Here’s a reality in Rideau Lakes: peacefully paddling with friends or family, with only the sounds of your paddle dipping into the still water and the loon calls rising with the sun. Skirting the edges of lush forest and rocky outcroppings, through bays and historic locks on the Rideau Canal. Spying a blue heron fishing quietly at the shoreline or a turtle sunning on a rock. It’s how some of the best summer memories are made.
With more than 30 lakes within the Township, taking out a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard is a beautiful way to explore Rideau Lakes. Whether you’re completely new to paddling or a pro on the water, there are many ways to experience Rideau Lakes by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Explore the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Top Paddle Routes
Watson’s Guide to the Rideau
Be sure to take a look at Watson’s Guide to the Rideau when planning your paddling experience! These comprehensive and updated guides offer full route and day paddling guides, including extensive paddling information, points of interest and detailed maps. A handy tool with a day-by-day approach for paddlers who are looking for a one day or multi-day paddle! The guide is also great for people new to the area or long-term visitors who want to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guarantee you’ll discover something new!
For the true immersive experience, skip the portage and purchase a seasonal lockage permit for canoes or kayaks to lock through one of the Rideau Canal’s 47 historic locks.
Paddling Sand Lake by Ken Watson
Frontenac Arch Biosphere Routes
Frontenac Arch Biosphere provides FAB Experiences: detailed route maps, indicating where to start, portages (if any), put-ins, and take-outs. Check out FAB’s new interactive map or discover their planned routes.
Paddling Rentals
Pattinson’s Paddles
Make the most of summer on the water! Pattinson’s Paddles offers paddleboard and kayak rentals out of Newboro. They also offer delivery for a small fee if you want the rental to come to you. Known for personalized and helpful service, SUPs are a popular option here!
Rideau Tours
Rideau Tours showcases exciting Rideau Canal experiences by kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, as well as bikes and custom tours. Rideau Tours includes a detailed map of the water system so visitors can follow the best routes. Look here for unique Canadian experiences like the Charcuterie in a Canoe!
Rideau Classics Rental
Get your float on! Rideau Classics Rental in Portland offers SUP paddleboard and kayaks for rent, as well as peddle boats and canoes. Don’t have extra equipment? No problem! Rideau Classics also rents wetsuits, coolers, and waterproof bags.
Rideau Classics Rental Facebook
Poplars Resort
Try kayaking and bring your fishing rod while staying at the waterfront Poplar Resort in the beautiful village of Newboro! Poplars offers kayak and canoe rentals to guests and even provides a tow out service to spots on Newboro Lake to allow you to drift and paddle back to the resort at your own pace if the full trip seems daunting.
Canoe Building
Bear Mountain Boats
Cross something off your bucket list and try canoe building with Bear Mountain Boats. Purchase your plans and materials to build your own paddling vessel. They even offer workshops!
Rideau Lakes also has 14 free boat launches with the township. Don’t forget about the accessible canoe launch at Mill Pond Conservation Area which provides opportunities for quiet and scenic paddles on Mill Pond!
