Ontario

With an abundance of top wineries, Prince Edward County is a great destination for those escaping the big city.  A wine tasting tour of “the County” is a perfect way to spend a relaxing summer weekend.

The Prince Edward County wine region has expanded rapidly since the first winery was established in 2000.  Today, there are more than 30 wineries in the County.  Although not as large or as well known as Ontario’s Niagara Wine region, it is flourishing and producing amazing wine.

Prince Edward County Wines

Prince Edward County, informally called PEC, is on the north shore of Lake Ontario.  The lake helps moderate temperatures in the county throughout the year.  In addition, the calcium of the local limestone creates good soil conditions. Together these conditions create an ideal grape growing environment.

The region is best known for its Pinot Noir wines.  Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grow well everywhere in Prince Edward County.  Growers harvest the Cabernet Franc grape further inland.  Vineyards continue to plant more grape varieties, as the region continues to produce more wine selections.

Prince Edward County’s success lead to its designation as Ontario’s 3^rd appellation region in 2007 by The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) of Ontario.

5 Best Wineries in Prince Edward County

Here are the 5 Best Wineries to visit in Prince Edward County.

1. Sandbanks Winery
2. Waupoos Estates Winery
3. Huff Estates Winery
4. TerraCello Winery
5. Casa-Dea Estates Winery

Map of the Best Wineries in Prince Edward County

Sandbanks Winery

Sandbanks Winery has created a fantastic outdoor atmosphere.  There are multiple tasting bars.  Try a flight of their best wines in the Enhanced Wine tasting experience. Once you’ve chosen your favourite, sit around a fire pit and enjoy a glass. Don’t forget to toast the beautiful area and splendid wine.

We enjoyed a glass of Sandbanks’ Baco Noir Reserve. It was so relaxing sitting in a pair of Muskoka chairs and enjoying the sun’s golden hour.

When you venture inside to their wine shop you can also purchase charcuterie items.  Sandbanks Winery will even give you a cutting board and knife so that you can prepare and enjoy your own charcuterie board onsite.

Arrive at Sandbanks early on Saturdays to ensure you can be part of their barrel room tastings. It’s “first come, first served” with no reservations.  It is worth it as you’ll enjoy a flight of six wines and food pairings.

For hours and info, visit the Sandbanks Winery website.

Waupoos Estates Winery

This beautiful property overlooks the Lake Ontario waterfront.  Waupoos Estates Winery opened in 2000, the first winery in Prince Edward County.

The main building houses a wine and candy store and an indoor tasting bar. 

Since the weather was beautiful and sunny, we enjoyed a flight of both red and white wines at the outdoor tasting bar. Down the driveway from the store and outdoor tasting bar is a large gazebo restaurant. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

Waupoos welcomes you to enjoy their entire 100 acre property.  We strolled through the picturesque vineyard sloping gently toward Lake Ontario.  At the dock, you can sit on the benches and enjoy your glass of wine and the view of the lake. Wedding ceremonies are often held here.

Across the road from the winery is the Waupoos sister location, Clafeld Cider House.  Here they blend their locally grown apples into a cider called ‘Smashed’.  The farm even has a petting zoo for the kids.

For hours and more info, visit the Waupoos Estates website.

Huff Estates Winery

Huff Estates Winery is a nice place to spend a summer afternoon.

At the tasting bar, try a flight of Huff wines including their Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

Enjoy pizza baked fresh in their wood-fired oven. Take one of their specialties like Margarita pizza out to the outdoor patio.

After lunch, visit the Oeno Gallery, an on-site art gallery.  Walk the 4-acre sculpture garden with its incredible outdoor installations. If you fall in love with a piece of art, talk to gallery staff. All artwork is available for purchase.

Live music every Sunday in the summer gives you just one more reason to visit Huff Estates.

For hours and more info, visit the Huff Estates website.

TerraCello Winery

You’ll find TerraCello’s tasting areas and a barrel room in a beautifully renovated farmhouse in a quiet tranquil setting.

The owner, Tony Auciello, is always around, conducting tours and demonstrating how he carefully crafts his small batches of wine.

Relax on the patio and try their cannoli.  Locals say their pizza is the best pizza on the island, thanks to their Tuscan-style wood oven.  In the evening, you can enjoy the fire pit or maybe play bocce on the bocce court.

For hours and more info, visit the TerraCello website.

