Oliver’s Ferry, now known as Rideau Ferry, is situated on a narrow channel between Lower and Big Rideau lakes on the Rideau Canal system. It is the narrowest crossing point between the locks at Poonamalie and Rideau Narrows. Today the village spans the crossing, and the south part is situated in Rideau Lakes township.

The location was first used by the Algonquins as a crossing and that First Nations’ tradition was continued as the first European settlers migrated from Brockville to Perth and Lanark County

John Oliver became a Ferry operator/owner in 1816, living on the south side of Rideau Lake. Local legend has it that a few travelers were robbed and mysteriously “disappeared” during Oliver’s tenure as the ferry operator. The Oliver family’s association with violence continued when William, John Oliver’s son, took over the family business. William was murdered in 1842 by a neighbour during an argument over trespassing cattle. Archibald Campbell eventually took over the ferry operation from the Olivers and he also built an inn on the north side of the lake. When the Rideau Canal was built, Rideau Ferry became an important wharf and warehouse site. The ferry was replaced by a hand operated swing bridge in 1869. When some Oliver family outbuildings were demolished to make way for the bridge, several skeletons were discovered, evidence for some, of John Oliver’s nefarious deeds.

In 1895 the village had two churches, a store, hotel, and graphite factory. The north shore of the lake was the location of an inn up to the 1940s when it was a popular dancing spot and wedding venue.

Since it was established in 1897, the Rideau Ferry Regatta continues to be a biennial event where vintage race boats compete.

By David Gwynne

Rideau Lakes Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee