Irish Creek
How to Get There: From Smiths Falls, take County Rd. 43 east towards Merrickville. At Kilmarnock Road, turn south, cross over the Rideau Canal locks and proceed on Kilmarnock Rd. to Rose’s Bridge Road where you turn left to Rose’s Bridghe, about 1/2 km.
Launch Site: Rose’s Bridge, west side. This is Irish Creek
The Paddle: Follow the meandering open channel, through the extensive wetlands along both shores. At the village of Jasper, duck under the local bridge (or portage over it) and continue upstream as far as you can until you reach the beaver dam. Total distance is almost ten km. On the way back, just before the railway bridge is an abandoned bridge abutment with a large single elm tree on it. This is a good place to stop for a picnic lunch.
If you have time upon return to Rose’s Bridge, follow under the bridge and into the Rideau River for further canoeing.
Watch For: Abundant wetland flora and fauna; many pairs of black terns, beaver and muskrat, great blue herons
Seasonal Information: Best before late summer or with high water.