Casa-Dea Estates Winery

Have a glass of Casa-Dea’s signature Pinot Gris and relax on the large patio overlooking the grounds and vineyards. 

La Pergola Restaurant serves pizza and pasta.

If you want to be active, play some bocce ball on the courts below.  Be sure to check out the huge chess board and pieces.  Grab photos posing with the large ‘LOVE’ sign in the open field to remind you how much you loved your visit to Prince Edward County’s wineries.

For hours and more info, visit the Casa-Dea website.

Top Wineries in Prince Edward County

In addition to our 5 Best Wineries above, you can drop into any of these top wineries during your trip to Prince Edward County.

Winery	Location
Black Prince Winery	Picton, Ontario
Broken Stone Winery	Hillier, Ontario
By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery and Vineyard	Wellington, Ontario
Casa-Dea Estates Winery	Wellington, Ontario
Closson Chase Vineyards	Hillier, Ontario
Del-Gatto Estates Winery	Picton, Ontario
Exultet Estates	Milford, Ontario
Gravel Hill Vineyards	Hillier, Ontario
Grange of Prince Edward Winery	Hillier, Ontario
Norman Hardie Winery	Wellington, Ontario
Harwood Estate Vineyards	Hillier, Ontario
Hillier Creek Winery	Hillier, Ontario
Hinterland Wine Company	Hillier, Ontario
Hubbs Creek Vineyard	Wellington, Ontario
Huff Estates Winery	Bloomfield, Ontario
Karlo Estates Winery	Wellington, Ontario
Keint-He Winery and Vineyards	Wellington, Ontario
Lacey Estates Winery	Hillier, Ontario
Lighthall Vineyards	Milford, Ontario
Long Dog Vineyard and Winery	Picton, Ontario
Morandin Wines	Wellington, Ontario
Redtail Vineyards	Consecon, Ontario
Rosehall Run Vineyards	Wellington, Ontario
Sandbanks Winery	Wellington, Ontario
Stanners Vineyard	Hillier, Ontario
Sugarbush Vineyards	Hillier, Ontario
Terra Estate Winery	Consecon, Ontario
TerraCello Winery	Bloomfield, Ontario
Three Dog Winery	Picton, Ontario
Trail Estate Winery	Hillier, Ontario
Traynor Family Vineyard	Hillier, Ontario
Waupoos Estates Winery	Picton, Ontario

Prince Edward County Wineries Map

Find all of the county’s top wineries on our wineries map.

Prince Edward County Wine Tours

It is easy to visit the PEC wineries on your own self-guided tour.  However, for those interested in an organized tour, there are several tour operators who will drive and guide you around the county’s wineries.

• Prince Edward County Wine Tours
  provides private and group tours in their passenger vans and ‘in style’ with their limousine service.
• Sandbanks Vacations and Tours
  will create a custom tour for a group of any size.
• A County Experience
  offers private tours and will also help you create a self-guided tour.
• Cronkie’s Tours Plus
  has a fleet of passenger vans to help you get to and around the County.
• Tina’s Wine Tours
  is a family-run business that provides private tours for groups of 2 or more.

Prince Edward County Bike Wine Tours

A Bike Wine tour is one of the most pleasant ways to spend a day visiting PEC wineries.

County Wine Tours is well known for their Sip & Cycle Tour.  They take small groups on a fun tour, cycling the back roads and enjoying various wineries along the way.

Closson Road Cycles offer a nice half-day cycling tour, visiting 4 wineries over a 20 km route.

Are Prince Edward County Wineries Open in the Winter?

Yes, many of the Prince Edward County wineries remain open during the winter months, though often with reduced hours.  Four of the wineries in our ‘5 Best’ have winter hours, namely Sandbanks Winery, Waupoos Estates, Huff Estates and Casa-Dea Winery.

Check their individual websites for specific operating hours.

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Killbear is one of Ontario’s best parks for summer camping.  The park is loaded with beaches and great hiking opportunities.  And, yes, you can even try cliff jumping, plunging 10 meters into the waters of Georgian Bay.

Where is Killbear Provincial Park?

Killbear is just 3 hours north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on beautiful Georgian Bay. It is one of Ontario’s busiest provincial parks with its close proximity to heavily populated Southern Ontario and its many things to do.

