Canoe routes – Lanark County, list by number – Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists

Canoe Journeys- #25 Tay River from Glen Tay to Perth

Tay River from Glen Tay to Perth

How to Get There: Five km west of Perth on Hwy. 7 to traffic lights at Glen Tay. South over the railroad tracks to Christie Lake Rd. Left on Christie Lake Rd. and right onto Glen Tay Rd., to bridge over Tay River.

The Launch Site: Northwest corner of bridge across from stone mill. Car park north side of white house by stone wall. Launch site difficult for less able persons.

The Paddle: Either shoot immediate rapids or walk canoe down rapids. Not suitable for less able persons. Paddle downriver to small dam at golf course. Portage (watch for flying golf balls) to point of land by red arched bridge. Beach canoe here to picnic, or cross park to explore.

Watch For: Bountiful wildlife and wild flowers.

Seasonal Information: Shallow in spots during low water. Fair current when water high. Takes longer to return to launch site.

Canoe Journeys -#24 Long Lake

Long Lake

How to Get There: South from Perth on County Rd. 1 towards Rideau Ferry to County Rd. 21. Turn towards Murphy’s Point Provincial Park. Turn right at Long Lake Rd. (see sign for Scout Camp) and travel 3 km.

The Launch Site: RVCA launch site on left.

The Paddle: South shore and islands more interesting. Several good lunch and swimming locations.

Watch For: Creek into wetland at east end. Interesting lichen on rock walls.

Seasonal Information: Good until freeze-up.

Canoe Journeys- #21 Tay River into Tay Marsh to Beveridge Locks

Tay River into Tay Marsh to Beveridge Locks

How to Get There: From Ottawa take Hwy. 7 through Carleton Place to Perth. From Smiths Falls, take County Rd. 43 to Perth. Find Last Duel Park at east edge of town along Tay River.

The Launch Site: The dock at Last Duel Park. Also the Basin in Perth (parking fees apply).

The Paddle: Downriver to Tay Marshes in Drummond/ North Elmsley. Then follow Tay Canal markers to locks (about three hours each way). For an additional short trip, follow upriver from Last Duel Park to centre of town. Picnic tables at locks or lunch in town.

Watch For: Historic architecture downtown and stone walls of canal. Tay Marsh abundant in wildfowl and waterbirds. Be careful to follow green canal markers. Osprey nest near locks.

Seasonal Information: Good until freeze-up.

Canoe Journeys – #20 Almonte and Mississippi River Downriver

Almonte and Mississippi River Downstream

How to Get There: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 exit 155 at Hwy. 49 to Almonte. Metcalfe Park is below waterfalls on County Rd. 49, and part of downtown Almonte.

The Launch Site: Beach in park.

The Paddle: Explore foot of two waterfalls, shorelines downriver to Blakeney. Small park across road by bridge in Blakeney for picnic and exploring.

Watch For: Large stone woollen mill at Almonte (now condominiums). Shallow rapids halfway to Blakeney. In low water walk canoe.

Seasonal Information: Strong currents and high water in spring.

Canoe Journeys- #19 Misssissippi River from Almonte Upriver

Misssissippi River from Almonte Upriver

How to Get There: From Ottawa, take Hwy. 417, Exit 155 at County Rd. 49 to Almonte, left on Martin St. South.

The Launch Site: End of Martin St. South at river by lookout.

The Paddle: Explore town and upriver towards Appleton. Have lunch at small park in Appleton.

Watch For: Abundant wildlife along shorelines.

Seasonal Information: Strong currents and high water in spring, so don’t paddle past bridge. Otherwise, good until freeze-up.

Warning: Not recommended during spring flood. Stay clear of bridge in Almonte during spring flood.