The Rideau canal waterway

Last summer we explored the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, the Erie Canal and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Many of the sites along these waterways developed as military outposts, ship building settlements or supply depots. Familiar names names like Fort Ticonderoga and West Point, and many not so commonly known communities such as Fort Edward, Whitehall (considered the birthplace of the US Navy) Crown Point (possession back and forth between conquering armies) and Sackets Harbor (major US naval presence, including ship building, on eastern Lake Ontario). Most of these strategic places played multiple roles in early land disputes between the English and French, later during the French and Indian War, and again during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

This summer we began our adventure on the Rideau Canal Waterway in Ontario, Canada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed between 1826 and 1832 to serve as a military supply and fortification route between Ottawa and Kingston. The 126 mile route, designed by British Colonel John By, was intended to thwart potential American attacks on British forces by circumventing the St. Lawrence River trade route that bordered the United States.

The Rideau Canal is a system of sixteen inland lakes, two rivers and a 60 foot high dam connected by a series of 45 locks. Most of the locks are still operated by the original hand crank mechanisms although the doug fir lock doors need to be replaced every 15 years.

Most of the locks are in park settings meticulously maintained by Parks Canada. Boaters are allowed to tie up to the lock walls for overnight stays which provide a restful nights sleep. We are enjoying the white noise of the adjacent waterfalls as well as the local flora and fauna. After 10 days on the system, we have at least that many more to go until we reach Ottawa ( a car drive that one could make in an hour or so!).

Photos to follow…