Rideau Tours.
Canoe, kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals plus guided paddle and walking tours on the Rideau Canal.
The brief.
Based at Chaffey's Lock on the Rideau Canal, Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Canadian Heritage River, Rideau Tours was launched in 2015 by Anne-Marie, former Executive Director of the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association. The operation rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and trail bikes, and runs guided flatwater paddle tours led by Paddle Canada certified interpretive guides through the Rideau Lakes section and Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere. Signature packages combine paddling, cycling and local food, including the multi-day Island Under the Stars trip and the Air-Land-Water UNESCO Discovery Tour. One-hour guided walking tours cover the heritage of Chaffey's Lock, including the historic Chaffey's Mill. The site sits 90 minutes south of Ottawa and 45 minutes north of Kingston.
6. ways in.
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Kayak & Canoe Rentals
For: Beginner and intermediate paddlersWhen: May 24 – Oct 15Rentals of single kayaks, tandem kayaks (Pelican, Old Town) and Kawartha canoes for flatwater paddling on the Rideau Canal. Paddles and safety equipment included; navigation charts available. Reservations required to secure your choice of boat.
Kayaks from $35 half day / $50 full day; canoes & tandem kayaks $50 half day / $70 full day
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Stand-up Paddleboards
For: All agesWhen: June – Oct 26Clearwater Inukshuk stand-up paddleboard rentals with paddles and safety equipment included. Staff suggest itineraries to spots such as Turtle Island or Happy Bay. Multi-day discounts available; reservations required.
$25 one hour / $35 half day / $50 full day
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Bike Rentals
For: All ages (child carrier seats available)When: June 10 – Oct 26Trail bikes suited to secondary roads and the stone-dust Cataraqui Trail, with comfortable seats and carriers. Bike lock, helmet and pannier/basket provided, plus route maps for loops from 8 km to 204 km around Chaffey's Lock.
$25 half day / $35 full day / $120 weekly; $20 child carrier seat
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Guided Rideau Paddle Tours
For: Beginner to intermediate paddlers (2 person minimum)Guided flatwater kayak or canoe tours through the Rideau Lakes section, led by Paddle Canada certified interpretive guides. Half-day tours include instruction; full-day tours cover one section of the canal. Kayak rental and safety gear included.
Half day from $75/person; 1 day from $150/person
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2 Day Guided Rideau Paddle Tour – Island Under the Stars
For: Beginner to intermediate paddlersTwo days of guided paddling on the Rideau Canal with an overnight on an island, a 'Flavours of the Rideau' gourmet picnic and heritage shore meals. Includes a 2-day kayak rental, safety equipment and interpretive guide.
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Walking Tours
For: All ages; groupsOne-hour guided walks of Chaffey's Lock covering local cultural history, including the historic Chaffey's Mill (now an art gallery). Tours depart by the boat houses across from the Opinicon parking lot. Themed private group walks available.
$15/person (1 hour); private group $7/person, min 10
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Worth knowing.
- 01Rideau Tours was launched in 2015 and is based at Chaffey's Lock on the Rideau Canal.Source ↗
- 02Guided paddle tours are led by Paddle Canada certified interpretive guides.Source ↗
- 03The site is 90 minutes south of Ottawa and 45 minutes north of Kingston.Source ↗
- 04Rentals run in the 2024 season from May 24 to Oct 15, open Wed–Sun 9am–5pm.Source ↗
Outside the door.
27° with 11 km/h wind. Go enjoy it.
Get in
touch.
- Website
- rideautours.ca
- Phone
- 613-583-4783
- Address
- 1671 Chaffey's Lock Rd, Rideau Lakes, Elgin, ON, K0G 1E0
- www.facebook.com/rideautours/
- www.instagram.com/rideautours/