ottawa illinois river cruise

River Cruises

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Trolley Tours & Boat Rides

Choose a River Cruise, Land & Water Cruise with lunch or a “Visit a Canyon with a Boat Ride.” Attendees meet outside of the Great Hall and board a Starved Rock Trolley to travel to the Eagle I for a leisurely cruise on the Illinois River. Reservations are required. Book online, call (815) 220-7386 or stop by our Front Desk. *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Lock and Lunch

Aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat as it passes through the starved rock lock.

Experience something new and fun aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation included. Passangers can choose between two Itinerates.

• May-October
• Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Departs at 9AM in Ottawa & 11AM at Starved Rock Lodge
• June 27th departs at 10AM in Ottawa & 12PM at Starved Rock Lodge
• $77 adults, $67 children (10 and under)
• *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Sunset Cruise

Cruise down the beautiful illinois river aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat.

Enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Illinois River aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat. You will board the trolley at the Lodge and head over to beautiful Ottawa, IL for your cruise. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge. Reservations required.

• May: Thursdays, departs at 4:30PM, $50 adults, $40 children
• June-August: Thursdays, departs at 5PM, Except 7/4 departs at 4:30PM, $50 adults, $40 children
• September (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 4PM, $75 adults, $65 children
• October (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 3:30PM, $75 adults, $65 children
• Call 815-220-7386 to book September-October

Land & Water Cruises

Illinois river cruise with lunch.

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock’s history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible.  Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• Runs June – September
• Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
• Departs at 11am (ends at 3pm)
• $60 adults, $55 Children (10 and under)
• Call 815-220-7386 to book June 17th, July 17th & September

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride

Illinois river & ottawa canyon hike.

Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Canyon chosen may vary, depending on weather, river and trail conditions. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June – September
• Saturdays and Sundays
• 11AM to 1:30PM
• October – Sundays 11AM to 1:30PM
• $55 adult, $50 Children 10 and under
• Call 815-220-7386 to book September

Waterfowl Cruises

One-hour boat ride on the illinois river.

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour long boat ride on The Eagle I. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June-September
• Saturdays & Sundays
• Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• October – Sundays Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• $37 per person
• Call 815-220-7386 to book August-October

Autumn on the River Cruises

Illinois river boat ride.

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, “The Eagle I” where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Reservations are required. Capacity is limted.

• Runs in October
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• $60 adults, $55 children 10 and under

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Get exclusive deals by email, #starvedrocklodge.

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Not your grandfather’s riverboat.

At first glance, those familiar with riverboats will notice that the Sainte Genevieve is a refreshing departure from the traditional red and white painted paddlewheels. With her deep green coloring and hand-crafted interiors, The Sainte Genevieve greets guests looking for a fresh riverboating experience. Aboard is an enclosed dining area serving catered food curated from local restaurants, a stocked cocktail bar, and an expansive top deck with a 360 view of the Illinois River.

Our crew is well versed in the history of river boating, its time-honored techniques, and modern-day boating innovation. All of these are applied to create an enhanced river boating experience that balances the new with the nostalgia of an American pastime.

We aim to be mentioned in the same breath as the finest riverboating experiences in America, but with a honed approach to hospitality that is distinctly Ottawan. And humble. Because at the end of the day, we’re just a riverboat.

The boat named herself.​

While their boat dates back to 1962, this story begins sixty years later. The husband-and-wife duos, Gentry and Lindsey Nordstrom and Nathan and Jessica Weiss, came together to form the Ottawa Packet Company in December of 2021. Combining Gentry’s entrepreneurial skills, Nathan’s incredible craftsmanship, and a passion for riverboating, the group purchased their voyager and embarked on a new chapter. Much like any story worth telling, the story of Sainte Genevieve is a lesson in triumphing over a challenge. 

A rocky start.

While bringing the boat to Ottawa from Cincinnati, a winter gale blew the boat into some rocks along the shore of the Mississippi River. With her hull taking on water, the crew received help from a local towboat crew and took refuge at their quarry in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri. As fate would have it, the original Sainte Genevieve, the patroness saint of Paris, had enemies who conspired to drown her in a lake but ultimately were unsuccessful. Now fully remodeled, our Sainte Genevieve also prevails. Her story is a testament to remaining steadfast in faith during life’s tribulations.

