Triangle Loop Trip Report

Favunclerich

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2010
Messages
203
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2542G708
Vessel Name
Roam (2008 #42)
Cheryll, Roam and I have returned home from our Triangle Loop trip. We trailered Roam, our R-25, from our condo in Michigan to Kingston, Ontario. From there we cruised along the Rideau Canal to Ottawa, then down the Ottawa River To Montreal. From there it was via the St. Lawrence River and Richelieu River to Lake Champlain. The Champlain, Erie and Oswego Canals took us to Lake Ontario and the 1000 Islands before returning to Kingston and then home. The 28-day journey covered 867 miles on flat, fresh water that was almost entirely well-protected. We transited 99 locks and did four international border crossings.

Here is a link to our trip report with a map, details and photos;

http://odendahls.com/roam/TriangleLoop.pdf

I'd recommend this trip to experienced boaters who are comfortable handling their boats in confined spaces. The locks require patience and capable crew. History buffs will enjoy the countless museums, parks and forts from the Revolutionary War, French and Indian War, and the War of 1812.

Rich
 
Nicely done trip report. Thanks. Good trip reports help folks like me who are planning such trips.
 
A cracking good report from Cheryl and Rich.
Calling the fire department was a stroke of genius :twisted:
 
Seems more like a rectangle to me...
 
Just read your trip report, very good job with that!

I've been planning the same trip on our C28 now stored north of Syracuse. Cancelled plans last year due to high water issues during early and mid-season in the great lake and 1000 islands area. We did get up to the 1000 islands for a week+ in late August and things were largely back to normal by then.

There's already concerns about similar issues this coming summer. So I'm wondering about the same trip in reverse. The first leg would go east to the Hudson (where issues were not as severe last year), and up to Lake Champlain. We'd store there for a month and do the second half in August, from Champlain north to the St Lawrence, west to Montreal and up to Ottawa, then down the Rideau to Kingston. I'm planning 6-7 weeks total between the 2 trips. Curious on your thoughts or advice on cruising that direction?

One obvious concern is running against current so much in the Hudson, St. Lawrence, and Ottawa rivers. Admittedly have yet to do my homework on currents and calculate the impact, but willing to spend some more $ on diesel vs not going again this year. Or am I wasting time even looking at it?

Appreciate any input from you or other readers with experience in the area.

Mike
 
It's difficult to say what Mother Nature will throw at the Great Lakes this summer, but the Army Corps of Engineers publishes a weekly report of the levels for the Great Lakes. Here's a link;

https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions ... er-Levels/

This week's report shows that Lake Ontario is currently 33 inches above chart datum, 9 inches above its level a year ago, and 17 inches above its January average. It is forecast to rise two inches over the next month. The report also warns that "High water levels and potentially record high water levels are expected to persist for at least the next six months, so flood prone areas are expected to remain vulnerable. " I suggest checking the report from time to time to find out what's winning; evaporation or precipitation.

Like lake levels, currents also vary with the weather. We did the Triangle Loop clockwise to take advantage of the currents. In late summer of 2016, the currents on the Ottawa River were mostly in the 1 - 2 knot range. In the St. Lawrence River we found 2-3 knots near Sorel increasing to 5 knots at Montreal. Most everywhere else, the currents were less than one knot.

The Triangle Loop is highly recommended, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy the blend of scenery, history and culture along the way.
 
I’ve done the Rideau single handed, great history and pretty and handsome lock workers college kids they love to talk to passing boats. Great experience doing the locks on the St Lawrence, makes you feel reeeaal small in the lock chamber. Remember your life jackets!
 
Great report. My rowdy sailing buddies and I did the triangle loop in 2018 in our 27 IB. Having three on board certainly made transiting 104 locks easier. We started and ended in Portland, Maine. You can see our report at nanoloop2018.blogspot.com.
 
So, did either of you do it counterclockwise as I inquired about?

Mike
 
I did the Rideau clockwise because I did the Trent Severn up and back, then just a short leg to the Rideau. I launched in the Erie Canal, came down Lake Champlain and back on the Erie, side trip to Quebec City. Got the full use of the Canadian Canal Pass.
 
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