With peaceful lakes, historic villages, inspiring sunsets and stunning vantage points along the way, Rideau Lakes has photo gems around every corner! Read on for 12 eye-catching places to make your socials shine with photos and videos in Rideau Lakes.
1. The Lower Gate or Railway Bridge at Chaffeys Lock
Chaffeys Lock is full of picture perfect spots! Start at the Railway Bridge on the Cataraqui Trail, to get a bird’s eye view of the Rideau Canal as it winds into Chaffeys Lock. It’s only a five minute walk from the lock and worth every step. Next, stand on the lower gates of the lock and have your friend snap a shot from the swing bridge to get a stunning shot of you standing on a piece of national history with the mill and water in the background. Be sure to visit the Lockmaster’s Museum (open until Labour Day Weekend), as well as the Memory Wall and Cemetery for reflection. Arriving at sunset finds the charming lamps lit at the lockstation, making it perfect for an evening stroll.
2. The Big Cow at Sunflower Bake Shop and Forfar Dairy
Add some quirky fun to your reels with a visit to the resident cow at the Sunflower Bake Shop and Forfar Dairy! It’s a favourite among visitors. Be sure to stop in first to get fresh bread or delicious baked goods, cheese and scooped ice cream, then mooove outside to take a photo with the cow.
3. The Old Stone Mill in Delta
Stunning architecture and simple beauty awaits at the Delta Old Stone Mill National Historic Site. The Mill is beautiful year round but the holiday season offers something special – see candles lit in every window in December, giving it a magical feel.
4. The Red Brick School in Elgin
Last weekend to see the summer exhibit here – experience Clifford Pennock Remastered: A New Lens on South Crosby hosted by the Elgin and Area Heritage Society at the Red Brick School. The exhibit runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, August 31 and September 1. Take a photo alongside famous historic photos! Could Pennock ever have imagined photography today? While visiting the Red Brick School, learn more about school life dating back to 1887. The Red Brick School is recognized as a wonderful example of a rare, rural, architect-designed educational structure still flourishing after more than 130 years.
5. The Summit at Rock Dunder
Feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your brow and feast your eyes on the beauty of the Rideau Canal and its lush forests stretching out below you. This is the scene after a challenging hike up Rock Dunder in Morton rewards you with a stunning view of Rideau Lakes. Your followers are sure to love your photos from the top! It’s almost a rite of passage when visiting or living here. Been to Rock Dunder and looking for something unique? Try paddling in Morton Bay! Seeing the high cliffs from below brings a new perspective. Truly awe-inspiring.
6. The Big Bass at Norris’s Live Bait and Tackle near Newboro
Fishing is big in Rideau Lakes but maybe not this big! Snap a fun photo next to the giant, shiny fish under the sign in front of Norris’s Live Bait and Tackle & Hunting Centre. Did you know this 12-foot fish was constructed with more than 2,000 beverage cans that were cut and painted to create the scales?! Definitely photo worthy!
7. Spy Rock at Foley Mountain
The Stone Arch Dam surrounds Jones Falls and was built in 1832. A historical gem of Rideau Lakes, this dam was an engineering feat for its time. The dam is also known as “The Whispering Dam” because it’s so finely built and curved, that sound carries from one end of the dam to the other. Find out if it’s true! Try another vantage point: no matter which way you face on the footbridge at Jones Falls you have a brilliant (and historic!) backdrop. The long bridge makes a perspective shot – walking towards the locks you’ll have Hotel Kenney in the background or walking towards the hotel you’ll have the impressive stone lock wall at Jones in the background. Grab an ice cream to get that summer vibe rolling!
8. Stone Arch Dam at Jones Falls
The Stone Arch Dam surrounds Jones Falls and was built in 1832. A historical gem of Rideau Lakes, this dam was an engineering feat for its time. The dam is also known as “The Whispering Dam” because it’s so finely built and curved, that sound carries from one end of the dam to the other. Find out if it’s true! Try another vantage point: no matter which way you face on the footbridge at Jones Falls you have a brilliant (and historic!) backdrop. The long bridge makes a perspective shot – walking towards the locks you’ll have Hotel Kenney in the background or walking towards the hotel you’ll have the impressive stone lock wall at Jones in the background. Grab an ice cream to get that summer vibe rolling!
9. Rideau Antiques in Rideau Ferry
You never know what you’ll find here – and it’s always exceeding expectations. Want something new and unique in your feed? Let the thrill of the hunt lead you to Rideau Antiques in Rideau Ferry! Snap some photos among the endless assortment of antiques outdoors and pick out something special to mark the trip.
10. No. 9 Gardens in Morton
Enjoy the outdoor art with a self-guided tour through No. 9 Gardens, along riverbanks, through forest and field. Discover inspiring and thought-provoking pieces in natural surroundings.
(Example from the 2022 Exhibit) Anenomes by John Dickson
11. Liars Bench at the Opinicon
Many a tall tale has been spun on this bench during the fabled history of The Opinicon. Not only is it a historic place to discuss fishing adventures, but now it's a great spot to sit and enjoy an ice cream! With ice cream handmade on site and iconic flavours like Golden Squirrel on the menu, visitors won’t be lying when they say their visit is a treat.
12. Hanna Park in Portland
With the backdrop of the stunning Big Rideau Lake in the background, the sunsets here are next level. Even in the daytime, it’s a perfect public spot to get great water views. Or grab a coffee at the Recess Café and hop onto the public docks nearby to achieve that famous Rideau cottage shot. Be sure to check out other beaches and parks in the township, too!
Rideau Lakes is full of natural beauty, historic sites, and unique landmarks – explore and snap away to showcase the stunning views and vantage points.