Meet the Crew

Gentry & Lindsey Nordstrom

Co-founders.

Gentry and Lindsey Nordstrom are two local business owners with real estate and physical therapy practices, respectively. They have a busy household with one boy and two girls, not to mention two dogs. Starved Rock County holds a special place in their heart, as the couple first met while running through the streets of downtown Ottawa during the inaugural Starved Rock Country Half Marathon.

Nathan & Jessica Weiss

Owners of Ottawa Millwork Company, Nathan and Jessica Weiss, are two skilled artists and craftsmen. In fact, much of the Sainte Genevieve’s remodeling was completed by Nathan’s hands. Lovers of antiques and artifacts, the two are old souls. While some say they were born a century too late, we’re glad to have them!

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

The sainte genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheel riverboat, provides daily tours of the scenic waterways of starved rock country..

Guests will depart from downtown Ottawa and cruise between Buffalo Rock and the Marseilles lock and dam to take in the picturesque riverside views.

Step aboard to enjoy dinner cruises featuring small plates from favorite local restaurants, a robust cocktail bar, and occasional live music. Not to mention the best views of the Illinois River.

The boat will be docked at the end of Albin Stevens Dr. in downtown Ottawa, serving as an unmatched venue for get-togethers or private events.

Book a Cruise

All cruises are equipped with a fully stocked bar that accepts cash or credit card. Food is served during our Dinner Cruise, or available upon request for private events.

Our Cruises – Ste. Genevieve Riverboat | Illinois Riverboat (stegenriverboat.com)

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Online Reservations

Concierge or booking agent, buy gift certificates online, reservation / cancellation policy.

All purchases are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchanged for any like-kind cruises as long as the exchange is more than 48 hours prior to original cruise. Within 48 hours of departure, we are unable to offer exchanges. No refunds will be given to no-shows.

Policy Notices

Alcohol Tobacco Policy No outside alcohol can be brought onto the boat or the dock site. Smoking must be downwind while on the boat - please be courteous to other passengers.  Thanks for your understanding!

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Now Offering Tours

Paddlewheel tour boat gives sunset cruises and dinner events along ottawa’s illinois river.

Experience the fall colors along the Illinois River from the comfort of the newly launched Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa. Starved Rock Country has long been a popular destination for autumnal sightseeing and recreational boating in north central Illinois, offering beautiful sandstone cliff faces lined with towering trees and calm, wide waters. Now, thanks to this authentic sternwheeler, a fall river sighting-seeing trip is more hospitable and accessible than ever before.

Spearheaded by Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, and Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, this passion project has begun to entertain locals and visitors alike after a summer of meticulous renovation. The Sainte Genevieve, a genuine sternwheeler capable of hosting up to 149 passengers, has taken its maiden sightseeing cruises up and down the Illinois to great initial acclaim.

The Sainte Genevieve’s inaugural tour schedule includes two distinct types of trip, both highlighting the Starved Rock Country river valley’s beautiful autumnal views and the riverboat’s panoramic bay windows and upper deck. The standard sight-seeing cruise, which runs about 90 minutes, will feature light narration and plenty of ambiance on two distinct and uniquely picturesque routes (guests can choose to book an up-river or down-river trip at checkout).

The up-river route will head east out of Ottawa, past the south bluff, where you can see beautiful riverfront homes and travel toward Heritage Harbor. On this trek, you’ll likely spot some wildlife on several of the river’s islands, before reaching your turnaround point ahead of the Marseilles Lock & Dam. The down-river route will head west out of Ottawa under the historic railroad bridge, travel up toward Buffalo Rock, where you can see the breathtaking rock faces that line the river.

The other staple voyage on offer is a sunset cruise featuring an appetizer buffet. Also running about 90 minutes, this excursion will give guests a chance to enjoy the Sainte Genevieve’s sprawling on-board cocktail buffet – featuring hearty appetizer options and curated bites from local restaurants, along with an unmatched view of the Starved Rock Country sunset. Seating for these events is on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to mingle on both the upper and lower decks to enjoy the views.

The Sainte Genevieve’s cabin is complete with heaters, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the outside temperature. The owners of Sainte Genevieve hope to run the riverboat cruises through the middle of December, so Chris Kringle Market guests can enjoy a convenient winter excursion along the river.

