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Exploring the Rideau Heritage Route: From Ottawa, to the Rideau Canal and the Thousand Islands

Program Number: 20647RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/30/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/29/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Price starting at: $1,953.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 18; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    

Discover Ontario’s historic waterways from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, and on to the Rideau Canal, Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands. Alongside experts on walks and study cruises, discover the fascinating history of locks still opened and closed by hand and examine close-up this engineering masterpiece, and discover the Golden Era “cottages” of the Thousand Islands. In Kingston, Canada’s first capital, explore and learn about Fort Henry, the largest fortification west of Quebec City, and Bellevue House, the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald.




Highlights

• Journey along the Rideau Canal, the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you learn of its importance in creating safe passage to Ottawa.
• Cruise the beautiful Thousand Islands, a World Biosphere Reserve, with a stop at historic Boldt Castle.
• Enjoy Traditional High Tea at the estate of Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th and longest-standing Prime Minister.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles; some uneven terrain, stairs, boarding and disembarking boats.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 9-22-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrival Ottawa, 3 nights; coach to Jones Falls, 2 nights; coach to Kingston, 2 nights; coach to Ottawa, independent departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Ottawa

From a high bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliamentary buildings of Canada’s capital are just one of this cosmopolitan city’s many aesthetic and historic delights. With Ottawa’s rich blend of French and Canadian heritage, as well as its multiple arts offerings, it is easy to see why this city has been called Canada's Cultural Capital.
Accommodations
Ottawa: Four-star hotel near Parliament and the National Arts Centre. Jones Falls: Historic country inn on the Rideau Canal. Kingston: Waterfront hotel in the heart of historic downtown.
Meals and Lodgings
   Novotel Hotel
  Ottawa, Ontario 3 nights
   Hotel Kenney
  Jones Falls, Ontario 2 nights
   Confederation Place Hotel
  Kingston, Ontario 2 nights
 Novotel Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Novotel Hotel is located in the heart of the nation’s capital – close to Parliament, the National Arts Centre, and the National Gallery and minutes away from restaurants and the Byward Market.
  Contact info: 33 Nicholas Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7 Canada
phone: 613-230-3033
web: www.novotelottawa.ca
  Room amenities: The hotel offers a number of amenities, including in-room coffee and tea, hair dryers, iron, and ironing board, high speed internet access. Windows that open!
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a fitness center and an indoor pool. A laundromat is located two to three blocks away from the hotel.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Denise at dtracey@maritimetravel.ca or call toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Hotel Kenney
Type: Lodge
  Description: Hotel Kenney is located in the heart of the Rideau Lakes in Jones Falls, Ontario, Canada. This fine, old country Inn first opened in 1877.
  Contact info: 59 Kenney Road
Jones Falls, ON K0G 1E0 Canada
phone: 613-359-5500
web: www.hotelkenney.com
  Room amenities: All rooms have private bath and most are equipped with air-conditioning, bar fridge,TV and ceiling fan. Some located in the main lodge are on the 2nd and 3rd floor but most rooms are at the ground floor level.
  Facility amenities: A well-stocked convenience store, newsstand and laundromat are available at Kenney's as well as a beautiful gift shop off the main lobby and a full-service coffee shop; open all day for those times when the main dining room may be closed. We also offer an excellent wine cellar and a fine selection of lagers and ales from around the world. The immediate area lends itself perfectly to nature lovers, hikers, back-packers, bird-watchers and rock hounds. Excellent lake or pool swimming is available. Golf, tennis, riding stables and Rideau tours, all nearby.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Confederation Place Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Savor the atmosphere of a vibrant, modern city, shaped by three centuries of tradition. Rich in history, culture and entertainment, Kingston sits at the southern end of the Rideau Heritage Route, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Our spectacular waterfront setting is located in the heart of Kingston's historic downtown and within walking distance of stores, restaurants, art galleries and museums.
  Contact info: 237 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z5 Canada
phone: 613-549-6300
web: www.confederationplace.com/
  Room amenities: Flat-screen LCD television, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, high-speed wireless internet, clock radio/alarms.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, exercise facility, computer workstation with internet access in the lobby; on-site restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel, Ottawa, ON. Check-in after 3:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 pm in the hotel. You will be staying at Novotel Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Coach transfer to Ottawa for independent departures. Approximate arrival at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is 12:00 noon, then to the program hotel if required. You will be staying at Confederation Place Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS - We will cross the US/Canada border on our 1000 Islands Cruise; all passengers will require a passport or other approved document. Passports are required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
For information and current rates please contact the program hotel in Ottawa directly 613-230-3033. Airport long-term parking: Approximately CAD$12 per day and $60 per week. For more information, visit www.ottawa-airport.ca/AirportServices/parking-e.php
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Ottawa, Ontario
  Nearest city or town:  Ottawa, Ontario
  Nearest highway: Highway 417 - Nicholas Street Exit
  Nearest airport:  (Ottawa) Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Kingston, Ontario
  Nearest city or town:  Kingston
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada Hwy - 401
  Nearest airport:  Kingston Airport (Norman Rogers)
Travel Details
 

