--- title: "Midweek escape: a road trip through the Rideau Canal Waterways" date: 2026-05-12T15:16:00-04:00 author: Laurie Weir canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/midweek-escape-a-road-trip-through-the-rideau-canal-waterways/" section: Articles --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/163577/Rideau-Canal-Jones-Falls-1-1.jpg) # Midweek escape: a road trip through the Rideau Canal Waterways Laurie Weir When you want a break from big city buzz, the Rideau Canal Waterways region offers an easy shift in pace. Highways give way to quieter rural roads, lakes appear around gentle bends, and villages along the historic canal offer a glimpse of life outside the goalposts of busy city life. Within a few hours of Toronto, the corridor stretching from the 1000 Islands through Rideau Lakes and north toward Kemptville blends river landscapes, historic lockstations and countryside communities that reward unhurried travel. A relaxed midweek itinerary makes it possible to explore some of the region’s most memorable stops without the rush of weekend crowds. ### **Start along the St. Lawrence River** Coming east from Toronto, the first taste of the region often arrives along the St. Lawrence River. Communities like [Gananoque](https://www.travel1000islands.ca/) and [Brockville](https://brockvilletourism.com/) serve as gateways to the [1000 Islands](https://www.1000islandstourism.com/), where [boat tours,](https://visit1000islands.com/experiences/castles-cruises/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Madden%20google-sem-leisure&utm_content=castles-cruises_fy26&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23506664074&gclid=CjwKCAiAtq_NBhA_EiwA78nNWBanPqsNDkaCQGO8qOgjl8C4ZZwTsiaG_is1cqZRqIWv_oZ1qGkOSxoCW4sQAvD_BwE) waterfront parks and [helicopter](https://www.fly1000islands.ca/) rides offer sweeping views across the famous 1000 Islands. ***Did you know?** There are actually 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River. The smallest inhabited island is “Just Room Enough Island” near Alexandria Bay, N.Y. About the size of a tennis court, the tiny island holds a single house, one tree and a narrow strip of beach.* The clear waters of the St. Lawrence are also known among divers for historic [shipwrecks](https://www.1000islandstourism.com/experiences/shipwrecks-scuba-diving/) resting beneath the surface. Guided scuba excursions allow visitors to explore the remains of nineteenth-century vessels, making the area one of Ontario’s most distinctive freshwater [diving](https://divebrockville.com/) destinations. If you’re looking to add a little adrenaline to the itinerary, [Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands ](https://treetoptrekking.com/parks/1000-islands)offers a different way to experience the landscape. Located along the Thousand Islands Parkway near Mallorytown, the aerial adventure park features zip lines, suspended bridges and climbing courses that wind through the forest canopy. You can move through the treetops on guided aerial courses or try the longer zipline runs that glide above the woodland landscape near the St. Lawrence River. The Gananoque waterfront and nearby [trails](https://www.gananoque.ca/community-services/parks-and-recreation/hiking-and-waterfront-trails) offer excellent walking and cycling routes with views across the islands. If you’re looking for evening entertainment, you can also try your luck at [Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands](https://www.1000islandstourism.com/experience/shoreline-casino-thousand-islands/). Why not plan to stay overnight? You will find several welcoming options in town, including the historic [Gananoque Inn](https://www.hotelsone.com/gananoque-hotels-ca/the-gananoque-inn.html?dsti=1737216&dstt=8&nid=1&as=g&aid=605766405074&cmpid=19805078&agid=2195374358&gid=Cj0KCQiA2bTNBhDjARIsAK89wlE7mq4LMsCD1ocA7Mmsdv3EAobChS8fc75LAx4gjXho9ilZdB768MUaAq4vEALw_wcB&gwbrd=Cj4KCQiAtq_NBhCTARItAGjtcFrXHYDugoKCHqqN91DbZIZtUeD21ftOPNYodo9p_jCNbuan1QNG9mqwGgK4kQ&ggbrd=0AAAAAD4o1PcCFYwtTmnBzQ4kLmT_9e0m8&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19805078&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2bTNBhDjARIsAK89wlE7mq4LMsCD1ocA7Mmsdv3EAobChS8fc75LAx4gjXho9ilZdB768MUaAq4vEALw_wcB) overlooking the river, along with a number of charming bed and breakfasts like the [Pangea House](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/the-world-comes-together-at-pangea-house-in-gananoque/) or [Trinity House](https://trinityhouseinn.com/). - [1000 Islands Helicopter Tours