Map of Killbear Provincial Park

Camping at Killbear

Killbear is a large campground with over 1,000 campsites with both electrical and non-electrical sites. A few sites are classified as “barrier-free”. Pull-through sites are available as well for large camper/RV units.  Though none of these sites have individual sewer or water service, a trailer dumping station and potable water fill-up are available.  If you are searching for more peace and quiet, several of the campgrounds are also radio-free.

Where are the Best Campsites at Killbear Provincial Park?

Kilcoursie Bay Campground is my pick for the best campsites. The sites tend to be larger and have the best access to the main beach. Beaver Dams would be my second choice for its access to the beach and the best spot to watch the spectacular Georgian Bay sunsets.

Killbear Camping Reservations

Killbear is a busy and popular park in the summer. Even with over 1,000 campsites, the park fills up quickly. Book early! The Ontario Parks Reservation system accepts reservations up to 5 months in advance of your arrival date (meaning book February 1st to make a reservation for July 1st).

Killbear Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails to choose from at Killbear, varying in length from 800 metres to 6 kilometres. None of them are considered technically challenging. Vehicle parking is available at each trailhead.

Killbear Hiking Trails Map

Killbear Trails

Here are basic details about the 4 trails at Killbear Provincial Park.

Trail Name	Difficulty	Length/Time
Lighthouse Point Trail	Easy to Moderate	800 m / 0:25
Twin Points Trail	Easy	1.6 km / 0:40
Lookout Point Trail	Moderate	3.5 km / 1:30
Recreational Trail	Easy to Moderate	6 km / 3:00

Lighthouse Point Trail

The trail is an easy 800 metre loop through the woods to Killbear Point to the Killbear lighthouse. Spend some time at the rocky beach by the lighthouse, skimming stones into the water and watching the boats go by.  Lighthouse Point is another great location for sunsets.

You can get to the trail by driving to the parking lot at the trailhead.  Alternately, take your bike along the Recreational Trail to reach the trailhead.

Twin Points Trail

This pleasant 1.6 kilometre loop trail takes you to great views of the entire Killbear Peninsula on Georgian Bay.  You’ll walk through forest, along sandy beaches and across bedrock ridges. Look down as you walk across the rock. You may notice scratch marks on the rock from boulders being dragged across the bedrock by the glaciers during the last ice age.

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead which is in the Day Use parking lot.

Lookout Point Trail

On the longest loop (3.5 kilometres) you’ll walk through a mixed forest. Enjoy the beautiful shade provided by oak, sugar maple, yellow birch, cedar and pine trees.  Hike to the top of the escarpment for an amazing view of Georgian Bay.

A small parking lot is beside the trailhead. The Recreational Trail is just across the main road from the trailhead as well.

Recreation Trail

This trail is a 6 kilometre dirt trail that runs the length of the park along the main park road.  This is a great trail, taking hikers and cyclists through hemlock groves all the way to Lighthouse Point.

Things To Do at Killbear Provincial Park

In addition to hiking, Killbear has a great range of summer activities for everyone.

• Cliff Jumping
• Swimming
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Boating/Sailing
• Biking
• Fishing
• Photograph the Killbear Tree
• Enjoy Sunsets

Cliff Jumping

One of the most unique and exhilarating activities at Killbear is cliff jumping at Harold Point . Please note this activity is not encouraged by park staff. You are jumping at your own risk. On a hot summer day it is especially enjoyable but take care and practice common sense. At its highest point, the jump is over 10 meters. You need to step out far enough to clear the ledge below. It’s not as scary as it sounds. There are ledges below the cliff top so that even the kids can participate from a lower spot.

Swimming and Beaches

Beaches are within easy walking distance of all campgrounds at Killbear. The 2 kilometre long horseshoe-shaped beach at Kilcoursie Bay is by far the top choice. There’s plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the sun. The swimming is great. The large shallow area makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids.

The other campgrounds have beaches near them but they are smaller with rockier terrain. They’re still perfect places to relax and unwind.

The Day Use area at the west end of Kilcoursie Bay has a beautiful beach with plenty of parking.

There are 2 beaches for pets. One is beside the Day Use beach so pets must remain on-leash. The second is near the group camping area on the eastern side of the peninsula and is an off-leash area.

Canoeing/Kayaking

The water surrounding Killbear Provincial Park is perfect for paddling. There are lots of opportunities to land and explore some of the park’s 12 kilometres of shoreline. Davy, Scott, and Cousin Islands are also nearby. Many more islands are a short paddle away.

