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.
Cost
You will need to bring money because there is a small
fee for camping at all locks and parking at Newboro. The camping fee
for 2009 was $4.90 per night per person. It will probably be a little
more this year. If we stop on the way home Sunday for dinner in
Canada, as we have in the past, you will need money for that also.
There is also a small store at Chaffeys Lock and at Jones Falls Lock
where we can purchase ice cream and other goodies. I usually stop at
the currency exchange at the border and exchange U.S. currency for
Canadian. This year I will probably bring $30 - $40. 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. Any cars that we leave at Newboro
will be charged $3.00 (last year's price) per day for parking. We
can
share this cost.
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.
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.