Offering year-round scenic flights and custom excursions from 1000 Islands Gananoque, Ontario, featuring iconic landmarks such as Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and the Ivy Lea Bridge. Explore ](https://www.fly1000islands.ca/) - [Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands An outdoor adventure park featuring a variety of aerial activities, including ziplines, suspended bridges, and discovery courses for children, all set against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River. Explore ](https://treetoptrekking.com/parks/1000-islands) - [Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands A boutique gaming destination owned by Great Canadian Entertainment featuring over 480 slot machines and various live and electronic table games. Explore ](https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/shorelines-casinos/) - [Gananoque Inn & Spa The Gananoque Inn & Spa is an historic waterfront hotel originally built in the 1860s as a carriage factory, which was converted into an inn in 1896 and remains the only waterfront accommodation in Gananoque. Explore ](https://www.gananoqueinn.com/) - [Pangea House A boutique heritage inn and bed-and-breakfast is a Victorian mansion built in 1868, situated along the Gananoque River in the heart of the Thousand Islands. Explore ](https://www.pangeahouse.ca/) - [Trinity House The Trinity House Inn is an historic boutique bed and breakfast built in 1859 using bricks from Edinburgh, Scotland. Explore ](https://trinityhouseinn.com/) - [1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises Offering a variety of sightseeing, dining, and specialized event cruises through the St. Lawrence River's eastern island groups, including views of historic waterfronts and palatial mansions. Explore ](https://brockvilletourism.com/featured-activities/thousand-islands-cruises/) - [City Cruise Gananoque The oldest and largest cruise operator in the 1000 Islands region, offering a range of sightseeing tours that showcase the area's lush landscapes and historic landmarks. Explore ](https://www.cityexperiences.com/gananoque/city-cruises/) Skip section ### **Explore the quiet wilderness of** [**Charleston Lake**](https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/charlestonlake) Heading north from the [1000 Islands Parkway](https://visit1000islands.com/communities/1000-islands-parkway-on/) at Lansdowne brings you into the quieter landscapes of Leeds and Grenville. [Charleston Lake Provincial Park](https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonLakePP/) offers rugged Canadian Shield scenery, hiking trails and panoramic views across forest and water. Paddlers can explore sheltered bays while hikers climb to scenic lookouts that reveal the scale of the landscape. Hit the 10-kilometre [Blue Mountain Trail ](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/charleston-lake-blue-mountain-trail)for breathtaking views of the expansive scenery. If you prefer to stay close to nature, the park’s campground provides a peaceful overnight option surrounded by forest. *Did you know? Charleston Lake sits on the* [*Frontenac Arch*](https://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/)*, an ancient ridge of granite that links the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains.* ### **Discover art and gardens near Lyndhurst** Continuing north toward Lyndhurst reveals one of the region’s more unexpected destinations. [No. 9 Gardens](https://www.no9.ca/no9-gardens) blends eco-art installations, sustainability workshops, and woodland trails across a 40-acre property. Visitors can wander forest paths, explore outdoor art installations or [stay overnight](https://www.no9.ca/accommodations) in a yurt or prospector tent. Nearby, [Wendy’s Country Market](https://www.wendyscountrymarket.com/) is known for its selection of local produce and a small collection of farm animals that often includes playful goats, and [Berry Homestead Farm,](https://www.berry-h-farm.com/training) an off-grid farm where you can learn about elderberry production, meet the resident donkeys and even take part in guided donkey hikes through the countryside. Together, these stops offer a glimpse of the agricultural landscape and creative energy that define this corner of the Rideau corridor. ### **Pause at Jones Falls and Hotel Kenney** One of the most historic stops along the Rideau Canal is [Jones Falls](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/trails-routes/hiking/jones-falls), home to the landmark [Hotel Kenney](https://hotelkenneyrideau.com/). Built