When the winds are calm, the near-shore paddling is easy. Be mindful that wind and wave conditions on Georgian Bay can change quickly. One thing for sure, the views are exceptional on this body of water.

You will need to bring your own canoe or kayak. There are no rentals onsite, but rentals are available from outfitters just outside the park.

I spent an entire day kayaking along the adjoining Parry Sound strait. I went as far as Lighthouse Point before turning around after an exhilarating day.

Boating/Sailing

Killbear is in the 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. This makes Killbear the perfect base to explore the area by boat. You can go sailing, cruising or even waterskiing. There are boat launches in Blind Bay Campground and Lighthouse Point Campground.  However, low water levels limit the launch to smaller boats under 20 feet.

Biking

The 6 kilometre dirt-surfaced Recreational Trail along the main road is used by cyclists and walkers. Please be on the lookout for walkers when cycling. The trail is perfect for the kids, keeping them away from the vehicle traffic on the road.

Fishing

Bring your fishing gear! Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, pike, perch and walleye can be found here. Lake Trout fishing is only permitted in Big Sound, the eastern side of the Killbear peninsula. These waters are known for a very productive Lake Trout fishery. On the western side of the peninsula, Kilcoursie Bay, is closed to Lake Trout fishing. The bay is now a sanctuary for the species.

Photograph the Killbear Tree

This dramatic windswept tree at Sunset Rocks is estimated to be over 100 years old.  The tree is a favourite for photo enthusiasts.  Create a souvenir of your trip  with a family photo around this iconic tree.

Enjoy the Sunsets

After a busy day of fun, pick a spot along the rocks of the escarpment at Harold Point, on Sunset Rocks or on Lighthouse Point and enjoy the view. The sunsets on Georgian Bay can be spectacular.

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Explore charming towns along the historic Rideau Canal on this road trip to Ottawa. You’ll see stunning scenery, quaint towns and historic places. Many of the towns were founded in the early 19^th century directly as a result of the building of the Rideau Canal.

The locks and the beautiful stone buildings have survived the test of time. Visit the museums, stores and tourist attractions which keep the buildings relevant in the 21^st century. See a couple lockstations on Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The landscape of beautiful lakes, rivers and woods along the route provides the perfect backdrop for this fantastic road trip.  Buckle up and enjoy these must-see places!

Ottawa Road Trip Itinerary

This itinerary takes you from Kingston to Ottawa, stopping at these lovely places.

This scenic road trip follows much of the historic Rideau Canal. 

Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site

The canal runs from Kingston to Ottawa.  It links 16 lakes, the Rideau and Cataraqui Rivers and 19 kilometres of man-made waterway. There are 24 lockstations along the route controlling 47 locks. You can visit all of them. Most of the locks operate by hand-cranking, as they have since the canal opened in 1832. 

The canal was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2007 in recognition of being the only 19^th century canal in North America operating along its entire original length with most of the original structures still in place.  Today, boats cruise leisurely up and down the 200 kilometre-long canal.

In the 1820s tensions still existed between Great Britain and the United States over control of North America. Built between 1826 and 1832 as a secure military supply route, the canal included many fortified buildings. Many of these buildings still stand and are open to the public for tours.

Rivers and lakes were the highways of the 19^th century and the canal prospered in that role. The waterway became very busy, carrying settlers to their new homes and transporting products to market from the business enterprises along its route. When the railway arrived in the area, in the mid to late 19^th century, the canal’s use by industry slowed significantly.

Parks Canada maintains and operates the Rideau Canal for everyone to enjoy, whether by water or by land.

The canal and locks are central to the history of many of the towns on this road trip and continue to be important to their economic health.

Jones Falls Lockstation

This is a perfect picnic stop and a great place to learn more about the Rideau Canal. Leave your car at the Parks Canada parking lot on Road 11 and walk the trail to the locks and the Stone Arch Dam.  The loop is about 1.5 kilometres. It’s a nice way to spend an hour.

On your walk you’ll pass 2 sets of locks, Sweeney House, the penstocks to the powerhouse and the Stone Arch Dam. The blacksmith shop on the other side of the waterway is reachable by trails from both sets of locks.

Rideau Canal Locks 39-42

Here at Jones Falls there are 2 sets of locks with 3 locks in the first flight and a single lock a short distance away.

