Newboro Lockstation 36 Features One of Four Blockhouses on the Rideau Canal

Newboro Lock Was a Fun Stop!

A picture-perfect day on the water for the crew of Kismet. Before we arrived at Newboro, we went through Davis and Chaffey Locks. We locked through to the upper side of the lock and tied up under the cover of some shade trees. The Newboro Lock features a Blockhouse–one of four, constructed by Colonel John By, on the Rideau Canal. They built blockhouses to defend the channels and locks on the Rideau; they housed a garrison of about ten men. Newboro is one of the few communities that arose because of the construction of the canal.

We’d heard there was a small town and a good restaurant within walking distance of the lock, so we planned to walk there for dinner. That also meant I would not have to cook onboard that night. Everyone we talked with was friendly and welcomed us to their town.

When we arrive at a lock wall to tie up for the night, we like to explore the surroundings. If there is a town nearby, we’ll trek up to it to look, shop, and stop in a pub to have a beer. Usually, we have the wall all to ourselves with, at most, only one or two other boats or campers nearby. On that night we were the only boat tied up, having the whole place to ourselves.

One of the locks we went through today had a row of old lawn chairs lined up. It must have been a slow morning because we imagine, on a busy day, these would be filled with tourists or locals who walked down to the lock to watch the boats lock through. Pretty entertaining stuff apparently.

A picture perfect setting for Kismet to spend the night.

We had a fantastic dinner at this charming restaurant, just a few blocks from the lock.