Destination Paddled: Four Paddles all from the Blair Road Launch, Ottawa, Ontario


Paddle 1 – Duck Islands
Date: July 2, 2020
Number of Paddlers: 3
Temperature: 25C (77 F)
Distance paddled: 7.8 km (4.8 miles)

This was a paddle that we have done before but there is always something different. We started earlier than normal because once again we are in a heat wave here and the temperatures were going to be crazy, especially with the humidex. When we started at 9:45 AM, the humidex was 29C (84.2F) and by the time we finished at 12:45 PM, the temperature was 30C (86F) with a humidex of 35C (95F).

We put in at the Blair Road boat ramp on the Ottawa River and paddled straight across to Upper Duck Island. We then paddled out around the end of the island and east to the top of Lower Duck Island. We then paddled back west on the Ontario side of the island. We discovered what looks like it was an abandoned sailing boat. I took a picture and sent a message to what we assumed was the home club for the boat. It also had the registered name on the back of the boat. The boat was high and dry with the full boat out of water and hidden by some trees.

I also took a picture of a mother Canada Goose and her (not so babies) off springs. Took a couple of pictures of the water in the middle of Upper Duck Lake.

Saw a lot of Canada Geese and their babies. Also saw a cormorant. We did see one Blue Heron that thought it was invisible to us until we got so close it decided that maybe it wasn't invisible.


Paddle 2 – Green's Creek
Date: July 21, 2020
Number of Paddlers: 3
Temperature: 24C (75 F)
Distance paddled: 11 km (6.8 miles)

This was a paddle that we have never done before. We have been to Green's Creek but from the other direction.

We put in at the Blair Road boat ramp on the Ottawa River again and paddled straight across to Upper Duck Island looking to see if the sailboat we had seen before was still there. It was. We then crossed back across the river to the Ottawa side of the river and followed the shore and the bike/walking path. Very busy day. The parking lot at the launch was busy as was the boat ramp and the bike/walking path. Slightly cooler weather without excessive humidity brought out the people.

We discovered an old dock that had obviously washed away on someone in the spring thaw last April and to our surprise it had a bell attached to it. The bell originally was connected to electricity but we were able to ring it by bumping it with the nose of our kayaks.

Saw mum and her baby Canada Geese entering Green's Creek. They were still on the creek when we made our way back out and got really close to them without them flying away. That was a real treat. Got some pretty decent pictures of them. Also saw a few turtles but they didn't want to pose for their pictures to be taken.


Paddle 3 - Ottawa New Edinburgh Club, Ottawa, Ontario
Date: July 28, 2020
Number of Paddlers: 3
Temperature: 24C (75 F)
Distance paddled: 9.4 km (5.8 miles)

This was a fun paddle because of the added winds and waves on the Ottawa River. Heading out the winds were 15 km/h (9.3 mph) gusting to close to 30 km/h (18.6 mph) right into our faces.

The wind and waves made for a few wet splashes but not a big deal. The added boat wake made it interesting. Coming back was MUCH easier. To do a decent speed all we had to do was keep the boat going straight. Alternately, if you timed it right you could surf off the waves and really pick up speed.

Along the way we passed the Rockcliffe Boat Club. It decided to close for the season because of Covid-19 so it was deserted and the docks were all pulled in. Our end destination was the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club. It is a designated historical building with construction started in 1914, but I guess there comes a point. It has been totally gutted and is in the process of being re-constructed. Activities still go on, just not IN the boathouse. There were several small sail boats around with lessons being given. We saw some boats capsize and the person able to right it again.

On the way back we saw a sea plane take off into the waves and wind. Very short take off, and very impressive. We also saw mum and her baby ducklings out for a paddle. We got quite close to them.


Paddle 4 - Kettle Island, Ottawa, Ontario
Date: August 20, 2020
Number of Paddlers: 4
Temperature: 17C (62.6 F)
Distance paddled: 9.7 km (6 miles)

This was another area from Blair Road that we had not explored in some time so we decided to check it out. WAY back this island was called “Parc Belle-Isle”. Now deserted, it was originally settled by squatters who tried to farm on the island. Spring flooding kind of squashed that idea. Some time between 1873 and 1889 it had cottages and there were also campers going to the island. In 1912, a park opened called “Parc Belle-Isle”. There was a restaurant, a theatre, swings and a carousel. The island was serviced in the summer by a steamer called the “Quinte Queen”. Many people would go there to picnic, play and attend vaudeville theatre and “moving pictures”. All this is gone and the island is now owned by the “Nature Conservancy and called the “Kettle Island Nature Preserve”.

Apparently, this past weekend a big party occurred on the island. This despite Covid-19 restrictions. The cops were called etc. So, being the curious minds we were we decided we needed to check this out. Maps, including Google Earth shows access points into the centre of the island by water. We wanted to check that. Nadda. They don't exist anymore. Certainly you would not get a power boat in there. You might get a kayak or canoe in but it would be through pretty swampy areas and you might have to portage..... if you could. So, our conclusion was that the “party” might of been on one of the many sand beaches that are all posted as off limits.

We did get sprinkled upon but nothing serious.

We saw one Canada Goose and two Wild Turkeys but that was it as far as critters.
Enjoy the pictures.


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Don