connected lakes with locks providing safe passage around Rapids and Falls.  The waters were hemmed in by lush vegetation.  The fall colors have to be spectacular.   What a treat it would be to return and appreciate the autumn colors. 

We passed remote resorts, fishing camps and cabins.  It it easy to visualize the generations who grew up here. Returning each summer to this playground.  I  would have loved to be a kid here exploring  the limitless possibilities in my canoe.  

As an adult it is overwhelming to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds, textures and colors of nature.   We need to be good stewards of this gift so that future generations can enjoy too.




Chaffey Lock - A wonderful spot to spend a couple of days



Old Grist Mill at Chaffey Lock
This is now an Art Gallery



Side channel at Chaffey Lock



Lockmaster's house

There is a wonderful restaurant and ice cream shop at the nearby Opinicon Resort.




Beth on the lock gate



Amy Marie tied to the lower wall
Chaffey Lock 



Water being released from the Chaffey Lock 



The channel approaching Chaffey Lock 



Marina above Chaffey Lock 



Canoe trekkers camping at Chaffey Lock 


Boat and canoe trekkers at Chaffey Lock 

Beyond Chaffey Lock



Lock 38, Davis Lock 
Waiting for gates to open 

The former Lockmaster's House is now a rental cottage.  If you are looking for a unique location for a fishing or boating vacation, this could be your spot!



Shoreline approaching Jones Falls 



Channel approaching Jones Falls 



House on island near Jones Falls



A staircase of  four locks at Jones Falls

The stone building to the left of the lock, is the blacksmith's shop from the 1840's.  There is often a blacksmith in residence more than willing to share his craft with visitors.




Looking down the final three locks at Jones Falls



Morton Bay Shoreline 



Morton Bay Shoreline 


The Lock building at Upper Brewers Lock has two restrooms with showers.



Amy Marie had a nice spot on the dock complete with 30 amp power.
It was a quiet place to spend the night.
There were no stores or services near Upper Brewers Lock.



Rental cabin tents at Upper Brewer's Lock



Front of cabin tent



Inside of cabin tent



A tranquil spot to camp and fish



Kingston Mills Lock is the 45th and final lock through which you must pass to reach Kingston.



We tied to the dock below Kingston Mills Lock and spent the night.
Very pleasant - lots of song birds to provide a sound track.



There were Adirondack chairs conveniently located on the dock for reading and sipping a beer!
The next morning we motored the final miles to Kingston. 


Kingston, Ontario


We berthed Amy Marie at the City of Kingston Confederation Bay Marina.  It is conveniently located on the waterfront of Kingston's vibrant downtown scene.  We had our first meal in Kingston at Baja Craft Kitchens.  It was a delicious tapas style restaurant!



The 1840's Defensive Blockhouse is a landmark in Confederation Bay Marina





Kingston City Hall is very visible on the waterfront.



The Kingston Visitors Center is in the old train station across from City Hall



Several Days a week there is a Farmers' Market behind Kingston City Hall



Beth is preparing to enjoy a cold beverage at the John Astor Roof Top Bar



St. George's Church at sunset



The old Customs House and downtown Kingston is very walkable.
There are nice shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.
A charming town.

____________________________________________________________________

Part 1 of our Rideau Canal Adventure

Part 1 of our Rideau Canal Adventure can be found at the following location:
____________________________________________________________________

Our route from Smith Falls to Chaffey Lock




Our route from Chaffey Lock to Upper Brewer's Lock












Our route from Upper Brewers Lock to Kingston Falls Lock










Comments

  1. Interesting cabins! I like the rockiness of Eastern Ontario but when we were looking for land to purchase , I did not want to live where rocky outcropping cause roads to make detours . I lived in the north of New Mexico for a year. Death by hitting a rocky outcropping with your car was a very common death. Also eastern Ontario has longer Winters.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It makes you be realize how important waterways and locks were to early European settlers for transportation!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 Van Tour of the United States - Big Sur California

2025 U.S. Van Tour: Alexander Wiper and the Battle of Gettysburg

2025 Van Tour of the United States: San Simeon California