St Lawrence

quote:
Originally posted by carver 2557

When did the do away with the I-68's?

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Maybe I was given false information - appears you can still get an I-68, however would require a trip to Buffalo, as the 1000 Islands border office does not issue them.
 
I believe I-68's are still available. I was assuming there would be a CBP office in the Chesapeake area at which Kenny could obtain them in advance of his trip.
 
Thank you all for the St Lawrence suggestions. A couple of new questions...
Are there anchorage opportunities or will we typically need to tie up at a dock or mooring ball?

Although my impression is the whole area is relatively crime free are there areas where we need to be a little more careful about protecting ourslves and our stuff.
 
There are numerous anchorages. The prevailing wind and current are both generally from the west, so its easy to find a protected spot. One just has to exercise caution when venturing out of the marked channels. You should also be aware of which side of the border you're on when you drop the hook, and make sure it's the side to which you're checked in.

As far as crime, we've been boating in the area for 18 years and I can't remember ever hearing of any problem in that regard.
 
One of our favorite anchorages is in the Lake of the Isles. We spent a week in the 1000 Islands last year, made the trip down the Erie Canal from Buffalo.

800x600
 
It looks like we are going to try to do the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa, Montreal, and back down through Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. Is there a chartbook available that covers the Quebec waterways or should I just go ahead and buy all the charts individually? I find chartbooks more convenient and economical but I am having no luck finding one.

Also do I need to change my zincs over to aluminum for fresh water cruising? My zincs seem to be doing the job in the brackish upper Chesapeake. Trying to to figure out the best practice going from brackish, to salt, to fresh and back.
 
Changing zincs is not necessary for the time you are in fresh water. They will work a little less eficiently but they still work.
Very few inboard boats use anything other than zinc including my own. More important for sterndrives with aluminum components.
 
Ken,
I mentioned your thread to friends that have done the Rideau numerous times and received the following response:
"Please feel free to give your boater ed contact my e mail address. One thing worth mentioning to him.... our Canadian friend who we see in the Bahamas and on the Rideau, told us that the rates for locking thru the Canadian canals are reportedly going up 300% after this year. He lives on his boat during the summer in the Rideau, and after this year, he may resort to cruising the Erie Canal because of the high cost of permits. The word on the "water" last year from canal staff was that the canal was losing money right and left and the new political regime in Ontario intended to shift the cost to those that use the canal. So this would be the summer to cruise that loop!"
It sounds like this may be the year to do it.
I sent you a PM with their e-mail address.
 
We did the Rideau last year, whatever the cost, it's worth it. If you can't afford the lockage, you probably can't afford the trip to start with.
 
Originally posted by The Other Gary

This is good news about the zincs. Since this cruise will be much longer than anything we have done beofre I am trying to be fully prepared. Maybe I was over thinking this one.
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Re: Increase in lockage costs...

Spoke to canal staff at Toronto boat show in January, and indeed, lockage costs to users are going up to a degree. But nowhere near the potential 300% increases that were originally reported...thankfully

Some operational savings however will come at the expense of reduced canal hrs of operation...and, unfortunately, staff cutbacks and layoffs.
 
Yes, the 300% is history. All the local yacht clubs started a letter writing campaign with copies
to the minister of tourism. Also every member that visited the boat show was encouraged to stop by and complain.

Here is the reply, note this is for 2014.

Further to our previous correspondence. Parks Canada has been pleased to receive further input from Canadians regarding the fee proposals related to the national canal lockage and mooring fees.
In listening to Canadians and the information and suggestions provided while taking into consideration operational requirements and costs, Parks Canada has made modifications and added products to both the lockage and mooring aspects of the fee proposal. These include a one day pass for lockage and the addition of a seasonal mooring pass.

Parks Canada invests over $42 million in canal operations every year. With this important investment Parks Canada remains committed to protecting and presenting the canals for the enjoyment of all visitors and for the tourism benefits of the communities along the canal corridors.

Parks Canada is certain you will agree that operators of pleasure craft enjoy some of Canada's most magnificent waterways and historic locks through the places we manage on behalf of all Canadians. The experiences offered through these waterways continue to provide an exceptional value for the fees paid. The following are the proposed products and costs for a 25 ft boat (the average length of craft going through the locks).

Proposed products and costs for a 25 ft boat (average length vessel moving through locks)
Product Total Cost Average Weekly Cost
(over the 20 week operational season)
Single passage Level 1 lock (2014) $15.00
Single passage Level 2 lock (2014) $22.50
One day pass unlimited lockage (2014) $60.00
Six day pass unlimited lockage (2014) $175.00
Seasonal unlimited lockage (2014) $375.00 $18.75
Day time mooring (2013) $12.50
Overnight mooring, including daytime (2013) $31.25
Season unlimited mooring (2013) $500.00 $25.00

We invite you to review the additional information and to continue your informed and helpful participation.

Parks Canada's revised proposal for canals:

Lockage: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/agen/tarifs-fees/consultation/ann-app3.aspx#canal

Mooring: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/agen/tarifs-fees/consultation/ann-app3.aspx#mooring

Respectfully,

L'équipe de tarification nationale / The National Pricing Team
Expérience de la marque / Brand Experience
Relations externes et expérience du visiteur / External Relations and Visitor Experience
25 Eddy (25-6-T), Gatineau, Québec, K1A 0M5
droits2013.2013feesrb2rb2@gr5tgr5tpc
 
Where are the moorings that they charge for?
 
Probably at the locks. We spent many nights moored at the locks, water, electricity, BBQ grills, showers & laundry. Better than a marina.
 
As we plan our trip to the 1000 islands which has now grown to include the Rideau Canal every post is very helpful and really appreciated. Thank you.
If we are going to do the Rideau and take our time to enjoy over a 2-3 week period it looks like we will need a season pass for the locks as well as a season pass for mooring. We are well equipped to simply anchor but it seems like mooring or tying up to a Parks Canada location is the norm. I believe there used to be a one way transit pass which is no longer available. Do I have this right that season passes are the way to go?

I also wonder what folks do for internet access and cell phone coverage in Canada.
 
We used a Verison Hot Spot for internet. Discouraged cell phone calls due to very expensive charges, about $1.00 per minute, IIRC.
You may want to do the math on paying for moorings as opposed to season pass. The Canals were the only places we used the Parks Canada moorings. The lock pass is probably the way to go, won't have the hassle of paying at each of the 40+ locks. The Rideau and Ottawa are great!
 
Ken,
While many boats do tie up at the locks there are also many excellent anhorages along the Rideau. You'll find some pointed out on ""Active Captain" and if you can get your hands on the ""Ports Crusing Guide" you'll find a wealth of information there...jut about everything you'll need to know. There's one guide for the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River and another for Lake Ontario and the 1,000 Islands.

www.portsbooks.com

Hope that helps.

-Norm
 
I am very glad to hear that Active Captain covers this area. I tired to hone in on this area once in the Interactve Cruising Guide and was unable to bring up a chart. I will order some Rideau charts and cruising guides this weekend to get a better idea what to expect. I didn't realize there would be so many anchoring opportunities.
All posts are helpful.

Now if I could only figure out how to receive a PM.
 
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