There’s no place to summer like Rideau Lakes! Take time to savour the best things in life here by exploring one or all eight charming historic villages and waterfront communities along the Rideau system. Grab a basket and your bestie to discover authentic picnic areas with waterfront flair.

Make memories waterside this summer in Rideau Lakes, where green spaces provide exceptional spots to picnic. Take in the view along a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Rideau Canal – preserved by Parks Canada and Rideau Valley Conservation, as well as our many inland lakes preserved by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.  Download the new 2024 map of Rideau Lakes to learn more about the amazing communities, heritage sites, trails, museums and more!

Celebrate International Picnic Day on June 18 in Rideau Lakes with locally grown and homemade foods, walk heritage routes and marvel at historic architecture, paddle a stream, lounge by the lake, or read a book under the shade of a tree. Parks in Rideau Lakes aren’t just a pit stop – they’re a destination!

Eight Historic Communities to Visit

Find your next favourite picnic spot or uncover local history with these trip ideas or try one of the 26 picnic places in and around the intriguing communities of Rideau Lakes:

• Cruise into Chaffeys Lock 

• D.O. Delta

• Explore Elgin

• Journey to Jones Falls - Morton

• Navigate to Newboro 

• Wander North Crosby - Westport

• Boat into Portland

• Revel in Rideau Ferry - Lombardy

Stunning lockstations on the Rideau Canal

Explore history in motion at six scenic lock stations on the Rideau Canal within Rideau Lakes, as well as 10 waterfront parks and 10 inland parks ideal for picnics. Make relaxing by the waterfront part of your summer bucket list in Rideau Lakes!

• Chaffeys Lock 

• Davis Lock

• Jones Falls Lock 

• Narrows Lock 

• Newboro Lock 

• Poonamalie Lock 

Davis Lock photo by George Fischer

Top 10 Inland Parks

• Delta Recreation Centre
• Heritage Park, Elgin 
• Kin Park, Portland 
• Newboro Memorial Park
• Shillington Park 
• Stone Mills Park, Delta 
• Stevens Park, Delta 
• Van Clief Park, Lombardy 

Beaches 

Dip your toes or dive right in! Did you know there are four beaches in Rideau Lakes – and that three of the beaches are free of charge? The beach located at Lower Beverley Lake Park is free for pedestrian walk-ins and $5.00 for a vehicle pass. For more information on Beaches and Parks in Rideau Lakes, visit the Beaches and Parks page.

Rideau Lakes also owns two harbours, Newboro Harbour on Newboro Lake and Portland Harbour on Big Rideau Lake! Slips can be rented, or boats can be launched for free at 14 beautiful boat launches around the township. Get out on the water and enjoy our beautiful lakes!

Westport Lions Sand Lake Beach by Matthew Liteplo  

Festivals and Events

Find traditional family events, engaging music festivals, flea markets, agricultural fairs and the best wildlife and sunset photo spots on the Rideau Canal – all set in the beautiful landscapes and villages along the Rideau system. Get festive with flair in Rideau Lakes!

Heritage Walking Tours, Cycling Tours and Paddling Routes  

Discover the township at your own pace! Whether walking, driving, cycling or paddling, we’ve got a tour that lets you explore Rideau Lakes with the inside scoop. The Township of Rideau Lakes offers a series of pre-planned village walking tours, heritage driving tours, cycling routes and paddling journeys to take the guesswork out of your itinerary. Visit the Trails and Routes page for more!

Experience Rideau Lakes

Discover more! Things to see and do - by boat, by foot, by paddle or by tire - are only a click away. Have a peek at www.experiencerideaulakes.ca. Stay in the know and follow Rideau Lakes on Facebook to get the latest news and events!