Kingston 
At Rideau River Provincial Park, you can paddle the scenic Rideau Waterway, Canada’s oldest canal system, or set up camp by the river under shady trees. Spend your day fishing, swimming, or spotting herons along the Shoreline Trail.
Any chance to explore the historic Rideau Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a chance for recreation, historical education, or to get away from the city. The Rideau River flows toward Ottawa and is one of the most significant waterways in Ontario, both today and during its long history. The Rideau River Provincial Park is among the many opportunities along the Rideau for making the most of its natural beauty, learning about its history, and making the most of the waterway for adventures and recreation.
The Historic Rideau Waterway
The Rideau Waterway, having completed construction in 1832, is the oldest canal system in North America! The Rideau Canal, River, or Waterway, connects Lake Ontario in the south to the Ottawa River in the north with the river water flowing south to north. As a canal and human engineering feat, the Rideau Waterway and Canal have been around for around 160 years. However, the Rideau River’s history is much deeper and older than that.
French explorer Samuel de Champlain was among the first to give the river a European name, but the Algonquin people of the region were already referring to it as Pasapkedjiwanong to mean “the river that passes between the rocks.” And during these pre-European settlement years, the Rideau or Pasapkedjiwanong was used to move people or goods between Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River. But in order to make this a more navigable and efficient canal, several years of construction were required for lock stations, excavation, and more.
Today, places like Rideau River Provincial Park enable people from all around the world to learn about the history of the canal, but also enjoy it as a recreational destination. And with the Provincial Park in place, there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had, which doesn’t disrupt local ecosystems. With both canoeing and soft-sided shelter rentals available at the park, campers can place themselves back in a time before the River became a canal. A feature of this section of the Rideau is that this area is the longest stretch without a lock station.
Explore Shoreline Trail
The 1.5km Shoreline Trail runs alongside most of the Provincial Park. And while offering great wildlife viewing, birding, and photography opportunities, this trail also acts as a connector trail between all main areas in the park. Take the trail from the cabin campsite in the west, to the main campground loops, the Main Beach, the East Beach, and all the way to the group campground.
- While on the trail, for whatever reason, be sure to watch for the abundance of bird species who call the river or riverbanks home (permanently or temporarily). The area will likely be busy with waterfowl of varying types, osprey, or the beautiful great blue heron.
- Other common wildlife spotted on this trail includes frogs and turtles.
- The Ferguson Forest Centre is a large stretch of forest and trails which separates Kemptville from the Rideau River. Within the park are several short and simple trails which offer more wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Other park amenities include picnic areas with tables, an off-leash dog park, washrooms, and a public dock on the Kemptville Creek.
Paddling the Rideau
With canoes, kayaks, SUPS, and PFD rentals available from Rideau River Provincial Park’s main office, a paddle on the Rideau is made a whole lot more convenient! Plus, from the Burrits Rapids all the way to Long Island Provincial Park (beyond Rideau River Provincial Park) is the longest stretch of the river/canal without any locks to pass. There will be a great deal of waterfowl, mammals, amphibians and reptiles to watch for along your paddle.
- The paddle from Rideau River PP to Long Island is a full-day ride on the water at approximately 28km or 7-hours.
- For a shorter and more relaxing paddle, take the Kemptville Creek shortly after launching from the park- this creek will bring you about 7km and into the town of Kemptville. There is a boat launch at the Ferguson Forest Centre just before you hit Kemptville.
- Alternatively, motorboats are also permitted on the Rideau Waterway.
- The Rideau River PP boat launch is on the west side of the Main Beach.
More fun on the Rideau River
Whether you’re visiting the riverside park for the day or are here for a camping trip, the Rideau River is the ultimate source of recreation and water adventures.
- Fishing from the park’s shores or a boat is made easier with the help of the Provincial Park, who offer rods, reels, and tackle on loan. This part of the Rideau is popular for anyone looking to catch muskie, bass, walleye, or panfish.
- The park operates a smaller East Beach near the group campground, and a larger Main Beach nearest the Park Office. Both offer a chance for swimming in the river’s waters, for a lazy day in the sun, or a picnic. Larger groups can also reserve the picnic shelter in advance. The area has several more picnic tables, washrooms and changerooms, and three parking lots.
Cabins & Camping at Rideau River
Choose between classic camping options, like tents, RVs, or trailers, for accommodations at Rideau River Provincial Park, or plan for added comfort.
- The large campground of 200 sites sits on the low and level riverbanks under the shelter and shade of a mature mixed forest. About 50 of those sites offer electrical hookups. Comfort stations are located around the campground, and they have showers and flush toilets.
- Larger groups can take advantage of one of six group sites at Ride River Provincial Park, each of which can accommodate up to 125 campers.
- And for those who’d like to plan for added comfort while camping, Rideau River Provincial Park also offers cabin rentals or soft-sided shelter rentals.
More to See & Do around Kemptville
A trip to Kemptville for the day could include a quick drive or bike ride from the Provincial Park. Alternatively, paddlers can also reach Kemptville from the River and the Kemptville Creek with five different boat launches along the route. And once in Kemptville, there are days’ worth of attractions, local sightseeing, more parks and trails, shops, and dining.
- There will be many events, festivals, and shows in Kemptville this spring, summer, and fall to plan around: choose between live shows at the North Grenville Community Theatre and the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company, pop-up markets, or annual events like Kemptville Buskerfest and North Grenville Pride.
- Take a historical walking tour of the well-preserved architecture around Kemptville with dozens of points of interest.
- All sorts of boating are popular in this part of Ontario, considering the extensive waterways and watersheds. And in town, there are many ways to enjoy this experience with five local boat launches and many outfitters who offer rentals.
- All the sightseeing will surely work up an appetite. Downtown Kemptville is filled with numerous local eateries, pubs, and cafes, many of which are likely to have the patios open.
Planning Your Trip – Rideau River Provincial Park
What to See and Do: Rideau River Provincial Park is open from spring to fall for camping, comfort camping, and an array of river recreation.
Paddle along the scenic Rideau Waterway, Canada’s oldest canal system, camp riverside, or stay in a cozy cabin. Swim, fish, or explore the Shoreline Trail where herons and turtles roam. With canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals available, it’s easy to get on the water.
The Provincial Park sits on the north banks of the Rideau River near the town of Kemptville. The park is also an ideal day trip destination for anyone in the Ottawa region, as it is only a 40-minute drive from the city.
Location and how to get there: 2680 Donnelly Dr, Kemptville
Rideau River Provincial Park is located approximately 50 km (40 min drive) from Ottawa, 149 km (1 hr 30 min drive) from Kingston, and 400 km (4 hr drive) from Toronto.
Best time to go: day use and camping open May 8, 2026 to October 13, 2026
Cost: Day use $21 per day per car; camping $19.36-$59.33 per night; comfort camping (cabin or shelter) $171.93 per night
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