Canada's insider blog

I knew that travelling across the country in less than 8 weeks was not going to be a vacation.  But I never expected it to be this intense.  In a good way.  I'm learning and taking in such wealth of information that my job has become even more difficult.  Why?

Because I want to inspire you. I wish I could post EVERY conversation that I have with a local shop owner or with other tourists, and tell you the minutiae of our days.  Sadly, 24 hours in a day is just not enough time.   As a brave attempt to try to capture it all, here is a glimpse into one of those experiences, the route we took from Ottawa to Kingston on the Rideau Canal.

History bit:  As you know, the Rideau Canal, along with Fort Henry and the Kingston Fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  (The Rideau was quintessential in helping British forces defended Canada against the U.S. and it’s also the most outstanding slackwater system in the world.) Uncovering some of the other advantages of the Rideau is my angle for this post. 

Flavouristas need an intentional detour to Merrickville, a pretty town that is also the home of Mrs. McGarrigle’s mustard empire. Don’t be shy when dipping your salty pretzel into one of the 14 flavours of handmade mustards, like the Oktoberfest and the Hot Whiskey. (Tip: Have a coffee at Brewed Awakening– a coffee shop everyone goes to.)

Visit the Opinicon at Chaffey’s Locks. The crème-and-butter coloured cottages remind us all that Dirty Dancing never went out-of-style.  The rooms are patterned with browns, reds, greens and pinks.  The  dining service is original: Say hi to Anita, try the perch and order the raisin pie to go. 

Cruisers must-try Captain Lance’s boat ride to Jones Falls.  A 30-foot electric cruiser called “Chuckles” used to be a lobster boat, but now she is a restored tour guide in her own right.  What will you see?  Pristine mist-covered waterways, massive cottages perched on the edge of the river, and nature in Her finest form.

Dramatic-types will love to hear the soap opera inspired story of the Sweeney’s at Jones Falls.  Lockmaster Peter Sweeney wrote a detailed diary that uncovers his family’s boozey past, a broken marriage and more dirt. @ the Sweeney House.

Doner Studio at the Mill is for art aficionados.   Located just off the highway at Lower Brewers Lock, Randal Dover and his wife create metal functional art (too bad they sold the giant shovel!).

If you can, contact Anne-Marie Forcier at the Rideau Heritage Route for a more suggestions on where to go and what to see. She is the IT lady to suggest an itinerary for your interests.