Paddle Through Canadian History
Interpreted guided tours through the Historic
Rideau Waterway
Join us for an engaging and educational experience in one of our 34-foot replica Montreal canoes, or in our 26-foot Rabaska. You'll enjoy a leisurely exploration of both the natural and historical aspects of the Rideau Waterway!
Along with made-to-order canoe tours, we also host an annual competitive voyageur canoe racing event - Paddlefest - in Smiths Falls, ON, at Lower Reach Park, in June of each year.
Below you'll find all the details about how we can provide you with a uniquely Canadian adventure on the water!
Our Guided Tours
We offer Voyageur canoe tours for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Join our costumed guides and learn about the local environment, ecology, and history of the Rideau Canal and Waterways.
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Smiths Falls Tours by Rabaska Canoe
Our Rabaska canoe seats up to 10 paddlers. Choose a tour that suits your schedule, fitness level and interests: urban wilderness; canal and town history; natural history and wetland exploration; first contact ... all in the Heart of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Rideau Experience Tours
Up to 36 people can enjoy a Voyageur experience in our two 34-foot replica Montreal canoes; each seats up to 15 paddlers and three non-paddling participants per canoe. Rideau Experience tours can provide either an energizing, team-building excursion or a leisurely exploration of both the natural and historical aspects of the Rideau Waterway, from a launch point of your choice. Our guides provide paddling instruction, all equipment, nature interpretation and historical tales.
2024 Rideau Experience Program
Paddlefest: A Voyageur Canoe Celebration
Paddlefest: an annual event in which teams compete for a championship in Voyageur Canoe races. Meanwhile, their families, friends and the public celebrate the River— its nature, history, culture and benefits. It’s a great day on the Rideau at Kinsmen’s Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls.
Paddlefest 2025
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Register your team Today!
A Bit
About Us
The Rideau Roundtable is an incorporated, not-for-profit, association of individuals, community & business groups, and other partners and government organizations. Its focus of activity is the sustainable use of the Rideau and Cataraqui waterways and watersheds.
We have partnered with Paddle Canada and Parks Canada to provide the public with guided voyageur canoe tours of the Rideau Canal Waterway -- and beyond -- highlighting the history and ecology of the region.
Get Involved
We are always eager to partner with like-minded people and organizations that want to help the public appreciate the natural beauty of our waterways.
Become a Partner
Whether you are a local business in need of a unique team-building experience, or someone looking to volunteer and create positive change in your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Help Create a
Sustainable Future
Think globally, act locally. Have you ever wanted to make the world a better place? Local actions can have global impacts and even if you don't change the world, you can change a heart or help someone find a new way to look at and appreciate nature.
Gallery
Scroll through our image gallery of Voyageur excursions and watch footage from past Paddlefest Competitions
Contact Us
79 Golf Club Rd.
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4S5
(613) 298-5756