Blacksmith Shop

The small building on the other side of the waterway has thick stone walls and a metal roof making it a defendable building in case of armed attack. The hearth is in the center of the shop which is an unusual position for a blacksmith’s forge. Built in 1843, a blacksmith operated here until 1933.

Sweeney House

This stone building was both the lockmaster’s home and a fortification. Built in the late 1830s, it also has thick walls, a metal roof and gun slits on all sides. Security was always on the mind of the British Army as tensions continued after the war of 1812.

Penstocks and Powerhouse

Three huge wooden tubes at the west end of the dam carry water from Sand Lake above the dam to the powerhouse below. You can also see the powerhouse from Jones Falls Bay across from the lower entry into the locks. The powerhouse, constructed in 1947, provides power to the regional power grid.

Stone Arch Dam

The stone dam is almost 20 metres high and about 100 metres across.  When completed in 1831, it was the highest dam in North America. Setting the blocks vertically rather than horizontally increased the stability of the dam. Oxen cart carried the blocks from the quarry 10 kilometres away to Jones Falls. The muddy cart roads of early 1800s Canada made that a difficult and strenuous trip.

Chaffey’s Lock

The current location of Rideau Canal Lock 37 is where Samuel Chaffey set up an extensive milling operation starting in 1820. He died in 1827. The British Army purchased the operation and demolished the mill, building the lock in its place. The low dam in line with the lock gate to the west of the main channel helps regulate the flow of water especially during the spring flood season. The 1872 mill beside the dam is now a private residence.

Lockmaster’s House Museum

Learn about the history of the lock and the village at the museum in the former lockmaster’s house. The building was built around 1845 as fortified housing for the lockmaster and his family. The second storey was added in the late 19^th century. It was a residence until the 1960s.

Perth

This town is a road trip gem. There is something here for everyone.

For history buffs, learn about the town’s founding and the development of the Tay Canal from historical markers and plaques throughout town.

Perth began as a military settlement of emigrants from Scotland, England and Ireland and discharged soldiers after the War of 1812. By 1816, the population had grown to about 1500 people. In 1822 the town of Perth became the county seat.

For architecture lovers, see many beautiful stone buildings which have stood the test of time.

Matheson House/Perth Museum

Exhibits in the museum highlight the history of Perth. Roderick Matheson had the sandstone home built in 1840. The parlour, dining room, drawing room and kitchen are restored and furnished reflecting the Matheson’s 1840s lifestyle.

Town Hall

The beautiful 1863 town hall is open daily for town business. The bell and clock tower were added in 1874.

Fire Hall

This former fire hall and tower are now a part of the local library. The engine house was built in 1855. The second storey and tower were added in 1883.

Code’s Mill and Kinivie

Code’s Mill is an events facility with a restaurant, pub and specialty shops as well. In the late 1800’s, T.A Code operated a very successful woollen mill from the building.  He built the nearby Edwardian mansion, Kinivie, in the early 1900s. Steam, carried through underground pipes from the mill, heated the home in winter.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are trails and parks along the Tay Canal and throughout town. Canoe and kayak rentals are available.

Tay Canal

Water access was the key to a town’s prosperity in the early 19^th century. This prompted Perth residents to fund the construction of a canal in 1834 to connect Perth to the new Rideau Canal.

This first canal fell into disrepair over the next 50 years due to the high cost of maintenance. It was eventually abandoned. Local mining and manufacturing interests petitioned government for a proper shipping canal. Their successful lobbying led to federal funding in the 1880s to alter, deepen and widen the Tay Canal, bringing it back into the Rideau system in 1890.

Stewart Park

The slow moving waters of the Tay and Little Tay Rivers meandering through the park create mirrors for amazing photographs.  This is a great place for a picnic or to just get out of the car and stretch your legs. The Stewart family donated the land for this park behind the town hall in the 1920s.

Tay River Trail

The trail follows the Tay River along a former portage route. Walk upstream toward Bobs Lake or downstream to where the river meets Lower Rideau Lake at the Lower Beveridges lockstations on the Rideau Canal.

Last Duel Park

The 27-acre park along the Tay River has a number of serviced campsites, a public boat dock and launch and a picnic area with a shelter. The campground is generally open from mid-May to mid-October weather permitting. The last fatal duel in Upper Canada occurred here in 1833.

