Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope

Cruising Canada: Ottawa And The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular tourist and recreational attraction and the oldest continuously operating canal system in North America. At every bend along the scenic engineering miracle the traveler is gifted with a world of surprises in its adjacent cities, towns and villages. Joseph begins his Rideau Canal journey in Ottawa where he explores the capital's diverse neighborhoods, historic landmarks, farmer's markets and hip restaurants. From the Ottawa Locks he climbs aboard his personal craft and pilots the luxury vessel along the canal's watery trail on placid waters through thick forests to picturesque communities. He grinds flour in an ancient mill, samples "butter tarts" with the Gingerbread Man, blows glass "witch balls" and helps First Nations craftspeople build a birch bark canoe. From visiting a cannabis factory to dining on maple syrup soaked flapjacks and cranking open the 19th century locks by hand, Joseph's Rideau Canal adventure pleases the senses and touches the heart.