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Outdoors

Rideau Canal Paddle

A one-way paddle from the historic town of Perth down the Tay Canal, a gentle winding river and canal under overhanging trees, through the Tay Marsh wetland to Beveridges Lockstation. The Tay Canal is a sheltered branch of the 202 km Rideau Canal, which runs from Ottawa to Kingston through 22 lockstations.

For The Reps · Updated

canoe trip scenery for Rideau Canal Paddle near Ontario
Photo: Ottawa Locks at Colonel By Valley-Rideau Canal- Ottawa-Ontario-5727-20131011 by Mhsheikholeslami, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Ontario, Canada
Distance
12 km one way

The route

Perth to Beveridges Locks by the Tay Canal.

Put in at the Perth Basin in Perth and take out at Beveridges Locks on County Road 18 near Port Elmsley. The route is one way, so leave a car at the take-out or arrange a pickup.

When to go

Navigation season runs from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving (mid-May to mid-October); Parks Canada says May, June, September and October are best, as powerboat traffic peaks in July and August.

Permits and fees

You only need a Parks Canada lockage permit to travel through the locks, and this route finishes at Beveridges Lockstation. Camping at most lockstations costs a small nightly fee, first come, first served.

Before you go

  • The current runs from Perth towards Beveridges Locks, so paddle in that direction.
  • At Beveridges Lockstation, look for the osprey nest on a pole near the lower lock, and walk the short trail to the lookout.
  • Required kit: life jackets, a spare paddle, a bailer, a whistle or horn and a throw rope.

What to bring

  • A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys
  • Water and snacks
  • Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
  • A warm layer, even on a hot day

Getting ready for it

Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.

A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.

Staying safe

  • Keep well away from Beveridges Dam and any waste weirs.
  • Watch for boat wash, even though the Tay has little powerboat traffic.
  • Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against parks.canada.ca and parks.canada.ca. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.