Smiths Falls

The Rideau River dropped about 11 metres in under a half kilometre here before the canal was built. The first land grant in the area went to Lt. Thomas Smyth in 1786. Smyth capitalized on the falls and built a small mill. The vibrant town of Smiths Falls grew around his mill. The falls were a major obstacle to boat traffic on the Rideau River. The original mill was purchased, demolished and replaced by a flight of 3 locks and a dam. A separate lock is upstream at the end of the basin created by the dam.

Rideau Canal Lock 29a Combined

This is one of the few automated locks on the Rideau Canal today. Most of the other canal locks are operated manually. Built in the early 1970s, just north of the first flight of 3 locks, it allows boat traffic to pass under the low level bridge.  The old locks remain in place beside the new one. You’ll immediately notice the differences.

Rideau Canal Visitor Centre

The former grist mill, built in 1830, has 3 floors of displays and artefacts about the Rideau Canal.  You can get a panoramic view of the canal and Smiths Falls from the top floor.

There is mooring available for boats to the southwest of the combined lock adjacent to a small serviced campground and Victoria Park.

Victoria Park

Enjoy the gardens, paths, wading pool, children’s playground and picnic areas. The mounted aircraft is a Harvard Trainer.  It is a memorial to RCAF members who died in WWII.

Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

The 1912/13 station displays railway memorabilia and the adjacent rail yard holds a collection of historic rolling stock. The museum opened in 1985, 6 years after Canadian Norther Railway abandoned the track.

Heritage House Museum

The museum offers exhibitions, art shows, day camps, educational programs and more. Some rooms are decorated to reflect the home’s heyday when Joshua Bates built it in 1860.  His grist and saw mills were nearby, built in the 1850’s adjacent to the Old Slys locks.

Merrickville

Be sure to tour town, often called the Jewel of the Rideau, to see the many beautiful heritage buildings and fun shops.

The first mill on the Rideau River was built here in about 1790. The town didn’t really prosper until the mill was purchased by William Merrick who set up both grist and lumber mills. The locks bypassed the mills so, unlike other mill owners on the canal route, Merrick’s mills continued to operate long after the locks were in operation.

By 1851 the improved transportation provided by the canal helped Merrickville develop into the area’s industrial center. Soon after, when the railway arrived in nearby Smiths Falls, the fortunes of Merrickville began to slow but a woollen mill operated here until 1954.

Rideau Canal Locks 21 – 23

Small basins separate these three locks. The engineers used the natural landscape and minimized the amount of trenching needed, saving both time and money.

Blockhouse Museum

The local historical society operates the museum in this former blockhouse. It is the largest blockhouse built on the Rideau Canal. The blockhouse provided a defendable mustering point for local militia and acted as a supply depot. The military used it in the late 1830s and again in 1846, when tensions with the Americans were high. There was never an attack on the canal. It was also the lockmaster’s home.

Merrickville Mill Ruins

Ruins of some of the abandoned mill buildings are on the small island beside the locks.

Merrickville Power Generation

The water power that ran the mills provides power to the regional power grid today. The current hydroelectric generator was installed in 1993.  The first generator is on display by the mill ruins. Starting in 1915, it provided the electricity for the mills, a foundry and the village.

Ottawa

About 5 kilometres northeast of Merrickville, you enter the city of Ottawa, a sprawling municipality formed in 2001. Ottawa has lots of things for you to see and do. Here are several sites along the Rideau in the city that are worth a look.

Prince of Wales Falls and Hogs Back Lockstation

The Rideau Canal and the Rideau River follow separate routes to the Ottawa River from here. Multi-use paths follow both all the way to the Ottawa. There are walking trails around the locks, falls and dam.

These beautiful falls looked very different two hundred years ago.  The area was dense forest and the falls were spectacular with 3 sets of rapids. One ridge looked like the back of a pig so gained the name Hogs Back. The falls were renamed Prince of Wales Falls when the ridge could no longer be seen. The lockstation nearby kept the name.

The construction of the canal completely changed the structure of the falls. Their width narrowed. The dam controlled the flow of water over the falls. Every decade between 1840 and 1940 saw changes made to the structures here due to damage from ice, drifting wood and flooding. The last major reconstruction was in the 1970’s until the swing bridge and roadway were rehabilitated in 2019/20. Even with the many changes over the generations, the falls remain impressive.

