7nt Smiths Falls RETURN via Jones Falls
One of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America. By choosing this itinerary you will discover its florishing landscapes and the granduosity of its open water. You will experience the laid-back and welcoming towns of Smiths Falls, Perth and Wesport and spend relaxing evenings surrounded by beautiful watery vistas.
Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Smiths Falls
Arrive at base
2pm - 5pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we'll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Explore Smiths Falls
5pm - 6:30pm
As the largest community between Ottawa and Kingston, Smiths Falls has all the amenities one would expect of a mid-sized town - offering a great opportunity to stock up before you set-off on your Le Boat adventure. There is a big retail park 0.8 km from the base (10 minute walk or 2 minute drive) where you will find everything you need. Make sure to buy enough supplies for the week as the second part of your cruise includes remote places with no grocery shops. If you plan on fishing during your cruise, you can buy fishing rod and license at Canadian Tire (5 minute drive from the base). Then, if you still have time, you can learn more about the town’s history on a self-guided walking tour that takes you back in time to explore the remarkable architecture of the town, from a historic mill and old schoolhouse to the grand homes that line the downtown streets. Get the guide here : smithsfalls.ca/media/2020/05/SmithsFallsWalkingTour-WebPrint.pdf - it should take about an hour to walk to, and compelte, the circuit.
Dinner at The Lockmaster's Tap House, Smiths Falls
7:30pm - 9:30pm
This lovely pub is only a 5 minute walk from our base. We recomend dining here for its freshly prepared food, its great location and its beautiful patio which overlooks the canal.
Bookings recommened. lockmasterstaphouse.com | 1-613-205-0448
Overnight in Smiths Falls
DAY 2: Smiths Falls > Westport
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Smiths Falls > Westport
9am - 1pm
Approx. 4hrs | 3 locks
Please note that the locks at Smiths Falls will not open until 10am between Monday and Friday in May and most of June, as well as most of September and all of October. If you are setting of on one of these days, you will have to do so a little later and have a later lunch in Westport, or eat while cruising. They do open at 9am on weekends in these months however.
Lunch at Tangled Garden Cafe, Westport
1pm - 2pm
This lively restaurant offers delectable, wholesome cuisine at reasonable prices. The house specialties are traditional pizzas, but they also serve fresh pasta dishes, large salads and scrumptious desserts.
For bookings: tangledgardencafe.ca | (613) 273-7733
Explore Westport
2pm - 5:30pm
The town of Westport offers plenty of activities and is packed with shops and services oozing with hospitality. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a walk (and a magnificent view overlooking the bay) in the Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Or for something more relaxing, wile away the afternoon dock side in a red Muskoka chair, go for a kayak in the calm harbor or ride your bike to the Westport public Beach. Kayak and bikes you can added to your Le Boat reservation. You can also taste local craft beer and go wine tasting at the Scheuermann Winery, one of the big highlights of Westport. It's just a 20 minute walk or an 8 minute bike ride from the moorings. scheuermannwinery.com | 1-613-449-6548
Dinner at The Cove Inn, Westport
7pm - 9pm
Enjoy full flavored, hearty dishes inspired by the chef's love of international cuisine with a homely, comforting 'twist'. In addition to their classic menu they also offer 'wine dinners' which are usually five courses with tailored wine parings. The restaurant is only a 3 minute walk from the mooring!
For bookings: coveinn.com/dining | 613.273.3636 - Last orders are close at 8pm, so make sure to arrive in good time.
Overnight in Westport
DAY 3: Westport > Newboro > Chaffey's Lockstation
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Newboro
1pm - 3pm
Take a short 10-15 minute walk into the tiny village of Newboro. There's not a great deal to do here, but it is totally worth the stop if only to visit the 1930's style department store called Kilborn's on the Rideau - a fantastic, unique and eclectic shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro. You can easily spend a few hours looking around - happy shopping!
Explore Chaffey's Lockstation
4:30pm - 5:30pm
A stop off at Chaffey’s Lockstation is the perfect opportunity to take in some of Ontario’s spellbinding nature. There is a great vantage point on a former train bridge which spans the canal, which is now a section of the Cataraqui Trail. You will have passed under it as you approached Chaffey's Lock. A short five-minute walk through the woods from the lock will reward you with a photo-worthy view.
Dinner at the Opinicon Restaurant
6pm - 8pm
The real highlight of Chaffey’s lockstation is The Opinicon Restaurant. The Opinicon was once a luxurious vacation resort, which has now unfortunately closed, but their beautiful restaurant, bar and lounge is still open and provides a marvelous setting for a special dinner in grand, yet relaxed, surroundings.