Ottawa

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $30 - $35 CAD
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 - 30 minutes 
   

Taxi from the airport is approximately $35 CDN. Please note, there is no shuttle service to the hotels.
 

Ottawa

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$10 - $15 CAD
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 - 20 minutes 
   

Taxis are available from the train station to the hotel.

 

Ottawa

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
OC Transpo
phone: 613-741-4390

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$3.25
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 - 40 minutes 
   

Bus service is available from the Ottawa airport to the hotel with OC Transpo. Route 97 departs from pillar 14 outside the level 1 Arrivals area – bus stop - Rideau 3A (Rideau Street) walk east to Nicholas St then turn right(south) hotel will be on your left (3 minute walk). Cost is $ 3.25 per person Please visit www.octranspo1.com for more information

 

Ottawa

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Transfer to Ottawa airport included
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 - 3 hours 
   

A coach transfer to Ottawa is included on the final day of the program. Drop off at Ottawa Airport approximately 12:00 noon. Alternate drop off at downtown hotel can be arranged.
 
Driving Directions
  Montreal (East) From Montreal take AutoRoute 40 West until you reach Highway 417 West (signs to Ottawa/Hull). Follow signs to Ottawa (about 2 hours). Take Nicholas St. exit. Stay in left-hand lane until you reach Daly St., which is the third traffic light. Turn left on Daly, then immediately right into the hotel parking lot. Or go to the next traffic light, Nicholas St., and turn right, then right again into the hotel’s front-door driveway.
  Ottawa Airport (Macdonald-Cartier Int'l Airport) From the airport, follow the Airport Parkway; it turns into Bronson Ave. Follow to Highway 417 East. Take Nicholas St. exit. Stay in left-hand lane until you reach Daly St., which is the third traffic light. Turn left on Daly, then immediately right into the hotel parking lot. Or go to the next traffic light, Nicholas St., and turn right, then right again into the hotel’s front-door driveway.
  Toronto From Toronto take Highway 401 East to Highway 416 North (about 4.5 hours). Follow to Highway 417 East. Take Nicholas St. exit. Stay in left-hand lane until you reach Daly St., which is the third traffic light. Turn left on Daly, then immediately right into the hotel parking lot. Or go to the next traffic light, Nicholas St., and turn right, then right again into the hotel’s front-door driveway.
  Upstate New York From Upstate New York – Take Interstate 90 to Interstate 81 and go north to the border of Canada. Go west on Thousand Islands Bridge to Highway 401 East to Highway 416 North. Follow to Highway 417 East. Take Nicholas St. exit. Stay in left-hand lane until you reach Daly St., which is the third traffic light. Turn left on Daly, then immediately right into the hotel parking lot. Or go to the next traffic light, Nicholas St., and turn right, then right again into the hotel’s front-door driveway.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Welcome & Orientation/Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation
(Sunday, September 22)
   
 Arrive To: ARRIVAL: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel in Ottawa after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Canada’s Evolution from Colony to Nation. A presentation will examine Canada’s historical beginnings and the evolution from dependency to independence. With the passing of the British North America Act Canada became a Dominion in the British Commonwealth but his did not mean that it was a fully independent country. It remained a colony of Britain for many more years. Learn about the growing independence from Britain and early struggles between the provinces and the federal government as Canada developed into a nation.
   
