On Our Way to Morton Bay – Kingston Mills – Rideau Canal, Ontario/Quebec

The Rideau Heritage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ontario and Quebec, Canada – Kingston Mills –

We began our ascent of the Rideau Canal at the Cataraqui River system, cruising through the Cataraqui Marsh before we arrived at Kingston Mills, 4.35 miles from Kingston, our first of 24 lock stations on the canal.

For about two weeks, we followed the canal and navigated through historic, charming villages, were witness to a few local events, and met friendly Canadians. They operate the old locks, of the Rideau Canal, today as they did when the locks first opened in 1832. A 19th-century engineering feat. The first section of the canal runs from Kingston to Ottawa, Ontario. This section includes not only the historic canal and locks but a few beautiful lakes and rivers. Before becoming a major artery for commerce, the Rideau served as a secure supply route between Kingston and Montreal. Today, as other modes of transportation became available over the years, the canal serves the recreational boating community. The locks are filled with small pleasure boats, kayaks, canoes, and some small ferry boats.

As we entered the first lock, Kingston Mills, we could see the wear and tear the wall has endured over the years. We noticed the bright green moss and grass shoots, embedded in the old blocks, peeking out to find warmth from the sun. We will transit through three locks today, Kingston Mills, Lower Brewers, and Upper Brewers, before we reach our destination of Morton Bay for one night at anchor.

Lower Brewers Lock – 45 (above-below)

Upper Brewers Lock – 43-44 (above-below)