Paddling school and guide-led expeditions in the Ottawa area and beyond
Rideau Expedition Series: Kingston to Ottawa

Rideau Expedition Series: Kingston to Ottawa

12-Week Saturday Series
(Mid-June to Mid-September)

Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Water Join Nanook Expeditions for the ultimate summer paddling adventure along the historic Rideau Canal and River system. The Rideau Expedition Series is a carefully curated 12-part Saturday series that allows you to paddle the entire 200+ kilometer waterway from Lake Ontario in Kingston to the shadow of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, including a bonus day down the historic Tay River from Perth to Rideau Canal.

Designed for paddlers who want to experience the grandeur of the Rideau at a relaxed, immersive pace, this expedition breaks the epic journey down into 12 manageable day trips. Each Saturday, you’ll paddle an average of 15 to 20 kilometers (approx. 5 to 6 hours on the water), ensuring plenty of time to explore historic lockstations, enjoy a peaceful shore lunch, and take in the spectacular Canadian Shield scenery and diverse wildlife.

Whether you are a history buff fascinated by 19th-century engineering, a birdwatcher eager to explore the marshlands of the “Swale,” or a paddler seeking a historic long-distance achievement without the exhaustion of continuous wilderness camping, this series is for you. With all vehicle logistics, access points, and routing expertly managed by the Nanook Expeditions team, all you have to do is paddle, connect with fellow adventurers, and experience the “Jewel of the Rideau” exactly as it was meant to be seen.

  • Fully Guided Experience – Travel with an experienced guide(s)
  • Small Group Size – Maximum 12 guests
  • All Canoes/Kayak/Big Canoe & Equipment Included – No gear required
  • Lunch & Snacks Included
  • Scenic Route through Rideau Canal, Rideau River and Tay River systems
  • Opportunities to see loons, deer, turtles, beavers, and more

  • Single day sign up or packages available 

  • Paddle Canada Basic / Level 1 skills certification can be worked towards (short paddling days will also be skill / rescue learning, review days) 

  1. Single day registration
    • $149 / adult (16+ yrs old)
    • $129 / youth (12-16 yrs old)
    • $99 / child (under 12 yrs old – call office to book)
  2. 6 day pass savings up to $95
    • $799 / adult (16+ yrs old)
    • $559 / youth (12-16 yrs old)
    • $439 / child (under 12 yrs old – call office to book)
  3. Full Expedition pass (All 12 Days) even greater savings
    • $1499 / adult (16+ yrs old)
    • $1099 / youth (12-16 yrs old)
    • $879 / child (under 12 yrs old – call office to book)
    • Experienced Guide(s)
    • Lunch & Snacks Provided (Dietary restrictions can be accommodated)
    • Paddle Craft (Canoe, Kayak, Big Canoe) 
    • PFD (lifejacket), paddles, and safety gear
    • Dry bags for small personal items
    • Shuttle service from Ottawa to Put In (Information coming soon) 
    • Water Bottle 
    • Quick-dry long-sleeve and/or athletic wear (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc)
    • Fleece jacket or pullover (For at lunch, or the take out)
    • Quick-dry shorts or pants, bathing suits and/or athletic wear (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc)
    • Closed-toed water shoes (old sneakers) or sandals (must have back straps no flip flops)
    • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
    • Head gear – sun hat (summer)
    • Sunglasses with strap
    • Lip balm (with UV protection)
    • Good quality water bottle (e.g., nalgene)
    • Sunscreen
    • Bug spray
    • Camera (waterproof casing and strap)

    Day 1: Where the River Meets the Lake (Kingston to Colonel By Lake)
    Distance: ~10 km
    The Vibe: The journey begins! We launch at Emma Martin Park in Kingston, leaving Lake Ontario behind as we paddle up the sheltered Cataraqui River. The highlight of the day is our first encounter with Parks Canada history as we navigate the impressive 4-lock flight at Kingston Mills, transitioning from the river into the tranquil waters of Colonel By Lake to end our first day.

    Day 2: Sunken Forests and Wetlands (Colonel By Lake to Upper Brewers)
    Distance: ~15.5 km
    The Vibe: Today we explore Colonel By Lake and the fascinating River Styx. Keep your cameras ready—these shallow, man-made lakes are renowned for their hauntingly beautiful sunken tree stumps and abundant waterfowl. We’ll enjoy a leisurely paddle through the Lower Brewers lockstation before concluding at Upper Brewers.