Accommodations: Novotel Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Parliament Hill/Centre Block/Museum of Civilization
(Monday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Parliament Hill. Explore the center stage of Canadian democracy on a guided tour of the Centre Block of Parliament. Learn first-hand about the inner workings of Canada’s government. The Parliament Buildings are historical monuments, architectural treasures, and an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. It is within the walls of these buildings that Senators and Members of Parliament debate the important issues of the day, and make Canadian laws. Top off your visit with a view from the Peace Tower observation deck and explore the outside grounds of Parliament Hill.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Museum of Civilization Cafe.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Museum of Civilization. Visit the nation's leading museum of human history and one of the largest museums in the world. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River directly across from Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a stunning landmark building that celebrates the achievements and histories of Canadian and world cultures. Meet with a museum curator and explore 1000 years of Canadian history, including townscapes and environments from across the country, as well as Canadian Personalities Hall bringing participants face-to-face with fascinating people whose decisions, actions and accomplishments have shaped Canada.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore the wide array of dining options in Ottawa.
   
Accommodations: Novotel Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: History of Ottawa/Bytown Museum/National Art Gallery/Free Afternoon
(Tuesday, September 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: History of Ottawa. This two-part lecture focuses, first, on the eventual selection of Ottawa as Canada’s capital city after experience with several prior settlements. From early days in the seventeenth century when French explorers came upon Ottawa Indians while exploring new routes for the fur trade to Queen Victoria’s judicious decision to locate the capital in a region that satisfied ethnic, commercial, religious and strategic objectives, Ottawa enjoyed volatile beginnings. A discussion follows of Ottawa’s contemporary make-up driven by both public and private sectors, multicultural richness -- from Inuit to Vietnamese -- and as a dramatic locus for the spark of what many see as the beginning of the Cold War. Coupled with this is a brief overview of the basic principles of universal healthcare in Canada from its early days in the 1950’s to its present status that most Canadians like to call a defining characteristic of their national identity.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Bytown Museum. Travel through time and explore the stories that shaped Bytown and early Ottawa. From the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel John By and the construction of the Rideau Canal to the naming of Ottawa as the nation’s capital, the permanent exhibits will introduce you to the people and the objects that helped build this great city.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: National Art Gallery. Whether you're a novice or expert, historical or contemporary art-lover, the Gallery is constantly putting on engaging events to encourage learning in a stimulating, informal environment. Your guide will give you a fascinating new perspective on the works of art found throughout the collections.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Free afternoon to continue exploring the museum or visit the many museums that the city has to offer, or take a cruise on the Rideau Canal.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Novotel Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Ottawa by Coach/Mackenzie King Estate and High Tea/Coach to Jones Falls/Pre-Contact Native History
(Wednesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Exploring the Nation's Capital. Witness some of Ottawa's most famous landmarks and architectural treasures during a city exploration by coach. Canada’s Capital is renowned for the diversity of its historical monuments and architectural treasures such as the Parliament Buildings, an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. Other notable landmarks include 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada’s Prime Minister, located on the edge of the Ottawa River, opposite the main entrance to Rideau Hall; the National Arts Centre, Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court of Canada and the United States Embassy.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Mackenzie King Estate. Leaving the city behind we travel north through the magnificent Gatineau Hills renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and fall colors. Meet a local historian and writer who will introduce you to one of Canada’s greatest leaders, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th and longest standing prime minister. Learn about the extensive heritage left behind under King's leadership and how he guided Canada along the path from semi-colonial status to complete autonomy. There will be a guided private tour of the Estate with its picturesque ruins and sprawling gardens. King’s intrigue with architecture is evident with Moorside, a large elegant cottage where King received guests such as Winston Churchill and Charles Lindbergh and the Farm, now the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons.
 Lunch: A delectable traditional High Tea lunch will be served at MacKenzie King Estate.
 Afternoon: Coach to Jones Falls with a stop at a scenic view point in the Gatineau Hills. The area features hardwood and mixed forests with bogs, fields, swamps and lakes interspersed amongst the mountains.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel Kenney.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Pre-Contact Native History. In an evening presentation by an archeologist on the Rideau Country learn about the impact of the first peoples, long before white settlers arrived.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Kenney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Rideau Canal Cruise\The Building of the Rideau Canal/Jones Falls Lockstation
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Rideau Canal by Boat. Enjoy a boat excursion on the Rideau Canal with expert commentary and entertainment. We will pass through a few lockstations and experience what our summer boaters experience. Almost all the locks are hand operated and so it is a unique system in North America. We will pass through beautiful Canadian Shield Country, rugged granite outcrops with majestic pines and cedars at every bend in the waterway.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lite lunch on board ship.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: The Building of a UNESCO Heritage Site - The Rideau Canal. A presentation will acquaint participants with the history of this important waterway. The canal celebrated its 175th anniversary and was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2007. Following the War of 1812 surveys were carried out to identify a second, safe, route from Montréal to the Great Lakes. Learn about Lieutenant-Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who was tasked to oversee the making of the route into a navigable waterway, known as the Rideau Canal.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Jones Falls Lockstation. Take a guided walk of Jones Falls Lockstation and visit with the blacksmith in the original shop as well visit the lockmaster's house restored to 1840s period with diary of lockmaster. This experience will be enhanced with commentary by Sue Warren, a well-known local historian and a descendent of lockmaster.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Kenney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Coach to Gananoque/1000 Islands Cruise/Arthur Childs Heritage Museum
(Friday, September 27)