Booking recommended: opinicon.com | 613-359-523
Overnight in Chaffey’s lockstation
DAY 4: Chaffey's Lock > Davis Lock > Jones Falls
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Chaffey's Lockstation
9:30am - 11am
Before for you leave, make sure to visit the Lockmaster’s House Museum which displays the interesting history of Chaffey's Lock and the surrounding area. chaffeyslock.ca/lockmasters-house-museum.html
Explore Jones Falls
3:30pm - 5pm
A stone's throw from your moorings, you'll encounter a vast dam, sometimes called the 'whispering Dam'. When standing at a viewing point near the top - it is possible to hear the voice of someone standing on a platform at the opposite end - some 100 meters away. The series of locks at Jones Falls are a real gem and many consider to be the prettiest locks on the canal. There is a set of 4 historical chambers, making this the highest rise/fall of any lockstation on the Rideau, and it is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and parkland. Take a trip to the Lockmaster’s House which you can look around - it was was designed to be defendable from attack and lovingly restored in a 19th century style. Then, head to the lockstation’s very own blacksmith’s shop, located on the banks of the turning basin between the first and second lock, where a blacksmith is often on duty and will happily answer questions and explain his craft to you. Then, take a walk to the bottom of the locks and enjoy an ice cream & fresh baked cookies at Hotel Kenney Rideau. +1 613-359-5500
Overnight in Jones Falls
DAY 5: Jones Falls > Newboro
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Walk to Rock Dunder
10am - 11:30am
It's a treasure that lies within the UNESCO Thousand Islands Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. A hiking trail will lead you to one of the highest points of land in the area. You will be amazed by the view of the surrounding lakes and woodlands from Rock Dunder which rise 275 feet the river. Plan about an hour and a half to walk there - we recommend packing a picnic to take with you. If you prefer not to walk so far, you can cycle to nearby Morton (if you've added bike rental to your Le Boat booking). You can then leave your bikes in Morton and walk the rest of the journey up. You will need to purchase your pass ahead of time online. rwlt.tickit.ca
Jones Falls > Newboro
2:30pm - 6pm
Approx. 3hrs 30mins | 3 locks
Please note: Davis Lock and Chaffey's Lock both close at 4pm between Monday and Friday in May, most of June, most of September and all of October. On weekends in September and October they close at 5pm. At these times you won't make it as far as Newboro. So unless you can depart Jones Falls earlier, you will have to moor and overnight at either one.
Dinner at Stirling Lodge, Newboro
6:30pm - 8pm
Located in a lovely old building with pleasant gardens, the restaurant serves excellent home cooked food, especially the delicious scratch pies and cakes.
For bookings: stirlinglodge.com | 1-613-272-2435
Overnight in Newboro
DAY 6: Newboro > Colonel By Island
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Colonel By Island
11:30am - 1pm
This is where you really get to see nature and enjoy the tranquility of the 'Great Outdoors. Colonel By Island is the largest of a set of islands collectively known as “Long Island”. Located on Island is a flat roofed building called “Wag’s Lodge,” built by Danny Arnstein (co-owner of Yellow Cab in New York and Chicago) in 1949-50. The cottage features two massive “peanut rock” fireplaces and “driftwood plywood” walls. Get in appetite before lunch by walking the 1km ungroomed, nature trail and observe the amazing flora and fauna that the Rideau Canal can offer.
Explore and relax on Colonel By Island
2pm - 5pm
Colonel By Island is a popular stop for locals to go swimming, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding which you can rent at our base. (You can also add paddle boards and kayak to your Le Boat booking in advance - just speak to our Sales Team.) Otherwise, this is the perfect place just to relax in the top deck of your boat and enjoy the the beautiful scenery.
Dinner on board
6pm - 8pm
Overnight in Colonel by Island
DAY 7: Colonel By Island > Smiths Falls
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Perth
10am - 12pm
Quirky Perth has never been afraid to be different. You can discover the history of the town with a visit to the Perth Museum. Located in a historic sandstone mansion, you can delve into the town’s fascinating history - from its foundation as a military settlement to its role as the setting for the final fatal duel in Canada! Perth was also the home of ‘Big Ben’, an iconic Canadian show jumping horse that captured the Canadian imagination in the late 1980s and early 90s. You’ll find a statue commemorating him set among the tranquil five acres of Stewart Park.
Perth Museum offers a gift shop discount to Le Boat customers.
Lunch at The Stone Cellar, Perth
12pm - 1:30pm
The menu is unique and offeres an array of choices for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Dishes are incredibly fresh, tasty and served in a timely manner. For bookings: thestonecellar.com | 613-267-0200
Explore more of Perth
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Perth was notorious during the prohibition era, for its underground distillers making sought-after 'moonshine' - so you can be sure the locals know what they’re doing! Enjoy a beer or something a little stronger from the now legitimate Perth Brewery perthbrewery.ca or Top Shelf Distillers topshelfdistillers.com
Perth Brewery offers free tours and tastings, to Le Boat customer. Book in advance.
Top Shelf Distillers offers a free gift to Le Boat customers who attend a free tour at 2pm
Beveridges Locks > Smiths Falls
4pm - 6pm
Approx. 2hrs | 2 locks
Please note: the locks at Poonamalie and Smiths Falls close at 4pm between Monday and Friday in May, most of June, most of September and all of October, so you'll need to leave Perth much earlier to ensure you depart Beveridges Locks at 1:30pm. On weekends in September and October they close at 5pm, so so you need to be away by 2:30pm. They close at 7pm at other times, so a departure by 4:30pm will be sufficient.
Dinner at Matty O'Shea's Pub, Smiths Falls
6:30pm - 8:30pm
This restaurant, which is only a 6 minute walk from the base, offers the best of both worlds; a small sports bar feel on one side of the restaurant with a family-friendly vibe on the other side! The friendly staff serves good pub food in generous portion .Phone: 1-613 283-6363. Then, if you want to enjoy some live music, go to Bowies bar, on Russel street.
Overnight in Smiths Falls
DAY 8: Depart Smiths Falls
Breakfast on board
7:30am - 8:30am
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before tidying and vacating your boat by 9am (unless you have booked and paid for a late-checkout)
Depart Smiths Falls
9am