Upcoming events include partnerships with local restaurants, offering themed dining nights, dessert cruises, murder mystery events, brunch cruises and special Halloween activities. The riverboat also will play host to special private events and functions. Bookings for weddings and private sightseeing tours already have begun to roll in.

The Sainte Genevieve tours currently operate Wednesday through Sunday in October, and are taking reservations on the website at www.stegenriverboat.com . The 2022 fares for evening cruises are $20 for children (3-12) and $30 for adults. Weekend sightseeing cruises cost $27 for children (3-12) and $37, respectively. Prices will vary for buffet cruises and special events.

For more information on the Sainte Genevieve, visit www.stegenriverboat.com

For updated details on fall colors, be sure to follow Starved Rock Country on Facebook and Instagram .

Sainte Genevieve riverboat arrives in Ottawa, with goal of providing tours soon

Boat is docked where fox and illinois rivers meet underneath veterans memorial bridge.

The Sainte Genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheeler, docked Sunday, March 13, 2022, where the Fox meets the Illinois River in Ottawa. (Derek Barichello - [email protected])

The Sainte Genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheeler, docked Sunday where the Fox meets the Illinois River in Ottawa.

The boat soon will offer daily tours of the scenic waterway. Operated by the Ottawa Packet Company, tours could start in late May and, weather dependent, through late November or early December. During the off-season, the boat will be docked at Heritage Harbor, serving as additional event space in the winter months.

Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, said he saw an opportunity to share Ottawa’s historic riverfront with tourists who are regularly making their way through the community.

Setting the boat apart from the herd, the twin paddlewheels on The Sainte Genevieve now docked in Ottawa aren’t just for show — they’re the boat’s sole source of propulsion. This creates a leisurely throwback experience, best enjoyed from the vessel’s open-air, top deck. (Derek Barichello - [email protected])

Most trips will take place in the stretch of water between Starved Rock and Marseilles, with hopes of expanding to include longer duration trips that will show guests how the lock system works. Dinner cruises, featuring small plates from favorite local restaurants, and regularly scheduled live events also are expected.

Nordstrom partnered with Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, to purchase the Mark Twain, which was docked in Cincinnati, Ohio, and already Coast Guard-certified and fully operational.

About a week into the trip of bringing the vessel to Ottawa, Weiss, along with the crew on board, encountered a bad windstorm, and the boat was blown into an outcropping of rocks near the shoreline. The vessel’s hull was breached, and quickly began taking on water. Luckily, they were able to get towed to a nearby quarry in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri — hence the boat’s new name.

The Sainte Genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheeler, docked Sunday where the Fox meets the Illinois River in Ottawa. (Derek Barichello - [email protected])

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Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Week-Long Cruise Along The Illinois And Mississippi Rivers In Illinois

Melissa Mahoney

I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!

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Did you know that you can take a week-long cruise in Illinois? If you’ve been longing to go on a cruise, just know that you don’t have to fly anywhere if you live in or around Illinois. You can actually take a week-long cruise aboard a beautiful riverboat that will travel along a couple of the state’s most beautiful rivers, stopping at picturesque towns along the way. The American Queen Steamboat Company specializes in river cruises around the United States, including one that starts along the Illinois River and ends at the Mississippi River. If you’ve been dreaming of taking a cruise, read on and see what’s in store aboard the American Countess riverboat.

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If you want to take a cruise but don’t want to travel far, this cruise along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers is a wonderful and memorable option. Are you ready to hop aboard the American Countess for a serene week-long river cruise? To book your Chicago (Ottawa) to St. Louis (Alton) excursion, visit the American Queen Steamboat Company website.

You can also check out the cruises offered by The Spirit of Peoria in Illinois.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Ottawa River Cruise

• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ottawa River Cruise
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and InterZip Rogers
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ritz restaurant
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and InterZip Rogers
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Ekeau Tulip Festival Water Taxi

• Itineraries
• Corporate Event
• Student Boat Party
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• Firework Cruise
• Jazz Date Night With Shawn Marino
• Murder Mystery Cruise
• Pride Boat Party
• Pure Country 94 | Cruise

Paul's Boat Line

The Ekeau Tulip Water Taxi service will run daily from May 10 -20, 2024. 

Ride across Dow’s Lake while enjoying an audio tour in both official languages. Learn about the creation of Dow’s Lake and the historic Rideau Canal.

Our Ottawa River cruise offers the finest views along the River. Get the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of Ottawa.