Rideau Canal Skateway

Hartwells Locks are at the southern end of the famous Rideau Canal Skateway. The skateway is a 7.8 kilometre skating rink created and maintained each year by the National Capital Commission. Every winter the canal’s water level is lowered. When a solid 30cm of ice forms, the world’s largest and second longest skating rink opens for everyone’s use and enjoyment. You can warm up at rest areas along its length, where there are toasty fires, hot drinks and tasty snacks. Winter 2019/2020 was the skateway’s 50^th season.

Rideau Canal Locks 1 to 8

There are 8 locks at the Ottawa River, the highest and longest single set on the Rideau Canal. The total height change is 24 metres. The locks are in the valley between the beautiful Chateau Laurier and the Canadian Parliament Buildings.

Bytown Museum

Learn about the history of Ottawa through Bytown Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits. There are Victorian timepieces, tools used to build the Rideau Canal and even antique children’s toys. Activities for the whole family explain Ottawa’s Bytown beginning, its lumberjack past, choice as Canada’s capital and evolution into today’s vibrant city.

The building is the oldest stone building in Ottawa. It began as a storage depot for supplies, gunpowder and materials for constructing the Rideau Canal and for the canal’s administration offices.

Rideau Falls

The Rideau River drops 9 metres over these beautiful, twin waterfalls to the Ottawa River. Green Island separates the two falls. The falls and the island are part of the almost 3 hectare Rideau Falls Park. The park is the home of several monuments including the Commonwealth Air Force Memorial and the National Artillery Monument. Many embassies as well as the residences of the governor general and the prime minister are nearby.

In the 1800’s mills and industry used the water’s power here, producing products including flour, timber, woollen cloth and liquor. Today power is provided to the regional power grid. When Rideau Falls Park was developed in the 1950s, the factories and mills were demolished.

Know before You Go

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Algonquin Park is Ontario’s oldest and largest Provincial Park.  There’s an abundance of hiking opportunities to choose from. Trailheads for 15 trails are on the main Highway 60 Parkway Corridor making it easy to get to great hiking.

Here are the 6 best hikes.  These trails cover all of the different environments of Algonquin providing you with a great hiking itinerary.

Best Trails in Algonquin Park

• Spruce Bog Boardwalk
• Whiskey Rapids Trail
• Two Rivers Trail
• Hemlock Bluff Trail
• Centennial Ridges Trail
• Mizzy Lake Trail

Spruce Bog Boardwalk

This 1.5 km barrier-free loop has several sections of boardwalk and is a nice, easy 45-minute walk. You’ll cross two spruce bogs along the way. This is a great way to learn about what a bog is, how it changes over time and how plants and animals are responsible for the changes.

You may even see a Pitcher Plant.  This plant overcomes the lack of nutrients in the bog by luring insects into its “pitchers”. The pitcher holds a small amount of water and enzymes. The insects drown in the water and are broken down into proteins which the plant converts to plant proteins to survive.

The trailhead is 42.5 km from the west gate.

Whiskey Rapids Trail

Enjoy a walk along the river on this 2.1 km loop. The hike is good for all skill levels and will take about 1.5 hours. You’ll walk along the Oxtongue River for much of the trail and see great views of Whiskey Rapids.

There are 7 kinds of fish in this part of the Oxtongue River. In total 54 different species of fish have been recorded in Algonquin Park. Fishing does require a license. The park is in Fisheries Management Zone 15 (FMZ 15). Check for specific regulations by reviewing the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations summary before your trip to confirm open seasons, catch and possession limits and exception details.

The trailhead is 7.2 km from the west gate. The trail is prone to flooding and may be closed in the spring months.

Two Rivers Trail

The trail is a 2.3 kilometre loop for all skill levels. Walk for about 1.5 hours through a young forest with an easy climb to the top of a cliff overlooking the North Madawaska River.

This section of forest has two different generations of tree species: the quicker growing aspen and birch, and the slower pine and spruce. Each tree species bring different wildlife to the forest. While this forest may be young, its mix of trees provides for a wealth of wildlife.

The trailhead is 31 km from the west gate. Groups with small children and/or pets should take care at the cliff edge.

Hemlock Bluff Trail

Walk a 3.5 km loop through mixed forest with large stands of hemlock and see beautiful views of Jack Lake. It is hilly and takes about 2 hours. The trail is good for all skill levels.