Note: A valid passport is required for all participants for the 1000 Islands cruise which makes a stop at Boldt Castle - on the US side of the border. US and Canadian citizens will be required to have the appropriate documents.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel before we board the coach to Gananoque and the picturesque 1000 Islands.
 Morning: EXCURSION: 1000 Islands Cruise. Enjoy an enchanting and scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands including Zavikon Island, Millionaire's Row, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands Bridge. Participants will disembark at Heart Island, home of the famous Boldt Castle for a 2 hour historic visit. Share the story George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, who set out to build a full size Rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.
 Lunch: Box lunch on board the cruise.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Arthur Childs Heritage Museum of 1000 Islands. Reflect on the history of the area as you explore the exhibit halls and interactive displays. The building is reminiscent of the original island cottages and fabulous hotels that were built during the Golden Era and the site on which the Heritage Museum now stands was originally the main station for the Thousand Islands Railway. Learn about the formation of the 1000 Islands and its unique flora and fauna. Walk in the footsteps of the First Nations people, early settlers and voyageurs and the combatants in the War of 1812.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Confederation Place Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Canada's First Capital/Fort Henry/Kingston's Historic Sites/Farewell Dinner
(Saturday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Fort Henry National Historic Site. Visit Fort Henry National Historic Site, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a senior officer guide. Fort Henry is both a museum and a spectacular historic site. Once inside the fortification's wooden gates visitors enter a marvelous reproduction of 19th century military life. The original Fort Henry was built during the War of 1812 (1812-1814), between Great Britain (Canada being at that time a British colony) and the United States of America. Between 1832 and 1837, a second fort was built on the site of the first, and it is this fort that stands here today. Fort Henry is the largest fortification west of Quebec city.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Kingston: Canada's First Capital. A renowned historical geographer will present on Canada’s first capital, Kingston, located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario where the lake meets the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. The city is home to many historic sites including the final resting place of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister and many historic buildings that have been preserved.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at Fort Henry.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Historic Kingston. Explore some of Kingston's historic sites and landmarks by coach. Founded in 1673 on a First Nation site called Katarokwi, the settlement was eventually referred to as "the King's Town" in honour of King George III, with the name shortening to "Kingston" by 1788. Kingston is also nicknamed the "Limestone City" because of the many historic buildings built with local limestone and was Canada’s first capital. Highlights include Bellevue House, the home of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald; Queen’s University, established in 1841; and the Martello towers, part of the city’s fortifications. There are 21 National Historic Sites of Canada located in Kingston in addition to numerous galleries and museums.
 Dinner: FAREWELL DINNER: Special farewell dinner at Fort Henry Historic Site in the Officers' Dining Room. Participants will be served by soldier servants and treated like guests of the officers' mess at the time of Queen Victoria.
   
