EXPERIENCE
Trip Ideas
Equestrian Outings
Horsing around is encouraged in Rideau Lakes! Experiences showcasing the beauty and quiet strength of horses are waiting here. From trail-riding to wagon rides to staying with your horse on a local ranch, your perfect equestrian experience is in Rideau Lakes.
Accessible Friendly Places in Rideau Lakes
Rideau Lakes is just the ticket for an accessible-friendly day trip. With shops, community spaces, memorable dining options and even an accessible trail, it’s a great place to plan an accommodating afternoon.
Revel in Rideau Ferry • Lombardy
The true Canadian cottage atmosphere of the Rideau Ferry area will inspire you to explore the lakeside community and the agricultural haven of Lombardy. Visit Miller’s Bay Farm or Rideau Antiques to pick up a few things and grab a photo overlooking the fields.
Wander North Crosby • Westport
Nature lovers will enjoy a hike to Spy Rock lookout at the Foley Mountain Conservation Area for spectacular views overlooking the picturesque village of Westport. Close by, Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery delights patrons with wood fired pizza on the vineyard patio overlooking Sand Lake.
Boat into Portland
Set on Big Rideau Lake, Portland has been a boating community for hundreds of years. Very welcoming to boaters, you will find waterfront dining, cafes, a pizzeria, an art gallery and shops including grocery, spirits, post office and a bank within walking distance of the harbour and marinas.
Navigate to Newboro
The quaint and historic village of Newboro was built around the Rideau Canal Lockstation in the centre of the village. Don’t miss Kilborn’s; a charming department store worth the drive and enhance the experience with lunch at the historic Stagecoach Inn Restaurant next door.
Journey to Jones Falls • Morton
Known as one of the prettiest lockstations along the Rideau Canal, Jones Falls is home to the “Great Stone Arch Dam,” featuring an impressive flight of 3 lower locks. This is the highest lift of any lockstation on the canal. The turning basin separates the 3 lower locks from the upper lock. Enjoy the sprawling greenspace and outdoor picnic areas, visit the blacksmith shop or explore Sweeney House and get a sense of life in the 1800s.
Explore Elgin
Situated just off Highway 15, in the heart of corn country, Elgin offers many services for both the visitor and local residents. The local population is about 300 but, in the summer, Elgin serves as the hub for several thousand cottage residents.
D.O. Delta
A vibrant community rich with heritage and natural amenities, Delta has a picturesque landscape located in the centre of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, between two pristine lakes. This scattered farming settlement was initially known as “Stevenstown” named after Settler, Elder Abel Stevens, a United Empire Loyalist and Baptist Minister, who brought a number of pioneer families from Vermont beginning in 1794.
Cruise into Chaffeys Lock
Set on a beautiful isthmus of land between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake, here you will find the Lockmaster's House Museum bearing history of the Rideau Canal, the historic Opinicon waterfront resort offering exquisite dining and a charming ice cream shop, a heritage community hall, and recreational opportunities such as paddling, cycling and self-guided heritage walking tours. Those travelling by boat will find full marina services. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture photos of the many interesting sights, like the one-lane swing bridge and the picturesque old mill.