Combo – Ottawa River and Escape Bicycle Tours

This combo includes our 2-hour Ottawa Express tour (10:00 am or 1:30 pm departures) and a 90-minute historic sightseeing boat cruise at any of the 5-6 daily departures.

Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Rideau Canal

This package includes a 90 minute tour on the Ottawa River exploring Ottawa from a whole new perspective. Additionally, it includes a 90 minute tour of the Rideau Canal where you will discover Ottawa’s rich history.

Combo – Ottawa River and Gray Line – 1 Day

The package includes a ticket for an Ottawa River tour on the Paula D and a ticket for the Gray Line city tour on a double decker bus.

Combo – Ottawa River Cruise & Gray Line – 2 Day

The package includes a ticket for an Ottawa River tour on the Paula D and a ticket for a Gray Line 2-day city tour on a double decker bus.

Combo – Ottawa River and INTER ZIP

This package includes a 90 minute tour on the Ottawa River exploring Ottawa from a whole new perspective. Additionally, it includes a Zipline ride on the first INTERPROVINCIAL ZIP LINE.

*** Please contact our office team, at (819) 246 3855 , for further information concerning tickets for attendants for special needs individuals. Someone will be more than pleased to provide you will the information you may need regarding our policy ***

Illinois River: St. Louis to Ottawa

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Discover Chicago, Illinois's arts, gastronomy, history, and more
• Learn about the hometown of the legendary author Mark Twain
• Visit Peoria, Illinois, the oldest European settlement in Illinois
• Experience Alton, Illinois's natural beauty and small-town atmosphere
• Village Visits
• River Cruises
• Urban Exploration
• Mississippi River
• North America
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Full Itinerary

Day 1: hotel stay in st. louis, missouri, day 2: st. louis, missouri | embark.

• Accommodation
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Hannibal, Missouri

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 4: Grafton, Illinois

Day 5: havana, illinois, day 6-7: peoria, illinois.

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 8: Ottawa, Illinois

Day 9: ottawa, illinois | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

American Countess

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $250 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 71 days prior to departure by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, or check

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 8 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
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• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Pre-Paid Gratuities
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• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport

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Ottawa IL cruise port

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• Coordinates 41.345, -88.845
• Local Time 2024-06-21 04:41

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Moffatt: Ottawa needs more beaches — and it once had them

The overwhelming enthusiasm for the NCC’s River House demonstrates the local desire to get into the water. Ottawa should make it easier.

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Walk around Dutchie’s Hole Park in Sandy Hill and it won’t be immediately clear to you who this Dutchie is and where you can find his titular hole. The hole, it turns out, is a swimming hole — more accurately, a former swimming hole. Thousands enjoyed dipping into the Rideau River here until the city shut it down more than 40 years ago, along with other swimming spots at Brewer Park, Brighton Park, Brantwood Park and semi-official locations such as Remic Beach. With a growing population and hotter summers in Ottawa, should places like these be opened again for beach season?

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Before you strap on your bathing suit, it’s worth remembering that these beaches closed for a reason: poor water quality. Dutchie’s Hole had problems with waste washing ashore, including one incident involving a pig’s head (likely sourced from a slaughterhouse upstream, though it denied responsibility). But this was just a minor issue compared to the E. coli levels. Currently, the City of Ottawa recommends against swimming if E. coli exceeds 200 per 100 ml of water (in a mean of five samples). In 1968, when the city started taking water pollution seriously, both Brantwood Beach and Dutchie’s Hole had total coliform counts over 3,000. Ten years later, the beaches had improved but would exceed safe limits by the end of summer.

With that amount of fecal content in Dutchie’s Hole, it’s no wonder citizens were advised against dipping their toes in. But time has gone by, many people have worked hard at conservation efforts, new and better pipes were built, and the water has improved. The City of Ottawa now boasts on its website that the Rideau River quality is “good to excellent.” And although it doesn’t test the exact sites of the former beaches, nearby readings suggest E. coli levels at the former beaches — and even at Dow’s Lake — are comparable to levels at the four current supervised beaches at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, Westboro (which won’t open officially this year) and Petrie Island.

