Great Loop: Lower Rideau Canal - Smith Falls to Kingston
Lock 32, Poonamalie Lockstation
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
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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.
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Part 1 of our Rideau Canal Adventure
Part 1 of our Rideau Canal Adventure can be found at the following location:
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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.
ReplyDeleteIt makes you be realize how important waterways and locks were to early European settlers for transportation!
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