This leg of our journey started our transit through the Canadian canal systems. Before we started the Great Loop, we purchased a Parks Canada lockage and mooring permit at an "early bird" price. This allowed us to pass through the locks and dock at any lock for 1-2 days. The majority of these locks are located in the most charming small towns and beautiful areas of rural Canada. As I edited pictures for this blog, I realized just how special this time was.
Our first stop on the Ottawa River was Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. We unbelievably were able to find 2 spots along the canal promenade. We learned, through fellow boaters, that the Quebec construction industry shuts down for 2 weeks at the end of July for the "Construction Vacation". All employees are given their vacation at the same time. This was apparent to us on the walls, as well as the locks. It was a very congested time.
Another obstacle along the way...ferry!
Canadian churches seem to have very different and elaborate steeples.
This one, near Ottawa, even had an extensive tiered garden.
We approached the Carillon Lock at mid-day, but decided to tie off at the wall and spend the night. This was a habit we developed on the canals, which allowed us to find available dockage most days.
This lock has a 200 ton guillotine gate that drops down to lock you in the chamber. We walked around the grounds of the park, along with a couple hundred geese 😳, towards the museum and original superintendent/toll collector's house.
And enjoyed dinner dockside...
The next morning we entered the 66' tall lift lock and rafted up to Anchored Souls. This was necessary, as the lock master tried to fit as many boats in the chamber as possible.
It was a beautiful warm cruising day.
The Karla B passed us (again) as we searched for an anchorage.
The next day brought us into the surrounding Ottawa area. We passed the US Ambassador's residence...
And the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada.
The Rideau Falls...
And our first view of the "Flight of 8" locks which begin the Rideau Canal. The building on the left, looking up, is actually a hotel.
The Rideau Canal was constructed by the British, after the war of 1812, to protect against any future military actions by the US. It was never needed for military reasons, but was used to transport goods from Montreal to Kingston. It is the oldest canal system in North America and is now used purely for pleasure craft transit. The canal is over 125 miles long and has 46 locks, which raise or lower boats along the way.
We docked along the wall as sunset was approaching, and the locks close around 5:00pm.
Our night view of Ottawa was amazing.
Scott found his twin along the walkway. This guy shows up everywhere around Ottawa, and Scott can't resist the photo-op!
We entered the "Flight of 8" locks first thing in the morning. It took 2 hours to go through all 8 locks, and it was exhausting. This was made more difficult, due to my inaccurate measurement given to the lock tenders. We had to work really hard to keep our boat from running into Anchored Souls.
This is a view looking down on the "Flight of 8" and how these locks are manually opened/closed by mostly college students and other teenagers during their summer breaks. You can also see how many boats and how tightly they are loaded into the chambers.
As I said before, this guy is everywhere, and I have to keep Scott in check. But the resemblance is uncanny. 😂
Visitors can tour the canal on electric ferries.
We walked around Ottawa for 2 days. We couldn't resist the bakery, Le Moulin de Provence. Their cookies were so bright and colorful, however we enjoyed the sourdough bread and homemade individual pizzas. Our freezer was full after this stop.
Of course, another stop was at Lowertown Brewery, with the largest clock we've ever seen.
Please, not another twin!
The flowers in Canada are magnificent, especially knowing it's a short growing season there.
We walked around Parliament Hill. We did not tour inside, but enjoyed the European style of their buildings.
Parliament Building
House of Commons
East Block
Office of the Prime Minister and other government officials.
Former US Embassy, now dedicated to the indigenous people of Canada. Beautiful laser art is displayed in the windows, day and night.
1812 War Memorial
We also enjoyed a nighttime laser show projected on the Parliament building.
Beautiful stairs leading up from the canal to the street level.
Even though we were docked directly on the wall in Ottawa, we never felt unsafe or had any issues with individuals on the street. Having said that though, the homeless population is extremely evident throughout this city. Obviously, this is not just a US problem.
As we left Ottawa on the Rideau, the canal was narrow and shadowed the nearby road.
We passed the Rideau Canoe Club and thankfully just missed races and obstacle events.
There are so many different and interesting vessels that transit through this canal.
Even one on land, now used for housing and currently for sale.
We had been through a severe thunderstorm when we were docked in Ottawa, but had no idea there had been tornadoes just outside the city limits. Just a few miles down the canal, we observed damage everywhere, mostly trees.
Our first sign of fall???? This picture was taken 7/29th!
It seems like sunsets just get better and better. I think it's just that they are all so different.
We also observed different planes along the way.
One advantage of staying on the lock walls, is being able to explore and sightsee around the small towns and park like settings of the locks.
More and more flowers...
These are examples of blockhouses, which were built along the canal for armed protection. The openings were used for artillery.
A common sight along the canal are LeBoat rentals. It is said to never enter a lock with one of these rentals 🤪, as they need no experience to rent them. It's interesting that they are built with continuous rubber rails around the entire hull. Smart!!
Smith Falls was an interesting stop. We were docked on the wall just above the falls.
This is where we first encountered the Kawartha Voyageur, a cruise ship that transits the canal system. The front of the ship folds up, the radar arch folds down and the patio roof also drops down, so that they can fit under bridges and into the lock chambers.
More swans, including a juvenile.
The locks are definitely not considered a clean environment. Moss and algae grow everywhere. You also have to be aware of the huge spiders. This was the first frog we came across.
This lock was the first where the water continuously flowed over the lock gate, as we were lowered.
So many new friends have been met on this journey, including this super nice couple (Howard and Laurie) from Simcoe Lake ON. We spent several nights alongside them on the walls and then again in Kingston.
Close up of the equipment used to operate these locks. This wheel is used to open and close the gates.
This apparatus is used to drain or fill the lock, depending on the direction of travel. They are turned a few revolutions at a time to slowly control the water levels.
This lock had an adjacent swing bridge, which is manually opened/closed by a turnstile. One thing is for sure, these young people get a lot of exercise.
The view looking down one of the last flight of locks on the Rideau.
Just another beautiful waterfront home.
At the end of the Rideau Canal lies the town of Kingston ON. We stayed in a marina here for a couple of nights and explored the city.
Electric boat and charging station seen on the docks.
City sights...
We had a beer at the local watering hole and enjoyed their wall signs. Just a sampling...
As we left Kingston, we encountered a very large wind farm, more obstacles and government offices of Ontario (including a penitentiary and mega-yacht). Can't imagine who owns the yacht!
Our last stop for this blog entry was at the Trent Port Marina, probably one of the nicest marinas we've seen on this trip. One very important perk was free laundry, including soap and fabric softener. Another, was the individual bathrooms with showers and freshly washed bath mats to take in with you. We normally take "navy or boy scout" showers in our own boat. We made an exception at this marina, and it was the longest shower we have had in months. It was a luxurious experience without a luxurious price. Thanks!
Our last night there we enjoyed a concert in the park, right next door to the marina.
Our progress...
Until next time...
NEXT UP: OH, CANADA AGAIN & AGAIN!! PART 3
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