The River: Go With The Flow

The St. Lawrence River has anchored itself in our collective psyche. Whether we’re working or relaxing, the great waterway is always in our backyard. To help with our summertime plans, we asked local experts to weigh in on their favourite spots and why they love them.

By Todd Lihou | Artwork by Olivia Barton

DIVE

Experienced divers love the history and the challenge of an Eastcliffe Hall dive. The 343’ steel freighter is found approximately 3/4 of a mile south of Crysler Marina near Morrisburg. The ship struck a shoal and sank in 1970, claiming nine lives and sparing twelve.

The wreck is a favourite of Steven Guindon, owner of Cornwall’s O2toGo dive shop.

There are very few places I haven’t been on that wreck. The best part here in the summer is that the water is the same temperature on the bottom as it is on the top. And because it is fresh water the wrecks are preserved longer.”

FISH

Lancaster perch, smallmouth bass, ferocious muskie and big ol’ carp. Reno Viola, a Long Sault resident and former TV host of Fishing Canada says these species are what set the St. Lawrence River apart from other rivers in North America. The stretch from the Quebec border to Lake Ontario offers an abundance of locations to suit all anglers, whether fi shing from shore or boat.

Arguably we have the best smallmouth bass fishing in North America," says Reno. "And we're certainly in the top ten for muskie fishing. Fifty-inchers are common here."

Reno also adds that if you're fishing for smallmouth bass, look for them in the current areas, not slack water.

SAIL

Sailors of all levels enjoy the Stormont Yacht Club which offers sailing, sail training, and recreational facilities for its members. Islands in the area offering shelter from big swells and traffic include Moulinette, Macdonell and the Long Sault Islands.

Pam Maloney and her husband Shawn have built a life racing and relaxing on the St. Lawrence River aboard their 32-foot sailboat, Chinook.

For people that are beginners sailing is a challenge…but it helps you learn how to read charts and navigate”, says Pam. “We’re lucky to have so many different islands and sheltered areas that keep the water fairly calm. That’s what makes the St. Lawrence River one of the most beautiful places to sail in the world.”

BEACH

Iroquois Beach is a hidden gem of a beach, about 50 km west of Cornwall. Set back from the main river, this sandy beach offers a respite from the wind that can blow steadily along the shore.

It is a bit calmer than some of the other ones that are caught in the fl ow of the river,” explains South Dundas Recreation Manager, Ben MacPherson. “It’s a more calming feeling. And it’s pretty expansive which means everyone can have their own little area to relax.”

PADDLE

The ample shorelines of the St. Lawrence River make it a paddler’s paradise. Sylvie Gauthier, an avid member of the Cornwall Outdoor Club, caught the kayaking bug a few years ago, and now it consumes her life from April to November.

There are two aspects to the river—the wide open areas or the narrow channels like at the bird sanctuary where it is quieter and peaceful,” says Sylvie. “My favourite spot is Ingleside because it provides easy access to the river. You have to be mindful of the current. You’ll always be better off starting in the west and paddling east.”

FLOAT

Tubie Festival Weekend, one of the most entertaining events on the St. Lawrence, takes place in Morrisburg every August. The festival draws dozens of competitors who race the three-kilometre course from Arlor Haven campsite to the Morrisburg Beach, vying for the title of King or Queen of the River. Some go the distance; some get towed to shore.

Back when we started, everybody had a round circular tube, and some people had flippers on their feet,” said Steven Casselman, one of the original racers in the 1970s.

What started as a simple event has grown into a smorgasbord of activities that include a triathlon, parade, beer garden, and outdoor dance with live music.

LEARN

Thompson Island Cultural Camp is a retreat off the shore of Summerstown near Hamilton Island. Barely a kilometre long and a little more than 500 metres wide, this tiny island offers powerful programming from May 1 to October 31. Its many visitors come to have quiet time in a natural setting and to learn about First Nations’culture.

We do medicine walks and show off wild medicinal weeds that grow on the island,” said Camp Coordinator Jessica Shenandoah.

Cultural sensitivity training, corporate retreats, school trips, and even anglers looking to haul fish from the river enjoy the escape to Thompson Island.

CYCLE

In its entirety, the Waterfront Trail spans 3,000 kilometres and connects 140 communities. Cycle tourists from around the world come to get the quintessentially Canadian lakes-and-rivers experience. Arguably, one of the best sections is right in our backyard.

Joe McNamara of Bike Centric has been cycling the area since the 1970s.

I point people to the Waterfront Trail from Ingleside to Upper Canada Village,” says Joe. There aren’t many cars, and the trails provide lots of Instagram-worthy locations. “We almost take it for granted. It’s a fantastic adventure trail.”