There’s a certain magic about the perfect lakeside setting in the summer. As an idyllic vacation spot for more than 150 years, generations of guests continue to visit Rideau Lakes and keep the best waterfront in Ontario booked up. The one-of-a-kind heritage accommodations in Rideau Lakes have helped shape the story of the township and are an experience unto themselves.

Serenity now

For more than 90 years, The Poplars Resort in Newboro has provided a peaceful home away from home for families, anglers and serenity seekers. This traditional waterfront lodge is nestled into the banks of Newboro Lake. The rustic ambiance has proven to be the perfect spot for an unplugged vacation, while still being full service with homemade meals and even boats for rent. Towering trees surround this spot for an unbeatable Canadian vacation, where you can live life at your own speed.

Simmons Lodge in Chaffeys Lock. PHOTO BY TIM FORBES | RTO9

A great story

Local lore runs deep along the Rideau, telling of a sunken trove of silver coins and monster fish. In fact, Simmons Lodge in Chaffeys Lock has its own intriguing origin story from 1886. The tale goes that a young New Yorker knocked on the Simmons’ door inquiring about room and board. He had ventured out to Chaffeys Lock after hearing of the legendary fishing there. Fortunately, the Simmons family opened up their home to the young American, starting almost 140 years of hosting tourists in the village. The area made an impression on him – he went back home and told everyone he knew about Chaffeys Lock and the lakes teeming with bass and pike on the Rideau system. Word spread like wildfire and visitors soon flocked from across the continent to experience the locks, friendly folks, the expert fishing guiding, and the lush nature of the Rideau Canal. Today, the Simmons family still welcomes vacationers to discover the beauty of Rideau Lakes, continuing the tradition of hospitality.

Dorothy’s Lodge in Rideau Lakes. PHOTO BY TIM FORBES | RTO9

Just down the road, visitors are also seeking out that coveted lake life at Dorothy’s Lodge. With more than 80 years under the floorboards, Dorothy’s first opened as a fishing lodge and restaurant. Now, it’s a fan favourite for friends or family reunions with docking on the Rideau, a small beach area, ample space for lawn games and it’s even within walking distance to trails, marinas, paddling excursion rentals, ice cream and more.

Inn the know

Rideau Lakes is known for its heritage architecture and Stirling Lodge in Newboro feels like the quintessential inn that is familiar from the movies: large, beautifully landscaped grounds, a pool, historic architecture detailing the main building, with cabins and lakefront giving way to gorgeous sunsets and inspiring water views for days. It has been welcoming visitors for more than 120 years, serving as a link between generations. The lodge even hosted a young group of Hollywood’s finest for a month last summer, while filming a major movie in the area. Be sure to check out the historic mementos throughout the main lodge, too!

Stirling Lodge in Newboro. PHOTO BY TIM FORBES | RTO9

Revitalization

Some of most fabled resorts in Rideau Lakes have been reinvigorated and given new life. The Opinicon has been delighting visitors since the late 1800s on the sublime shores of Opinicon Lake. Indulge in fresh, elevated food at the restaurant, local beer on tap at the pub and get nostalgic at the ice cream shoppe. Look for live music and weddings throughout the summer season, making reality of a childhood dream of the owners.

The Opinicon in Chaffeys Lock. PHOTO BY TIM FORBES | RTO9

Recently, new owners are also breathing life into the historic Hotel Kenney Rideau at Jones Falls. Now reopened, the hotel has a long history as a favourite boating stop, even welcoming famous guests. Aside from revamped lodging, enjoy weekend brunch with a front-row view of one of the Rideau Canal’s most stunning series of locks in action. Then grab an ice cream or homemade cookies for your afternoon strolling around the locks. Seek out the “whispering” Stone Arch Dam, a jaw-dropping engineering feat for its time.

Hotel Kenney Rideau at Jones Falls. PHOTO BY TIM FORBES | RTO9

Community
In fact, some of the most intriguing gems are the lock stations themselves along the Rideau. It’s a true Canadian experience to watch the lockmasters and crew hand crank boats through this UNESCO World Heritage waterway. The ultimate vacation for the history buff!

The historic lodges of Rideau Lakes have helped build industry and community; nurturing years of creating memories, sharing traditions, and introducing visitors from all over the world to the beauty of the Rideau. Staying is easy – it’s leaving that’s the hard part.