The Ottawa River winds its way east and north to Montreal. The river is about 3/4 to 1 mile wide and has many islands which we will have to navigate around. We will keep the province of Ontario to our south and Quebec to our north today, but eventually the river winds north enough that we will be completely in Quebec Province.
As we leave the Ottawa area and it’s outlying towns the shore becomes totally forested. Beyond the shore on the Quebec side are large farms. There are small towns scattered along the shore on the Ontario side.
There are ferry crossings between the two provinces connecting the towns. The ferries are run by cables under water, like the ones we saw on the Rideau. The first ferry connects the towns of Masson-Angers and Cumberland and it was surprisingly busy. The ferries filled with cars were operating continuously, there was even a semi trailer waiting to cross. We had to thread our way between the ferries.
In this section of the river, there are marshes and lakes just off the river on the Quebec side and we had to disturb a large flock of gulls as we went by.
We passed Rockland, Ontario and in the distance we could see the highlands of Quebec
We came to the second ferry crossing that connected Thurso, Quebec and Clarence Ontario. Here both sides of the river have large farms.
Next we travelled by Thurso Ile and tucked behind Ile Dube to anchor. This is a quiet rural setting. We will spend the afternoon doing a few chores and relaxing.
Aug 11. Day 117. On to Baie de Atroc via Montebello, Quebec. 20.3 Nm. Total 2058
We left the quiet anchorage at Ile Dube and headed further north. The river widens and deepens and it is as if we are on a lake the water is so calm. Islands and marshes still continue just off shore. The largest island La Grande Presqu’ile even had farms on it.
The mainland has small towns and farms on the lower lands and the highlands rise up in the north and east.
We have had a quiet day on the water as are only companions were small fishing boats and one sailboat.
As we approach le Chateau Montebello we hail them on the radio and take our place at the docks. We made reservations for lunch here as everyone we met said the stop was worth the time.
Some history- The Papineau family was granted land here and established an estate with a manor home in 1803. The family lived at the home until 1929. The property was sold to an American who wanted to develop it as a sportsman lodge. Running out of money he partnered with the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
The current Chateau Montebello was built in 1930 and enlarged over the years. It claims to be the largest log structure in the world.
Chateau Montebello is a year round resort offering spa, restaurants, indoor/outdoor tennis and basketball, golf, paddle boards, canoes and kayaks. Also trails for biking, volleyball, croquet, horseback riding, and badminton.
Winter activities are, skiing, skating, hockey, curling, cross country skiing, And snow mobile trails. As you can see they have something for everyone.
We enjoyed our lunch and the walk around the resort. And their WiFi!
