Attractions and Places To See around Rideau Lakes - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Rideau Lakes include a diverse range of natural features, historical sites, and charming villages. The region is characterized by its interconnected lakes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal system. Visitors can explore 19th-century engineering marvels, conservation areas with scenic views, and cultural sites that offer insight into local history. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Rideau Lakes
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Last updated: July 10, 2026
Rock Dunder Conservation Area
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Narrows Lock Blockhouse
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Murphy's Point Provincial Park
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Point Trail
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The Sunflower Bake Shop
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Murphy's Point Provincial Park protects a classic Canadian Shield landscape of granite ridges, mixed forest, wetlands, and lakeshore. The park is particularly known for its excellent hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and the historic Silver Queen Mica Mine, one of the few mines in Ontario open for guided tours. With direct access to Big Rideau Lake and a network of well-maintained trails, it's one of the region's best places to experience eastern Ontario's natural scenery.
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This easy loop combines many of the park's best features into a relatively short walk. The trail winds through mature forest, crosses smooth Canadian Shield bedrock, and repeatedly returns to the shoreline of Big Rideau Lake. Frequent openings in the trees provide views across the lake and surrounding islands, while the mostly level terrain makes for a relaxed hike. It's an excellent introduction to Murphy's Point Provincial Park's mix of forest, granite outcrops, and lakeshore scenery.
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Rock Dunder Conservation Area is a gorgeous spot that sits above Morton Bay and is part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site managed by the Rideau Waterway Land Trust. There are over seven kilometres of well-marked trails through beautiful woodlands and along lovely shorelines before reaching a rocky lookout that rises 84 metres above the lakes below. It’s a fantastic place to spend some time outdoors and enjoy nature.
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There used to be one lake, but Colonel By decided to raise the water level on Westport side to make construction of the canal to Newborough easier. It's a busy spot. Washrooms and picnic tables.
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Great little stop just off the Cataraqui Trail for sandwiches, baked treats, drinks, and cheese!
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Great spot for sandwiches, treats and cheese! Just off Cataraqui Trail.
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Colonel By added a lock here separating Big Rideau Lake from Upper Rideau Lake to raise the level of Upper Rideau Lake. This allowed him to reduce the cost of building the canal to Newboro Lake. The washrooms and picnic area are open during the boating season only (roughly from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best natural viewpoints in the Rideau Lakes region?
For stunning panoramic views, visit Spy Rock near Westport, which offers vistas of the Main Street Bridge, Westport Pond, and Mulvilles Bay. Another excellent spot is Rock Dunder Conservation Area in Morton, providing spectacular views of the Rideau Canal and surrounding forests from its rocky lookout 84 meters above the lakes.
Are there historical sites related to the Rideau Canal in the area?
Yes, the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several historical points of interest. You can visit Narrows Lock Blockhouse, a significant historical site that played a role in Colonel By's canal construction strategy. The region also features six active lockstations within Rideau Lakes, including Jones Falls and Chaffey's Lock, where you can witness manual lock operations. The Stone Arch Dam at Jones Falls, built in 1832, is another engineering marvel.
What are some popular hiking trails around Rideau Lakes?
The region offers diverse hiking experiences. The Blue Circle Trail takes hikers through lush forests with 38 tree species, including pines and white oaks. For more options, explore the trails at Foley Mountain Conservation Area or Rock Dunder. You can find more detailed routes in the Hiking around Rideau Lakes guide.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. Foley Mountain Conservation Area offers an accessible trail, and the Cataraqui Trail is a 104 km multi-use recreational trail built on a former railway line, ideal for leisurely walks. For specific easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Rideau Lakes guide.
What cultural and heritage sites can I explore in Rideau Lakes?
Beyond the Rideau Canal, the region is rich in heritage. Visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta, a National Historic Site and Ontario's only surviving pre-1812 stone grist mill, which operates as a seasonal museum. The Lockmaster's House Museum at Chaffey's Lock and the Rideau District Museum in Westport also offer insights into local history. The Red Brick School in Elgin is another beautiful example of late 19th-century architecture.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Rideau Lakes area?
Many attractions are suitable for families. The lockstations along the Rideau Canal, such as Narrows Lock, offer fascinating glimpses into 19th-century engineering. Conservation areas like Foley Mountain provide accessible trails and picnic areas. The charming villages like Westport and Portland often have public beaches and parks, and local shops and cafes like The Sunflower Bake Shop offer treats for everyone.
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
What are some unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Rideau Lakes?
For a unique experience, visit The Old Stone Mill at Delta to see 200-year-old millstones grinding heritage wheat. The
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