I grew up living on Balsam Lake, the highest point along the Trent-Severn Waterway. One of my favourite summer activities has always been boating. Whether it be a fishing boat, a wakeboard boat, or simply a kayak, my summers are always spent out on the water. It seems fitting then that for the past two summers I had a job on board a cruise ship. I worked as a cook for Ontario Waterway Cruises on board a 45 passenger ship called the Kawartha Voyageur which is known for its breathtaking trips cruising Ontario’s waterways.
Life on the ship was such an enriching experience for a travel lover like myself. For 9 months I got to float down canals and rivers, across lakes and through locks, living on and exploring the beauty of Ontario’s waterways.
I may have grown up on the waterway, but the truth is I had barely seen any of it. Unfortunately statements like this are true for many people. We tend to take the time to explore far-off places, but very rarely do we appreciate all the beauty within our own backyards. Ontario has always been my home, but it never made my heart race. I always dreamed of the simple life out East or of the oceans and mountains out West. It wasn’t until I got this job that involved cruising Ontario’s waterways that I discovered all the hidden beauty that Ontario has to offer.
Cruising Ontario’s Waterways:
The Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway spans throughout Southern Ontario, connecting Georgian Bay with the Bay of Quinte. For me, the biggest highlights along the waterway are the two lift locks at Kirkfield and Peterborough and the marine railway at Big Chute.
The Kirkfield lift lock is situated at the summit of the waterway and has a lift of 15m. It is the second highest hydraulic lift lock in North America. The largest hydraulic lift lock is the Peterborough lift lock with a lift of almost 20m. The Big Chute marine railway is the only operational marine railway in North America. The lock works on an inclined plane as it carries boats up to 30m in length in a single carriage over a height difference of about 18m. The boats rest on the bottom of the carriage as they travel by rail, out of the water, over the roadway and back into the water on the other side.
Along with such amazing feats of engineering, my favourite part of exploring the Trent-Severn Waterway was getting to experience it in the spring, summer and fall. Witnessing the variations, such as the migration of wildlife, the colourful landscape, even the scent of the air, which occur along the waterway with the changing of the seasons was enough to humble me and make me fall in love with the overlooked beauty of Ontario.
The Thousand Islands
While cruising Ontario’s waterways, the ship travels between the Trent-Severn and the Rideau, sailing through the Bay of Quinte, down the St. Lawrence River and into Gananoque and the Thousand Islands. For me, the highlights along this water system are getting to witness up close the massive commercial ships that sail along the St. Lawrence; the picturesque beauty that is the Thousand Islands; and the majestic piece of architecture that is Boldt Castle – an American attraction, but a must-see nonetheless.
The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is the waterway system that connects Ottawa to Kingston. The canal was built by Colonel John By as a way for ships to pass safely between Montreal and Kingston during the War of 1812 so they could avoid using the St. Lawrence river which would make them more vulnerable to American attack. The canal system is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My favourite part of traveling along the Rideau Canal is getting to stop and explore all the cute little towns and lock sites along the waterway. Some of my favourites include Jones Falls for its peaceful natural setting and unmistakable beauty; Chaffeys Lock for it’s history as a burial site for many Irish workers who built the canal; Westport for its quaint village shops and breathtaking hike up Foley Mountain to Spy Rock; and Merrickville for its small town British charm.
Cruising Ontario’s waterways gave me a new perspective on this province that I call home. I finally got to explore my own backyard with more appreciative eyes. I encourage everyone to become a tourist in their own city as there’s so much to see, do and learn right at your fingertips and it would be a shame to miss out on such wonderful adventures.
Photos – Ontario Waterway Cruises.
What other attractions do you like to explore along Ontario’s waterways? Have you ever taken a cruise in Ontario? Can you suggest some other hidden gems to check out?
LIKE THIS? PIN IT! 🙂
