Rideau Canal, Kempten, Ottawa

 Today was a trifecta.

Hiking - We started with a walk along the Rideau Canal. It wad a straight out and back walk. We noticed lots of bushes with red berries, and after doing a google search, we discovered they are winterberry bushes. The trail would have been more appealing if some of the trees had been cut to reveal overlooks of the river, especially at the end. There were 2 red chairs on a bluff above the river, but all that could be seen were trees and not the water.

 

At the end of our walk, we watched boats going through the lick system. The attendant said there were 23 sites with 40 sone locks and attendants at the majority of them. 

Kayaking - We drove to Kempten’s anniversary park. Beautiful place with a community garden, several short thematic trails, a pavillion, green space and a kayak launch.  The launch was unique - it held your kayak and there was a small fliating dock for you to stand and enter your kayak. It felt awkward as you have to stand, then go down further than usual to get into the kayak. We paddled upstream, then back for a total of one hour.

We drove over to Ottawa and along the way stopped at the Marlborough Pub for a late lunch. We had the long anticipated poutine with fish and chips. The poutine was EXCELLENT - french fries, cheese curds and gravy! Good thing today was an active day.

We parked at Hogsback Parking area and rode our bikes 14 miles through downtown Ottawa on the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River Pathway Loop. What a great way to see the city. We didn’t stop in anywhere, but rode past many of the landmark buildings. Labeling will gave to come later when I’m sure of the names!