Learn about the important findings of the many research programs carried out here. The park continues to provide scientists a field study area. Canada’s first nature interpretation program started here in the 1930’s and is still operating today.

The trailhead is 27.2 km from the west gate.

Centennial Ridges Trail

This is a strenuous but rewarding 10.4 km loop. You’ll see spectacular views from two high ridges. A fit walker can cover it in 4 hours but many will enjoy a more leisurely day hike of about 6 hours. If that is more time than you can spare, try walking only the last 2 km (between posts 13a and 9) as an “out and back” trail of 4 km. Our walk was about 2 hours and the views of Whitefish Lake were incredible.

You’ll learn about the planners, superintendents, rangers, researchers and summer employees who have made their mark in the world because of their interaction with Algonquin Park. By the way, the trail was opened in 1993 as part of the park’s centennial celebrations.

The trailhead is 37.6 km from the west gate. Be sure to wear sturdy, ankle-supporting footwear. Take care at cliff tops. There are no fences to keep you from a fatal fall.

Mizzy Lake Trail

The l0.8 km loop trail is level for the most part but the trail surface is uneven. It often becomes wet and muddy turning it into a challenging hike. Expect a 6 hour hike, especially if it is wet. You will visit 9 ponds and small lakes and park wildlife is often seen here.

Algonquin Park is home to over 50 types of mammals, 30 reptiles and amphibians and 144 species of breeding birds. More wildlife is seen each year along the Parkway Corridor than in the backcountry of the park. Moose viewing is best in May and June along the highway as they come to drink the slightly salty water in the roadside ditches.

The trailhead is 15.4 km from the west gate. Pets are not allowed. Be sure you are wearing boots to help with the mud and maybe have a dry pair of socks waiting for you at the end of your hike.

Algonquin Park Map

This Algonquin Park Trails Map shows all of the 15 trails along the highway corridor.

Hiking Trails in Algonquin Park

In total there are 15 interpretive trails along the Parkway Corridor.

Each trail has numbered posts along its length corresponding to sections in the trail guides found at each trailhead. Each trail introduces you to some feature of the park. The following chart provides information about all of these corridor trails. The trailhead locations are noted as kilometres from the west gate. There are also trails in the northern and eastern sides of Algonquin.

	Trail	Length (km)	Difficulty	Time (hr)	At km
1	Whiskey Rapids	2.1	Moderate	1.5	7.2
2	Hardwood Lookout	1.0	Moderate	0.75	13.8
3	Mizzy Lake	10.8	Difficult	6	15.4
4	Peck Lake	2.3	Moderate	1.5	19.2
5	Track & Tower	7.5	Difficult	4	24
6	Hemlock Bluff	3.5	Moderate	2	27.2
7	Bat Lake	5.8	Moderate	3.5	30.8
8	Two Rivers	2.3	Moderate	1.5	31
9	Centennial Ridges	10.4	Difficult	6	37.6
10	Booth’s Rock	5.1	Difficult	3	40.3
11	Lookout	2.1	Difficult	1	39.7
12	Big Pines	2.9	Moderate	2	40.3
13	Spruce Bog Boardwalk	1.5	Easy	0.75	42.5
14	Beaver Pond	2.0	Moderate	1.5	45.2
15	Algonquin Logging Museum	1.3	Easy	1	54.5

Algonquin Park Itinerary

Enjoy a 1, 2 or even a 3-day trip hiking in Algonquin Park.

Day 1.  Start your morning at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk.  This is a nice easy trail, especially for families.  Later, head over to Centennial Ridges Trail to hike the loop.  Remember, you can shorten this loop by just hiking up to the ridge viewpoint and back.

Day 2.   Begin your day hiking the river loop at Whiskey Rapids.  After that, hike up through the cliffs and forests of either Two Rivers Trail or Hemlock Bluff Trail.  If you have the energy, do both!

Day 3.  With an additional day, dedicate this entire day to hiking the challenging Mizzy Lake Trail where you’ll be sure to spot wildlife.

Algonquin Park Reservations

Algonquin Park is a busy and popular park in the summer. Even with over 1900 campsites, the park fills up quickly. Book early!

The Ontario Parks Reservation System accepts reservations up to 5 months in advance of your arrival date (meaning book February 1st to make a reservation for July 1st)

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