    Day 3: The Great Stone Dam (Upper Brewers to Jones Falls)
    Distance: ~17.3 km
    The Vibe: Classic cottage country paddling. We’ll weave our way through Cranberry, Little Cranberry, and Whitefish Lakes. We will stop for a picturesque lunch in the secluded Morton Bay before paddling into Jones Falls. Here, we finish our day at the foot of the magnificent Great Stone Arch Dam—a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

    Day 4: Islands of the Rideau (Jones Falls to Newboro)
    Distance: ~21.2 km
    The Vibe: Our longest but arguably most scenic day so far. We’ll navigate the island-dotted waters of Sand and Opinicon Lakes, passing historic 19th-century fishing lodges and the picturesque Chaffeys Lock. Our day ends at Newboro, a crucial geographic milestone: we have reached the highest point of the Rideau watershed!

    Day 5: Crossing the Shield (Newboro to Murphys Point)
    Distance: ~19.6 km
    The Vibe: Now paddling “downhill” toward Ottawa, we cross Upper Rideau Lake, pass through Narrows Lock, and enter the expansive Big Rideau Lake. The landscape shifts dramatically here as we paddle along the rugged, pine-lined shores of the Canadian Shield, finishing our day at the beautiful Murphys Point Provincial Park.

    Day 6: The Tay Descent (Perth to Rideau Ferry)
    Distance: ~17 km
    The Vibe: Starts in Perth. We launch from the Perth Basin and follow the current down the historic Tay Canal. This intimate, winding route offers a different perspective on the watershed, taking us through the Beveridges lock flight before we “re-enter the Rideau” to finish back at Rideau Ferry.

    Day 7: The Swale Wetlands (Perth to Smiths Falls)
    Distance: ~19.8 km
    The Vibe: Returning down the Tay Canal, we merge back onto the Rideau River and head north toward Smiths Falls. We will paddle through a biologically rich wetland area known to locals as “The Swale.” This tranquil, marshy stretch is a haven for wildlife before the river opens up to bring us into the industrial heritage hub of Smiths Falls.

    Day 8: The Current Guides Us (Smiths Falls to Merrickville)
    Distance: ~23.2 km
    The Vibe: The river really starts to flow our way today. We will pass through several historic, hand-operated lockstations including Old Slys, Edmunds, and Kilmarnock. The day concludes as we pull into the vibrant, historic village of Merrickville, widely known as the “Jewel of the Rideau,” where 19th-century stone architecture lines the shores.

    Day 9: The Short & Sweet Blockhouse Paddle (Merrickville to Burritts Rapids)
    Distance: ~9.5 km
    The Vibe: A well-deserved shorter paddling day. We’ll start by exploring the shadows of the massive Merrickville Blockhouse before hopping in our boats for a relaxed, easy float. We’ll navigate the Clowes and Nicholsons locks, concluding our half-day at Burritts Rapids, giving you extra time to rest or explore locally.

    Day 10: Entering the Long Reach (Burritts Rapids to Rideau River Provincial Park)
    Distance: ~19.0 km
    The Vibe: Today we enter “The Long Reach”—a famous 40-kilometer stretch of the Rideau River completely uninterrupted by locks. We’ll enjoy a continuous, peaceful paddle past historic farmland, old-growth shorelines, and quiet cottage country, wrapping up at the sandy shores of Rideau River Provincial Park.

    Day 11: The Suburban Transition (Rideau River PP to Jock River Landing)
    Distance: ~22.6 km
    The Vibe: Our second day on The Long Reach takes us through an evolving landscape. The rural farmlands gradually give way to the elegant suburban estates of Manotick. We’ll lock through the impressive Long Island flight and finish our day at the mouth of the Jock River, standing on the very edge of the nation’s capital.

    Day 12: The Grand Finale (Jock River to Downtown Ottawa)
    Distance: ~22.3 km
    The Vibe: The ultimate conclusion to our 12-week expedition. We paddle directly into the heart of Ottawa, passing through Black Rapids, Mooneys Bay, and the dramatic Hogs Back Falls. We’ll cross Dows Lake and navigate the historic canal cuts, bringing our journey to a triumphant close right in the shadow of Parliament Hill.

     

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