Rideau Canal Canoe & Kayak Sales & Rentals

On Tuesday, August 7, we're opening a kiosk at the Blockhouse Park in Merrickville, right at the upper locks, beside the Depot building. You'll be able to rent 14-foot canoes and Spirit kayaks right on the canal, and paddle upriver. Hourly rates apply, and are less than the current half-day rate.

This location is intended to serve visitors to Merrickville who want a short paddle to see the canal up close. Hours are 10:00 to 5:00 daily. You can phone the store to reserve a boat (269-3566), or just drop by. There's lots of free parking, we're downtown, and your rental should be easy.

If you are planning a group activity, think about a Paddle Day. Get the group on the water, experience the canal on site, do something different. Have a picnic, go swimming, or just paddle. This could be a memorable day for your group.

We've supplied  birthday parties, sports groups, large picnics,  and fund raisers. If your group is as few as five or ten people, or as large as 50, we can do it. We can put thirty in canoes, and another 25 in kayaks. We can supply experienced guides and instructors for your novices.

There are various locations available in and around Merrickville, one of the most scenic villages on the Rideau system. We have a trained crew on call, and can set up with short notice. Call or e-mail us at the Contacts page.

We just had two BC couples finish a trip from Smiths Falls to Black Rapids over four days. They started from Montague House B&B south of the Smiths Falls locks, made it to Merrickville for the first stop-over (at Millisle B&B), then continued to Pirate's Cove, with an overnight in Kemptville, then to Manotick, staying at the Old Virginia Manor, and finally Black Rapids. Downriver paddling, easy daytrips, and very good accommodations.

We tried something new: the group used sets of canoe wheels, which made portaging very easy. We're adding these to our rental inventory, so if you are planning an overnighter, ask us to set a pair aside for you. $10 per trip.

If you are interested in taking this trip, the web sites of the Bed and Breakfasts close to the water are:
Smiths Falls: (right on the north shore, so you can launch right after breakfast:) Montague House B&B: http://www.rideauparadise.ca/

Merrickville: up the street from the Locks: Millisle B&B: http://www.bbcanada.com/millislebb. We can also pick you up and deliver you and your boats to other B&Bs in Merrickville: the selection is very good – see www.tripadvisor.com for the list and rankings.

Kemptville: They'll pick you up from wherever you dock near Kemptville, and pick up your boats as well: http://www.bbcanada.com/13169.html

Manotick: The Olde Virginia Manor will also arrange to have you picked up: http://www.bbcanada.com/534.html