Cruising Ontario

[mac07733]

We are considering doing the St Lawrence, Ottawa River, Rideau Canal loop (counter clockwise) on our 27 in September. Planning to trailer to and put in and take out at Kingston, Ontario.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Specifically, are there any cruising concerns on the St Lawrence? Rough water, etc

Do the canal locks operate efficiently in September?

Are there any great stops?

Are there any good restaurants?

Are you able to get Verizon service? (internet, phone)

Thanks

 

[Sine Wave]

You are in for a great trip. I assume that you will be going to Montreal and cruising the Ottawa River to Ottawa. No problem with the St. Lawrence River. If you have time see the Thousand islands, Bolt Castle is a great visit. As I recall, you will have two locks to pass on the St. Lawrence. Last I recall they were $25.00 each. Probably more now. Spend a day in Ottawa nice place to visit and lots happening. The Rideau is a very nice trip with mostly small locks that are easy to manage. Spending some time in Montreal will be rewarding. Restaurants there will be the best you will find on your trip.

While in Canada turn off your Verizon service and only go on Wi Fi when available. Rates are terrible! I remember $2.25 per minute for air time...UGH, even for calls coming from the States.

If you have more questions, let me know.
Sine Wave
Wayne Cameron

 

[mac07733]

Thanks Wayne,

How long did you take for the trip?

Dennis Nitka
3Cheers

 

[bymiller]

I did this loop in 2013 in a clockwise direction. I started and ended at Brewerton, NY .

The difference in direction means you will be going upriver on the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers but downstream on the Richelou River if you are coming up from Lake Champlain. Current can be quite strong on the StLawrence. There is a small boat route buoyed along much of the St Lawrence from Sorel to Montreal. It is easy to follow and gets you out of some of the current. I didn't see much commercial traffic on my trip.

Buy the mooring pass as well as the lock pass for the Canadian Canals. The passes are good for the locks in Montreal and Ontario but are not good for the locks on the St. Lawrence. The mooring pass allows you to tie up on the lock walls and on the wall in downtown Ottawa.

I was able to go through the LaChine Canal in Montreal. You need to be under 8' to use it. It's pretty if you can.

Smith Falls is a good sized town with good mooring. Westport is a little of the main route but easy to get to. It is a nice little shopping stop. Merrickville is nice. Other than that there are not many other towns. This is a really old waterway with a lot of history and there are many things to see at many of the locks.

Have good fenders. Several of the locks fill almost to the top and it is tricky to keep the boat off of the walls.

Be aware that diesel is not sold at most marinas in Canada. The typical Canadian big, fast cruisers run gas. It shouldn't add difficulty to the trip, just be aware.

If you have specific questions send me a PM.

It's a great trip!

 

[BobR]

Get the Seaway guide (free on line). Suggest the Rideau and Thousand Island cruising guides as very useful.

Going East from Kingston you will go through the Iroquois, Eisenhaure,- Snell (paired) and finally Beauharnois which is two locks, upper and lower. Delays at the latter can be very long. Seaway guide has phone numbers for the Canadian locks and you can get forecasted openings for pleasure craft. You can also buy passes online for all Seawy locks - useful since the US locks take only exact change cash or a pass. Google for the links.

Heading East, Gananoque is 1000 Island HQ. Great municipal marina with restaurants within walking range - Riva is a standout.

On the Rideau great stops are Dowes Lake Marina with 3 restaurants on site and the Marina du Casino in Hull. Spend $100 in the Casino or restaurants and the dockage is free.

Farther East the Chateau Montebello Marina and Hotel is a great stop - fabulous restaurant for dinner and a mind blowing breakfast buffet. Pricey mind you but a real treat.

Best,

Bob