The Planet D Travels South on The Rideau Canal
Dave & Deb founders of The Planet D, the Award-Winning Travel Blog, spent a fabulous 8 days traveling South on The Rideau Canal in the Horizon 3 Cruiser.
The Planet D began in 2007 and since then the couple of visited of 115 countries and all 7 continents. They have worked hard to become a leading travel source and have been named Top Travel Influencers by Forbes Magazine.
From detailed city guides, personal travel tips, inspiring stories and more, follow their journeys on the blog, on Facebook and Instagram and watch their travel videos on Youtube!
Day 1 - Smiths Falls
Dave & Deb’s journey starts in the pretty little town of Smiths Falls, located in the heart of the Rideau, half-way between Kingston and Ottawa. This town is the location of Le Boat’s base on the Rideau Canal, and is the ideal starting and finishing point for exploring whichever part of the canal takes your fancy. Here you'll find no shortage of shops and restaurants to explore. Discover craft products and designer labels before taking the time to relax and unwind over a glass of wine at one of Smiths Falls’ many restaurants like the Lock Master’s Tap House featured and don't miss the visit to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Both locations are featured in The Planet D.
Day 2 & 3 - Smiths Falls to Beveridges Locks
After leaving Smiths Falls, Dave & Deb made their way to the first stop, Beveridges Lock Station, located an hour and a half away. Here you can choose to go to Perth on the Tay Canal, but it is not recommended that you take the houseboat through this canal as it is very narrow! Dave & Deb spent their time here biking on nearby trails and canoeing through the lock and down the Tay River.
Day 4 - Westport
This scenic village is known for its downtown core where you will find a variety of clothing shops and gift stores. It has a public wharf on a man-made island with dock space for up to 30 boats. This is a paradise for boaters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. For a spectacular view of the village, hike up to Spy Rock on Foley Mountain. The Planet D features Westport Brewery, for flight of beer, and dinner at Scheurmann Vineyard. Scheurmann Vineyard is the hottest place in town and located a 20-minute walk from downtown. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine and a wood-fired pizza!
Day 5 - Chaffey’s Lock
This lock is known for its heritage it is the location of the Lockmaster’s House Museum and you can visit the grounds of the lovely old Opinicon Resort Hotel. It is also a great place for hiking or biking as the Cataraqui Trail, part of the Trans-Canada trail system passes through Chaffey’s. Planet D also visited The Mill at Chaffey’s Lock Art Gallery.
Day 6 - Jones Falls
Jones Falls is considered the most beautiful lock on the Rideau Canal, Jones Falls is home to the “Great Stone Arch Dam.” When completed in 1831, this was the highest dam in North America. There are four locks to get through here and it can take a little while to get through and therefore many turn around at Jones Falls, but its good to dock at the top and explore the hiking trails and historic buildings on foot. The blacksmith’s shop, built in the 1840s, often has a blacksmith on duty, more than willing to explain his craft.
Day 7 & 8 - Colonel By Island & Back to Smiths Falls
Dave & Deb turned back and spent one final day at the beautiful Colonel By Island. It is owned by Parks Canada, it is great place to hike, kayak or go swimming. One of the few places on the Rideau Canal where you don’t have to stay at lock station, so stay over night an enjoy a campfire! The Planet D wrapped up their trip making it back to Smiths Falls where they returned the boat.