Accommodations: Confederation Place Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Ottawa/Independent Departures
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is between 6:30 and 8:00 am.
 Morning: COACH TRANSFER: The group will transfer by coach to Ottawa at 9:00 am. Approximate arrival at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is 12:00 noon. Independent departures from the Ottawa Airport. Secondary drop offs can be arranged at the program hotel in Ottawa if required.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Kingston, Ontario Culture & History
Kingston is home to a number of unique museums and historic properties including the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, Miller Museum of Geology and Minerals, Penitentiary Museum, Museum of Health Care, Maclachan Woodworking Museum, Royal Military College Museum, Military Communications and Electronics Museum, Murney Tower Historic Site, Bellevue House, International Hockey Hall of Fame and more. For additional information, visit www.cityofkingston.ca/visitors/museums/local.asp
  Arts
Kingston boasts a thriving arts scene and is home to a number of galleries including Agnes Etherington Art Gallery, Union Gallery and Modern Fuel Gallery. Theatre goers can choose from a number of options including concerts and performances at the K-Rock Centre, the Grand Theatre, Domino Theatre and Kingston Symphony. For additional information, visit www.tourism.kingstoncanada.com/en/tourism/artssportsandrecreation/theatresgalleries.aspx
  Ottawa, Ontario National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is one of the world's most respected art institutions and proud to be the permanent home of the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian art. Whether you are keen to view an original Tom Thomson wilderness sketch, to explore inventive Inuit sculpture or major works by the old European masters, or to experience arresting works in every medium by internationally renowned contemporary artists. It makes its home in a grand, light-filled structure of glass and granite, in which visitors can find a cloistered garden, a glass-bottomed pool, and a reconstructed 19th-century chapel. For additional information, visit www.gallery.ca/en/
  Museums
Ottawa is known as Canada's Cultural Capital and is home to an array of museums and historic sites including: National Archives Canada, Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, The Canada Aviation Museum, The Canadian War Museum, The Canadian Museum of Nature, Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada,Canadian Agriculture Museum,Billings Estate Museum, Bytown Museum, The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, Canadian Postal Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. For additional information, visit www.ottawamuseums.com/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Ottawa: the Unknown City


Author: Rob McLennan


Description: A quirky and practical guide to the history and attractions of the Canadian capital. Ottawa may be our capital city but it's also a place of contradictions—the official version offers numerous, beneficent historic sites, institutions, museums, and galleries, but there are other stories to be told. In this latest edition of Arsenal's Unknown City series of alternativecity guides for both locals and tourists, Ottawa comes alive as a diverse, quirky town that may look like a government city on the surface but boasts a small-town charm. The book charts a course through the city's hidden landmarks, shopping, dining, and nightlife hot spots, as well as secret histories that will come as a surprise even to life-long locals.



Hub of the Rideau: History of South Crosby Township


Author: Susan Warren


Description: South Crosby, now a ward in the Township of Rideau Lakes, is known for the locks at Jones Falls, the lock at Chaffey’s Locks, and Davis Lock. It also contains the communities of Elgin, Morton, and Crosby. The book covers the period from first human occupation of the region to the present day, but reserves the most detail for the period from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. It is an interesting read, providing a good blend of facts with interesting stories from the period, including insights into early pioneer life based on diaries and letters written by individuals in the nineteenth century. The book is hardcover in 8 x 11 inch format, with many sepia toned pictures illustrating the text. It is $39.95 plus $6.00 for shipping and handling in Canada and $9.00 for U.S. destinations. Please order from: Rideau Lakes Township P.O. Box 500 Delta, Ontario K0E1G0 Phone - 613- 928-2251 Fax - 613-928-3097



The Rideau Route: Exploring the Pre-Canal Waterway


Author: Ken Watson


Description: This book reveals the secret world that lies below the waters of the Rideau Canal – the drowned landscape of the original Rideau Route. This book answers the question; what did the Rideau Route look like before the canal was built? A fascinating and educational read



Discovering the Thousand Islands


Author: Don Ross


Description: The first American vacation destination developed after the Civil War. It was promoted by President Ulysses S. Grant, and remains a grand travel destination shared by Americans and Canadians. The Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River are rich in natural and native history, and feature the baronial summer homes of George Pullman and George Boldt, whose island castle attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually. Featuring 100 color and archival photographs of the region's natural splendor and historical riches, and complete with tall tales and folklore, this is the perfect book for the itinerant or armchair traveler. Don Ross is a former Chief Naturalist of the St. Lawrence Islands National Park and a resident of Hill Island, one of the Thousand



Building of the Rideau Canal: A Pictorial History


Author: Robert Passfield


Description: A 2003 reprint of the 1982 classic. The book features 72 period illustrations of the canal during and just following construction, 43 of which are in stunning colour. Passfield provides expert interpretation of these images and engaging descriptions of the engineering of the works. This is one of the best books about the Rideau.





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