Rideau Heritage Route: Kingston - Ottawa
Estimated distance: 265 km/165 mi.
The 202 km (126-mi) Rideau Canal is considered an engineering masterpiece - a series of beautiful lakes and rivers stretching from Kingston to Ottawa and connected by manmade canals and locks. The oldest continuously operated canal in North America, it was constructed as an alternative to the St. Lawrence River in case of war. The locks are operated today much as they were when first opened in 1832. In 2008 it was declared Canada's 14th World Heritage Site by UNESCO; it is the most outstanding slackwater canal system in the world.
With over 200 km of navigable waterway the Canal is a recreational paradise for boaters and sightseers. See the leaves from a different perspective. Boat tours of the Canal are offered in Ottawa, and for an experience that's a bit different, enjoy a half-day cruise between Chaffeys Lock and Jones Falls with Colonel By. In full costume, Captain Lance Jervis-Read of Rideau Canal Boat Tours will acquaint you with the history of the Canal as you travel the locks. This is also a paradise for flatwater paddlers. Easy access at over 30 launch ramps and 23 lock stations helps you plan your trip, and you have the option of "locking through" the locks with boat traffic or portaging around them.
As you explore the towns and villages along the route, take time to immerse yourself in the 200-year-old landscape, historic limestone architecture and engineering marvels. This is an area rich in political history. It is also an area with great fall hikes, including the Kingston-to-Ottawa Rideau Trail, one of Ontario's long distance footpaths. The 9-km (5.6-mi) stretch from Merrickville to Burritts Rapids and is one of many easy afternoon walks to stretch your legs and rustle leaves beneath your feet. Talented artisans are just a short stroll away.
Canada's Capital Region is home to one of North America's largest networks of cycling pathways, the Capital Pathway network. More than 170 kilometres (106 mi) of recreational pathways link superb natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions. Ideal for cycling, the paths are also very suitable or a variety of activities including walking, jogging and in-line skating.
In picturesque Merrickville, voted one of the prettiest villages in Canada, food lovers will want to stop by Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Mustard to sample their newest flavour, Cranberry Port, or the award-winning Chipotle Lime. New to the list of gourmet fare that they offer is a wonderful selection of artisan cheeses. If you have the time, book a spot in a Saturday afternoon cooking class.
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