Despite this, the city doesn’t plan on adding new beaches — which means that the proportion of beaches will actually decrease from its 2021 level of one for every 266,700 residents to one for every 306,300 by 2031. This rate compares poorly with Kingston (1:13,400), Vancouver (1:62,600), and Hamilton (1:73,100) — though it is roughly on par with Montreal and Toronto (eight and 11 beaches, respectively, for their larger populations). Instead, the city is investing in more splashpads, planning to construct 35 new ones by 2031, bringing the ratio to one for every 6,800 residents (though they are mostly used by children).

Is this the right call? Splashpads are certainly easier to manage given the lifeguard shortage. Plus, it’s not as if the region is short on beaches: natural outdoor swimming is available in Gatineau Park and many provincial parks within an hour-or-two drive. And maybe the nostalgic picture of mid-century beachgoers on the Rideau glosses over the more unpleasant reality of stomach aches, ear infections and sliced-up feet.

But public opinion isn’t on the city’s side. The city’s survey on its parks plan found the idea of more local beaches had a “notably high level of support.” People are voting with their feet (or flippers) too: attendance at the city’s four beaches jumped 40 per cent between 2019 and 2022. The overwhelming enthusiasm for the NCC’s spectacular new River House demonstrates the local desire to dive back into the water.

A bigger, hotter city means Ottawa City Hall should prioritize more supervised, water-tested outdoor swimming as part of its recreation plans. In the meantime, let’s install information plaques at the former beaches to show residents what they’re missing — a “people used to swim here” project. The panel in Sandy Hill might describe a young man named Charles Haak, son of immigrants from Deutschland, whose enthusiasm for swimming in the Rideau River has been enshrined for a century. Dutchie’s Splashpad just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Jordan Moffatt is an Ottawa writer.

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Boats cruise the Seine river in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony

By Jerome Pugmire And Tom Nouvian, The Associated Press

Posted Jun 17, 2024 10:19:13 AM.

Last Updated Jun 17, 2024 10:24:30 PM.

PARIS (AP) — Curious onlookers gathered on bridges as dozens of boats snaked along the Seine river on Monday in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ unique opening ceremony next month.

A total of 55 boats made the journey from Pont d’Austerlitz, named after a French military victory in 1805, to Pont d’Iéna, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, the nation’s most striking and best known landmark.

Officials are confident that the near four-hour ceremony will run like clockwork on July 26.

“Six months ago we had like 10 minutes delay on the timing and today we are very close, almost to the second to our targets,” Thierry Reboul, the executive director for ceremonies said. “So it is very satisfying. We’ve respected an extremely precise level of timing.”

On the day of the eagerly-awaited event, around 200 Olympic delegations will join the parade on more than 80 boats. They will make the journey from east to west, along a six-kilometer (3.7-mile) route which has become a major talking point — for its audacity as a unique open-air event and for its exposure to potential danger.

Security concerns led French President Emmanuel Macron to say in mid-April that the ceremony could shift to Stade de France if the threat level was too high. But Reboul said Monday that authorities are preparing for the big day as originally planned, with no alternatives being prepared at this stage.

There will be a final rehearsal, involving the full armada of boats, before the opening ceremony — one which is expected to bring 100 world leaders to the city’s embankments, where more than 300,000 people will watch.

“We will give our heart and souls to make it a great success for the French people,” France’s Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said Monday. “They deserve it.”

The rehearsal saw 10 police speedboats shadowing the convoy, as well as speedboats equipped with television cameras. There were armed police officers stationed at various points along the way. The boats crossed 16 bridges, passing by iconic landmarks such as the green-tinged Grand Palais — where fencing and Taekwondo events will be held.

On each bridge, a few dozen people watched attentively.

“Fifty-five? That’s a lot of boats,” said 49-year-old Rosa Gabriel. Taking a break between walking from the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, she watched it from the Pont des Arts bridge — fondly known as Love Lock Bridge, with its thousands of personalized locks attached to the railings.

One tourist even mistook the scene for something else.

“Maybe they are making a movie,” said Driss El Kaoutari, a 42-year-old from Morocco who was on vacation in Paris with his daughter.

What people actually saw were empty vessels bobbing slowly by. But they will be full of life, color, sound and movement next month.

“You will have many delegation members on the boats with their uniforms and their flags,” Reboul said. “Around them there will be many other things, as you can imagine.”

The water itself has become a sensitive and thorny topic for the organizers and politicians heading into the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Games . A whopping $1.5 billion investment has already been made to improve the Seine’s water quality, with Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo both promising to take a dip .

