Three Sons entered Canadian waters!
We once again took the road less traveled. The route most loopers take once they leave Clayton, NY, is to travel a bit in the St. Lawrence River to explore The Thousand Islands and then turn around and head to Kingston, Ontario. In our never ending sense of adventure, after exploring The Thousand Islands, we did not turn around but continued down the St. Lawrence River heading to Montreal. Yes, we cruised down the river even though we were heading north. Once we hit Montreal, we will cruise the Ottawa River and down the Rideau Canal to Kingston. Instead of the taking the 19 Nautical Mile/2 hour and 45 minute trip from Clayton, NY to Kingston, ON, we are venturing on an ‘about’ three week ‘side trip’ of 563 miles and too many locks to count to get to Kingston, ON
Over 4 days/145 Nautical Miles, we cruised the St. Lawrence River which connects the Great Lakes to the North Atlantic Ocean traversing New York, Ontario and Quebec. Our Canadian stops along the St. Lawrence stops included: Prescott, Crysler, Bainsville, and Montreal. With the timing of 5 locks and 2 bridge openings, the ultimate goal of avoiding barges and the take of customs and entering a new country, this journey took some extra planning and needed an spreadsheet. We were thankful to have a few other Loopers to help brainstorm the best travel itinerary.
Our 41 Nautical Mile cruise to Prescott included a few stops along the way to enjoy and explore The Thousand Islands. First, we floated and flew the drone in Summerland Islands. We were hoping to anchor here for a night to enjoy nature but with the iffy weather and weather delay in Clayton, we decided a breakfast stop will do.
Our second stop was at Dark Island to visit the Singer Castle. Our research led us to believe docking would be easy with lots of room. Well, that turned out to be incorrect. After communicating with the other boats we learned the hurdles to get Three Sons a space, so we moved on. A few minutes later, we noticed the one boat docked was pulling away and after a quick phone conversation with the dockmaster, we decided to give it try. A short dock, rocks and large wake from a barge made this difficult but our captain got us in safely.
The tour was great and a stark comparison to Boldt Castle. The Singer Castle was a hunting lodge built for the president of Singer Sewing Machines in 1902. A medieval decor and 100 year old furnishings gave it a creepy but lived in feel. The castle is filled with secret passages so servants could take care of the family/guest with out being seen. The best was a hook in the closet that opened a door that allowed the help to grab the laundry with out stepping foot in the bedroom.
Our final stop of the day was Prescott Heritage Harbor where we checked into Canada via telephone. To celebrate we had a dark and tan with Camelot and explored the town. Unfortunately the town did not have much to offer, and being a Tuesday the brewery and ‘pop-up’ shops were closed.
Three Sons, along with Camelot and Sweet Equity, left Prescott at 8:15 and had an enjoyable 23 Nautical Mile cruise to Crysler including an easily managed 8 inch down lock. Our dockage came with free tickets to Upper Canada Village, think Plymouth Plantation of Canada, so all 6 of us biked over and learned all about life in a rural 1860’s Canadian Village. After a trip to the grocery store, thanks to a ride from the marina, we enjoyed a lopper dinner!
Our three looper caravan planned on leaving Crysler at 9:00 AM to time avoiding a barge in the locks. An early morning last minute check on barge traffic, had us dropping lines for a 8:00 departure. All went well avoiding barges but the day was a drag. Approaching our first lock, the lock master instructed us to grab a bollard that was too close to the boat in front of us. Upon seeing his error, he gave us advice to tie a bow line but holding the boat was a chore. Second lock went better but a strong current made for tricky driving, then the wind kicked up and finally the entrance into the marina was very shallow. Since, the Creg Quay Marina was in the middle of nowhere, we were happy to have a quiet night on the boat.
Once again an early AM departure of 6:48 for Three Sons, Sweet Equity and Camelot in order to time the lift bridges. Traditionally it has been difficult to time the locks as any commercial ship can bump recreational boat. Thankfully Canada has organized recreational openings during the day at very specific times. As long as we plan and go along with the prescribed times, it is very efficient.
Finally, we crossed paths with other loopers and the 5 boat flotilla meandered through 2 lift bridges and 2 locks with ease! Lots of radio communication and collaboration brought us safely to Sainte Anne-de Bellevue lock wall where we will stay for a few days to explore Montreal. We docked on the port side of the canal near a park like sliver of land, the small canal and area was filled with folks enjoying the holiday weekend. After settling in, we had dinner on the Port Canal at Cape Cod Seafood and then Ubered into the city to explore Old Port.
