Re: Rideau canal
Anybody cruise the Rideau? I was thinking of doing this trip next summer with friends, hopefully renting a house boat as my 16 footer is a little small for 6. Do you know of a good rental spot ? do I need charts etc. ? Bob
Hey Bob
We did the "Golden Triangle" loop last summer. Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal. It was a fantastic trip on the Rideau. Not too many houseboats though. Best time is early or late season. Middle season, Mid July to Mid August the system is overrun due to the Quebec construction holiday. If you really want to take some time and enjoy yourself I'd go later when the weather is a little more moderate. We got stuck in Smith's Falls during the heat wave and almost expired.
The Parks Canada crews on the locks are fantastic. They'll learn who you are and where you're going quickly and pass this on to the next lock up the line. They really look after you well. With a large houseboat you might not always find a place to tie up and have to anchor out which in itself isn't half bad. I watched a guy two years ago watching a ball game on the big plasma tv on his houseboat.
Permits are based on size so check out the rates on the Rideau-Info page. Camping permits are also available for tying up at the locks.
I know there's a few houseboat rental places in the 1000 Islands. A google search should turn up a few. Expensive though with heafty security deposits. Probably not viable for a single family to rent one, two couples with 4 kids maybe. I think there are some houseboat rentals on Big Rideau Lake but I don't know where.
Some areas you'll have to travel through on the Rideau are pretty tight and will test your shiphandling abilities. Make sure everybody has a job to do, one to standby the anchor, a few to fend off and a couple more to handle the lines. Most of us small powerboat types run for cover when a houseboat comes into sight! ;-)
Charts are available just about anywhere. Two sets, one for the upper section (1512) and the lower section (1513). They're long sets and will practically roll out the whole system for you.
Things not to miss on the trip are: Hershey Chocolate Factory in Smith's Falls which is scheduled to close it's doors in 2009 or thereabouts. Portland, nice quiet little place with a marine store and groceries, lots of dockage and friendly people. Merrickville always historical and a great place to just relax. Plenty of small Mom & Pop shops and beautiques. Custom glass blowing etc. Aylings Boatyard is a must for the old wooden boat enthusiast. Westport has the greatest lil' bakery shop! Hmmmmmmmmm!!!!!! *drooling*
It's definitely a great trip. I find the lower section nicer. I'd head up to Merrickville then turn around and go back down. Can probably be done in a week but 10 days would be a more relaxed trip. Don't try to get a big houseboat up the Tay River to Perth. It's NARROW in spots. It can be done but might be a bit harrowing.
Anyhow there's plenty of info out there if you look in the right places. It's definitely a great great place to go boating. A big houseboat might be a bit to handle but definitely doable. Good luck
Rick
