The Rideau Canal was cut through the wild and beautiful areas of the Frontenac Axis to provide an alternative to the St. Lawrence in case of attack from the Americans. Happily, it was never used for that purpose and has become a well-used recreational waterway. It extends from Ottawa to Kingston and we'll use it as the general direction of our tour while making side trips to take advantage of the unique attractions, historic sites and natural resources of the area.
The Frontenac Axis is an arm of the PreCambrian Shield which extends south to the Kingston area; its edges provide some rugged escarpments for some challenging hiking and stunning views. The Rideau Trail cuts through the area and links a number of provincial parks and conservation areas. We'll hike the most interesting of the trails available.
We hike along the Rideau Corridor from Ottawa to Kingston and back. We explore river valleys and rolling farmlands, walk along quartzite ridges, look out over the countryside for stunning views from a number of high points and enjoy the urban landscape of Ottawa along the Ottawa River and Kingston along Lake Ontario.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: We start from the Ottawa end of the Rideau Canal and walk along the Ottawa River. After lunch, we enjoy some rugged hiking and spectacular falls along the Mississippi River. Dinner and overnight in a unique country inn. (L/D).
Day 2: We hike part of the Rideau Trail along the Tay Canal and explore the trails and views from Foley Mountain. Overnight and dinner in Westport. (B/L/D).
Day 3: Hiking,picnicking and swimming in Frontenac Provincial Park.Overnight in a historic limestone mansion in Kingston. Gourmet dinner overlooking the Rideau River. (B/L/D).
Day 4: Exploring some of the trails of Gould Lake Conservation Area, then back to our accommodation in Kingston. Historic tour of waterfront. Dinner at Old Fort Henry. (B/L/D).
Day 5: A boat cruise among the Thousand Islands, then hiking in Charleston Lake Provincial Park. We stop in Athens for a look at the town's murals then drive on to Merrickville where we stay in small historic inn and dine at a Dickens-themed restaurant. (B/L/D).
Day 6: Relive some of the history of the buiding of the Rideau Canal in a walk along one of the earthen dikes.We return to Ottawa this afternoon after a short hike in the Marlborough Forest. (B/L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost includes: all transportation, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, taxes and gratuities.
Cost does not include: alcoholic beverages, optional activities, personal shopping and discretionary gratuities.
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