in the late 19th century to serve travellers arriving by steamboat, the hotel is near one of the canal’s most impressive engineering features — the massive [stone arch dam](https://www.capitalgems.ca/stone-arch-dam.html) that anchors the Jones Falls lockstation. Often described as the grand dame of the Rideau waterways, Hotel Kenney has welcomed visitors for generations. You can pair the stop with a quick bite at Hotel Kenney Jr., the casual snackbar on site, or stay overnight at Hotel Kenney and take in the quiet rhythm of the canal. The lockstation and walking trails offer an easy place to stretch your legs while watching boats move through one of the most scenic sections of the Rideau Canal. ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/RL-Hotel-kenney-Mandy-Day-image.jpg?transformId=2192&site=default)***Did you know?** The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flows through many of the villages along this route. Stop at lockstations in places like Merrickville, Newboro and Jones Falls to watch the historic locks open and close by hand, just as they have since the 1800s.* ### **Follow the lakes through Rideau Lakes country** From Jones Falls, quiet country roads wind through the lakes and villages that define Rideau Lakes country. Communities like [Portland](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/about/our-villages/portland) and [Newboro](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/trails-routes/tours/heritage-walking-tour-of-newboro) sit along the interconnected waterways that form part of the Rideau Canal system. [Kayaking or canoeing](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/about/stories/paddling-the-rideau) is one of the best ways to experience the landscape, where quiet bays and narrow channels reveal wildlife along the shoreline. The [Newboro House Bed and Breakfast](https://newborohouse.ca/) is a great option for overnight. It’s a restored 19th-century brick home that offers a cozy base for exploring the nearby lakes, Rideau Canal lockstations and quiet village streets. A stop at [Forfar Dairy](https://www.forfar.com/) (also known as the Sunflower Bakery), just off the beaten path to Portland, reveals a local favourite known for its ice cream, cheese, delectable desserts and a giant Holstein parked out front. - [Charleston Lake Provincial Park A popular provincial park known for its family-friendly facilities offering a mix of front-country and backcountry camping, diverse hiking trails, and extensive opportunities for paddling and fishing. Explore ](https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/charlestonlake) - [Frontenac Arch Biosphere A 2,700-square-kilometre UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in South Eastern Ontario. Explore ](https://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/) - [No. 9 Gardens A 40-acre sustainability centre and eco-retreat serving as a public learning facility where visitors can experience sustainable living practices through organic gardening, eco-art installations, and off-grid accommodations. Explore ](https://www.no9.ca/no9-gardens) - [Wendy’s Country Market A year-round local food hub located in a historic 19th-century schoolhouse in the Rideau Lakes area. Explore ](https://www.wendyscountrymarket.com/) - [ Berry Homestead Farm A 100% off-grid "care farm" and agritourism destination located in Lyndhurst, Ontario. Explore ](https://www.berry-h-farm.com/) - [Jones Falls Lockstation Widely considered one of the most picturesque and technically impressive lockstations on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Explore ](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/visit/posteeclusage-lockstation/ecluse-lock-jones-falls) - [Hotel Kenney 44.544854633796575, -76.23553166938476 Explore ](https://hotelkenneyrideau.com/) - [Stone Arch Dam Built in 1831 by British Royal Engineers, it was the highest dam in North America at the time (approx. 60 feet). Visitors can explore it today at the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Explore ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jones_Falls_Dam) - [Newboro House Bed and Breakfast A highly-rated historic inn originally built in the 1880s, the home features Second Empire architecture and is situated on a one-acre wooded lot. Explore ](https://newborohouse.