Merrickville: Blockhouse, Canal and Trails

Merrickville brings together the history of the Rideau Canal with walking trails, cycling routes and experiences on the waterway. The blockhouse tells the story of the settlement’s former defenses; a variety of walks take in historic buildings, a former mill and factory site, and natural areas. As you look for a vacation rental, consider whether you’d like to focus your trip on village history, longer routes or activities on the water.

The Blockhouse and Canal History

Merrickville’s blockhouse was built in 1832–1833. It is Canada’s second-largest blockhouse, one of four surviving blockhouses on the Rideau Canal, and the largest fortified structure on this waterway. Its main purpose was to house troops to protect Merrickville in the event of an attack. The Blockhouse Museum on the grounds of Merrickville Lockstation, in the heart of the village, displays artifacts donated by community members that reflect the development of Merrickville-Wolford.

The lockstation is also part of the area’s history: it is located in one of the oldest settlements along the Rideau Corridor. The Historic Properties take you past historic homes and buildings on walking routes of 1–5 km through Merrickville’s paved streets. If you enjoy combining history and exercise during your stay, you can choose from these routes or the shorter loop around Merrickville Ruins. The 0.5 km loop goes around a former mill and factory site; there is an information board at the entrance. Merrickville’s distinctive character and architecture have survived many of the effects of modernization.

Walks for Different Interests

For a short walk in nature, RiverWalk is a 0.5–1 km loop within the Rideau Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Its main entrance is near Merrickville Beach and the boat dock, just beyond the osprey nest. The Rideau River Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a separate area: the Canadian Wildlife Service designated it in 1957 as a safe refuge for migratory birds. It covers 800 hectares and extends 5.6 km upstream southwest of Merrickville, on both sides of the Rideau River.

The Woodland-Toboggan-Hill area has several options. The Story Trail is a 1 km loop along the Woodland-Toboggan-Hill Trail. Pages from a children’s picture book are posted along the route for walkers to read—a way to add a little reading to your walk. The Woodland Toboggan Hill Loop consists of 1–1.5 km loops with easy-to-walk stone-dust paths, some slopes and a few low steps. If you’re looking for a longer route, the 10 km Quarry Line runs from the Blockhouse, across the canal and along country roads back to Merrickville. One section follows a natural trail with seasonally muddy spots, which you can take into account when choosing your route.

Dam to Depot is another option: this 1.5 km out-and-back route crosses the lock gates and follows the north side of the canal to the tip of the old dam. The routes differ not only in length, but also in whether you’d like to include village streets, a natural trail or the lock area.

Cycling Routes and Experiences on the Water

For a ride along the Rideau Canal, consider the 17.6 km loop from Merrickville to Burritts Rapids. Another loop runs from Merrickville to Eastons Corners: it is 29.6 km long and follows quiet side roads through Merrickville-Wolford. The two routes differ in length and course; these details can help you choose a cycling trip that suits your travel plans. The Merrickville Limerick Trail is a 5–15 km out-and-back route. Its starting point is about 2.5 km east of the Blockhouse on Scotch Line; the route continues to the entrance of Limerick Forest.

If you’d rather experience the Rideau Waterway from the water, the RiverPaddle Trail offers a way to enjoy the stretch near Merrickville through water sports. Merrickville offers a wide range of experiences: historic buildings and sites, short and long trails, two cycling routes with distinct courses, and a waterway. Choose your vacation rental based on which of these aspects of the area interests you most during your stay.

More places to explore: Johnstown, Mallorytown, Gananoque, Westport, Leeds And The Thousand Islands, Prescott, Kemptville and Brockville.

For the broader travel overview: Leeds And Grenville United Counties.