Ontario, Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway
RIDEAU CANAL
You won't forget your houseboat holiday in Canada in a hurry! Whether you are planning an extended stay on a houseboat or a shorter houseboat tour, e.g. as part of a North American round trip, you will experience one highlight after another on the 202 kilometres between Kingston in the south and Ottawa in the north!
You will travel along the beautiful 19th century Rideau Canal. The canal is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your houseboat tour takes you through lakes, rivers and canals, through breathtaking natural landscapes, enchanting villages and lively towns.
Merrickville Lock Rideau Canal. c Parks Canada Jean-Francois Bergeron
There are numerous moorings along the canal, whether in private marinas, town harbours or at the "Parks Canada" moorings at the lock stations, you will find a nice spot for your boat and crew everywhere. At the "Parks Canada" moorings you pay a one-off fee per week. This then includes the lock fees, overnight accommodation at all "Parks Canada" moorings and in the city harbours of Portland, Seeley's Bay, Perth and Westport (excluding electricity, utilities and services).
From the Le Boat houseboat base in Smiths Falls, about halfway between Ottawa and Kingston, all options are open to you.
On a longer tour, you can travel through three of Ontario's most beautiful regions: Ottawa, the Ontario Highlands and the Great Waterway towards Kingston. On your route towards Kingston, you should plan a stop in Newboro. In the heart of the historic centre, shopping enthusiasts will get their money's worth at "Kilborns", while anglers can try their luck at catching one of the large trout perch that live in Newboro Lake. On the way towards Kingston, you will pass through the highest lock station (3 steps) of the entire canal, Jones Falls. A short excursion to the "Great Stone Arch Dam" is worthwhile here. This impressive dam was completed in 1831 and offers a marvellous view of the surrounding area.
If you decide to take the northern route towards Ottawa, you can get to know Canada's prettiest town with a visit to Merrickville. Picturesque Victorian stone houses form the centre, where you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream as well as restaurants, museums and arts and crafts. You can admire one of the last wooden swing bridges on the Rideau Canal in Upper Nicholsons.
And once you have experienced the wonderful silence on the lakes along the Rideau Canal, landed a tasty perch or zander yourself, enjoyed a picnic in the midst of beautiful nature, e.g. at one of the hand-operated locks from the 19th century, or seen and experienced the cultural, architectural and culinary highlights - you will remember this holiday for a long time to come and want to return to Canada again and again.
The Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway, also in southern Ontario, offers a beautiful and varied alternative to the Rideau. The canal connects Georgian Bay on Lake Huron with the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario and leads through numerous lakes of the Kawartha Lakes. Your houseboat will take you to the heart of the "Kawarthas", a dreamlike lake landscape with thousands of islands and bays waiting to be discovered by you.
From Pigeon Lake you are spoilt for choice: heading east via Buckhorn, Lovesick and Stoney Lakes, pine trees line the shores of the lakes, clear water in secluded bays invites you to swim - especially in July and August. Or do you decide to steer your houseboat westwards? The towns of Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Rosedale on Lakes Sturgeon, Cameron and Balsam are among Ontario's favourite summer destinations. Beautiful shorelines and an incredible abundance of fish that make anglers' hearts beat faster, as well as sandy shores and charming holiday resorts - many Canadians are drawn here in the summer months.
The transition from one lake to the other is usually bordered by a small, picturesque village. These settlements have well-kept moorings, restaurants, bars, cafés and other catering and shopping facilities. So every evening you have the choice between central moorings or a quiet bay, either way the scenery is fantastic.
Locks:
There are 24 lock stations along the navigable stretch of the Rideau Canal (with a total of 47 lock chambers). Each lock is manned by lock keepers who are always happy to help with locking. The same applies to the 44 locks and lifts that make it possible to cross the lakes on the Trent-Severn Waterway. The Kirkfield boat lift (opened in 1907, almost 15 metres difference in height) and Peterborough (almost 20 metres), for example, are well worth seeing and navigating. With the lock pass purchased at the time of booking, there are no additional costs for the locks or an overnight berth at the locks (first come - first serve).
Our partners for your houseboat holiday in Ontario, Canada:
Le Boat: Smiths Falls, Rideau Canal
Egan Houseboat Rentals: Omemee, Kawartha Lakes, Trent Severn Waterway
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