The following is important information for participants of the Rideau Canal trip. Please read it carefully. There is also a map with directions on how to get to Newboro. You may want to print a copy and take it with you.
General Information
The Rideau Canal is made up of a series of lakes, waterways, and locks and runs all the way from Kingston on Lake Ontario to Ottawa. We will be paddling a small section of the canal from Newboro Lock to Seeleys Bay. This is a weekend trip and we will be paddling a distance of approximately 20 miles over two days. This is also a camping trip because we will be camping by the locks on Friday and Saturday nights. We will be able to camp on the lawn right by the locks and bathrooms with flush toilets are available. However, there are no showers.
We will meet at Newboro Lock in Newboro Ontario on Friday evening. Newboro Lock is approximately 130 miles form the Rt. 81 and Rt. 481 intersection north of Syracuse, so you can easily come up after work on Friday. We will camp at Newboro Lock Friday night. After breakfast Saturday morning, we will shuttle the vehicles to Seeleys Bay before starting our paddle. We will paddle approximately 10 mile Saturday and stop at Chaffeys Lock for lunch. On Saturday afternoon, we will arrive at Davis Lock where we will camp Saturday night. After breakfast on Sunday morning, we will continue paddling to Jones Falls Lock which is actually a multiple lock. This is a very scenic area and there is also an opportunity for ice cream (Are you surprised?). We will finish our paddle Sunday afternoon and arrive at Seeleys Bay. You will be home early Sunday evening. We usually stop somewhere on the way home for dinner.
Equipment
The locks along the canal are hand operated by a lock attendant. In Canada, all boats including canoes and kayaks are charged a fee to pass through the locks. Therefore, we will portage our boats around the locks. You will need wheels for the portage, but the path is very easy. Since we will be camping, you will need to bring your own camping equipment in addition to your regular paddling equipment (PFD, Sprayskirt, Whistle, Etc.). You will also be responsible for providing your own food including Friday dinner (you may want to stop on your way to Newboro), Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, and Sunday lunch.
Below is short list of camping equipment.
Tent
Sleeping Bag and Pad
Cooking Gear,Eating Utensils, Food
Clothes
Rain gear
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Water (At least 1 gallon per person)
Personal Items
Camera
Book to Read, etc.
Bring dice or card games if you have them.
Camp Chair - I bring one of those folding camp chairs (without arms) and strap it on my rear deck. It's nice to have a place to sit at the end of the day. I also pack a small dining fly in case it rains.
Cost
You will also need to bring money because the is a small fee for camping at the locks and parking at Newboro. There is also a small store at Chaffeys Lock and at Jones Falls Lock. I usually stop at the currency exchange at the border and exchange $20 or $25 U.S. for Canadian. There are several places to exchange money. You can stop at the Duty Free Shop on the way into Canada or the Visitor Center which you will see on the right once you pass through Canadian Customs. The latest information I have concerning camping fees from the Rideau Web site indicates that the camping fee is $4.00 Canadian per night per person. They may still have a group camping rate which was $10.00 for a group of ten or less. However, we won't know for sure until we get there. Any cars that we leave at Newboro will be charged $3.00 per day for parking. We can share this cost. Note: These costs were what we paid in 2005. I'm sure there has been an increase since then.
Although the border crossings are still relatively easy, a passport helps. I'm not sure what identification documentation will be necessary by the time we take this trip, but I strongly recommend a passport. If you are not familiar with the border crossing, just keep in mind that the custom officials do not usually take kindly to friendly joking. Stay businesslike. They will ask you if you are bringing any alcohol into Canada. If you have alcohol, it's best to tell them up front that you have a small amount for personal consumption and keep the amount small. You don't want to spend the rest of the weekend with Canadian Customs Officials.
Remember that all your gear must go in or on your kayak. If you are comfortable with approximately 10 miles per day, you will find that this is an easy and relaxing trip. There will be plenty of time for relaxing, reading a book, swimming, and pleasant conversation. I have done this trip several times before, and all were great experiences. We have experiences windy conditions before.