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOopH86PO2UC09zIXmJKaG_-KkmtJKhIlamgZGHSf6bkgX9y0dmes) - [Forfar Dairy An historic cheese factory that has transitioned into a popular retail shop and restaurant renowned for its fresh "squeaky" cheese curds and high-quality aged cheddars, including 2, 4, and 7-year varieties. Explore ](https://www.forfar.com/) Skip section ### **Wander** [**Merrickville’s**](https://www.merrickville-wolford.ca/) **canal village** Before heading north, the village of [Merrickville](https://www.merrickville-wolford.ca/) offers one of the most charming stops along the canal. Often described as one of the prettiest villages on the Rideau Canal, Merrickville features stone buildings, independent shops and cafés clustered around the historic lockstation. Visitors often stop at [Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food](https://mustard.ca/) for handcrafted mustards and dozens of other goodies, or grab coffee at [Yellow Canoe Café](https://www.yellowcanoecafe.com/) before wandering the village streets where you will find unique shops and eateries to satiate every palate. Just outside town, [Rideau Woodland Ramble](https://www.rideauwoodlandramble.com/contact%20us.shtml) offers a peaceful detour through display gardens and woodland trails filled with rhododendrons and Japanese maples. If you want to stay overnight in Merrickville, you will find several charming options within walking distance of the Rideau Canal. The historic [Baldachin Inn](https://www.baldachin.com/), a landmark building overlooking the locks, offers heritage accommodations in the heart of the village. Just steps away, the beautifully restored [1840 Guest House](https://www.1840guesthouse.com/) provides elegant suites in a former schoolhouse setting. Visitors looking for a more private stay can also book [Merrickville Guest Suites](https://merrickvillesuites.ca/), located along the village’s main street and close to shops, cafés and the canal pathway. - [Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food A premier gourmet food shop and producer established in 1988 by Janet Campbell, the shop is famous for its award-winning gourmet mustards, which are handmade in small batches on-site. Explore ](https://mustard.ca/) - [Yellow Canoe Café A popular licensed eatery known for serving wholesome, house-made meals using local ingredients, offering a cozy interior filled with local art and a lush garden patio for summer dining. Explore ](https://www.yellowcanoecafe.com/) - [Rideau Woodland Ramble An award-winning seven-acre garden display and garden centre nationally recognized for its unique woodland setting and specializing in rare plants, specifically hostas and conifers. Explore ](https://www.rideauwoodlandramble.com/) - [Baldachin Inn An historic hotel and dining destination overlooking the Rideau Canal. Housed in a circa 1860s heritage-designated stone building, it offers a blend of 19th-century charm and modern amenities. Explore ](https://www.baldachin.com/) - [1840 Guest House A highly-rated, boutique bed and breakfast located overlooking the Rideau Canal, and is known for its blend of historical charm and modern luxury. Explore ](https://www.1840guesthouse.com/) - [Merrickville Guest Suites An upscale, boutique-style lodging option located in the heart of the historic village of Merrickville, Ontario. Explore ](https://merrickvillesuites.ca/) - [Grahame’s Bakery An historic, family-run bakery, famous for being home to one of Canada's last commercially operating heritage wood-fired brick ovens. Explore ](https://www.grahamesbakery.com/) - [Kemptville Brewing Co. A craft brewery and restaurant known for its small-batch beers and house-made food, situated in a barn-style building with a spacious taproom and outdoor patio. Explore ](https://www.kemptvillebrewingco.ca/) - [Saunders Country Critters A 20-acre privately owned sanctuary that cares for more than 75 species of exotic and domestic animals from over 25 countries. Explore ](https://www.saunderscountry.com/) - [Lavender Mills Farm A 43-acre seasonal lavender and pumpkin farm that features over 1,200 (up to 3,500 by some estimates) lavender plants and an 1839 stone farmhouse. Explore ](https://www.lavendermillsfarm.ca/) - [Limerick Forest Retreat A private glamping destination featuring a unique, four-season geodesic dome offering a "luxury camping" experience for two people with direct access to the forest's extensive trail network. Explore ](https://www.northgrenville.ca/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/limerick-forest-retreat) - [Abbott Road Bed and Breakfast A highly-rated hotel, primarily a collection of sophisticated, self-contained suites designed for both short-term getaways and long-term relocation stays. Explore ](https://www.abbottroadsuites.ca/) Skip section ### **Finish the journey in** [**Kemptville**](https://www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/downtown-kemptville) A short drive north brings you to [Kemptville](https://www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/downtown-kemptville), a growing small town that has quietly become a hub for food and craft beverages. Stops here might include [Grahame’s Bakery](https://www.grahamesbakery.com/), a long-running local favourite known for its breads and pastries, or [Kemptville Brewing Company](https://www.kemptvillebrewingco.ca/), where visitors can sample small-batch beers in a relaxed setting. Nearby rural stops such as [Saunders Country Critters](https://www.northgrenville.ca/things-to-do/family-fun/saunders-country-critters) and [Lavender Mills Farm](https://www.northgrenville.ca/component/mtree/tourism-directory/farm-gates/the-kirk-farm) feature friendly farm animals, seasonal lavender and countryside views that reflect the agricultural roots of the region. For those looking to extend their stay, [Limerick Forest Retreat](https://www.northgrenville.ca/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/limerick-forest-retreat) offers a peaceful forest escape just outside town, with glamping accommodations tucked among the trees and easy access to hiking and cycling trails through the surrounding woodland. Visitors seeking a more traditional stay can also book a room at [Abbott Road Bed and Breakfast,](https://www.abbottroadsuites.ca/) a quiet countryside retreat just outside Kemptville that offers comfortable suites and easy access to the town’s shops, breweries and walking trails. ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Rideau-Canal-July-15-25-Merrickville-4-1.jpg?transformId=2198&site=default)### **The beauty of travelling midweek** While summer weekends can bring cottage traffic, midweek the Rideau Canal Waterways region settles into its natural rhythm. Country roads open up, lockstations feel quieter and small towns reveal the slower pace that defines rural eastern Ontario. If you’re looking to escape the city without complicated planning, the Rideau corridor offers something simple: scenic roads, historic villages and landscapes that invite visitors to linger a little longer. Learn more about 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways [here](https://discover.leedsgrenville.com/en/index.aspx) and plan your visit! - [Portland, ON An historic waterfront village located on the shores of Big Rideau Lake, originally known as "The Landing," it was one of the first settlements along the Rideau Waterway and remains a hub for boating, fishing, and tourism today. Explore ](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/about/our-villages/portland) - [Newboro, ON An historic village known primarily as a "fishing mecca" and a key stop on the Rideau Canal, it serves as the watershed divide of the system: water to the north flows toward Ottawa, while water to the south flows toward Kingston. Explore ](https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/about/our-villages/newboro) - [ Merrickville, ON Known as the "Jewel of the Rideau," Merrickville is celebrated for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant artisan community, often called "Canada's Most Beautiful Village." Explore ](https://www.merrickville-wolford.ca/) - [Kemptville, ON A vibrant, growing community known for its mix of historic rural charm and modern convenience, it serves as a popular hub for commuters, families, and retirees. Explore ](https://www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/downtown-kemptville) Skip section READ ALSO - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/follow-44-map-sq.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure Hit the road: Follow 44 leads to countless memories ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/hit-the-road-follow-44-leads-to-countless-memories/) - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/22-1000-ISLANDS-RIDEAU-WATERWAYS-ACCOMMODATION-SIMMONS28-medium.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure 1000 Islands Rideau Canal: Waterway Adventure Guide ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/1000-islands-rideau-canal-waterway-adventure-guide/) - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/rideau-canal-2x.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure Rideau Canal Waterway: West & East ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/rideau-canal-waterway-west-east/)