This time, it was Oudéa-Castéra’s turn to give assurances about the river — where marathon swimmers and triathletes are set to compete during the Olympics.

She bristled a little when answering.

“Regarding the quality of the Seine’s water, we are confident. You shouldn’t ask us to be ready ahead of time,” Oudéa-Castéra said, adding that a new center for collecting waste will be opened next week.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/summer-olympics

Jerome Pugmire And Tom Nouvian, The Associated Press

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Chet's Fox River Tavern and Canoe Rental

Review Highlights

“ g. Th e scene ry is beautiful, with lots of trees, rock cliffs and caves lining your trip.. ” in 3 reviews

“ The 7 mile trip wasn't available because a wedding was taking place that day. ” in 2 reviews

“ I brought a huge cooler loaded with lunch and booze . ” in 2 reviews

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3401 E 2062nd Rd

Ottawa, IL 61350

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These people are amazing! My boyfriend and I took a trip down the river today (Fall, 64 degrees) with his mom and her boyfriend. Right before we got back, the waves grew, and the wind picked up. We did okay; we made it back just in time to see his mom and her boyfriend tip over. The family who runs the canoeing and bar were unbelievably helpful. The owner pulled them in with a rope. The boys (his sons?) pulled the canoe in, and they even went out to get our lunch bags! The owners poured us shots, and gave my boyfriend's mom a dry t-shirt. Their kindness was very much appreciated. Thank you! We'll definitely be back... When the weather, and water, is warmer!!

We called last minute and Roger made it work for us. The 7 mile trip wasn't available because a wedding was taking place that day. Roger offered to pick us up via pontoon if we weren't up to the 12 mile trip. Great experience with C & M Canoe Rental. We would do the trip again. Would definitely use this outfit again. We saw three bald eagles on the trip. Bluffs were beautiful.

We've lived here for 30 years and I never knew this gem existed! We stopped with a group of friends this weekend and had a great time! The bartender was absolutely fantastic and it's one of the cleanest little bars I've been to. Will definitely be back!

Fun family activity. Even our 4 year old twins had a blast. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Would recommend bringing snacks and drinks.

Kid friendly activity.

Great bar, great little gathering place along the river for a few drinks with great friends.

Yesterday I had my first and more than likely last camping experience. We were w/ a group of 25 for an annual camping trip. When invited I was intrigued to go... However, surviving the outdoor elements mainly Spiders is something I wont do again. We purposely missed the canoeing portion of our trip since we don't know how to swim. So we decided to head to the bar for much needed AC, drinks, and food. Debbie the owner let us know from the door not to expect anything fancy. We just ordered a simple Jack & Coke.. Starving we decided to order pizza. When I tell you this was the BEST bar pizza Ive ever had, its the fucking best. It was cooked in a mini pizza oven and took about 10 mins. It was so good we asked another Bartender Kim where we could find it! Overall, the pizza and warm hospitality made the trip tolerable.

amateurs.... I'm looking for a canoe spot and have been laughing at the reviews these city slickers have posted. I noticed a few things I feel I should let you know about. 1) Canoe rental places almost always stop renting by early afternoon, usually 1 or 2 at the latest. 2) Most canoe spots do not provide lessons, they are a low budget operation that only run a few months out of the year. Get in your boat, float down stream and figure it out. 3) There will never be mile markers and if they are you are in a river that is too congested. 4) Sit on your life jacket and stop complaining about your butt hurting. 5) Sit back, crack a beer and enjoy the ride.

Chet and Mary's not only provides fabulous and fun canoe adventures, but also has a cool tavern to celebrate at after your day on the Fox River. Park at C&M and they drive you and canoes to a place upriver depending on how long you want your trip to last. The drivers are super helpful, and even took us on a side tour when we asked about some local flood damage to show us the reconstruction in progress. Paddle or float as you wish because you're your own guide. The river is peaceful and the scenery is gorgeous. There are several areas lined with sandstone cliffs and even a few islands to stop at. After the trip, have a pizza and try the apple cider shots at Chet's Fox River Tavern. They are priced very reasonably and even provide primitive camping. They were cool with my dog going along and even hanging out with us at the bar after.

This was a wonderful experience for my 8-year old daughter, 14-year old niece and I. The weather was perfect and the river calm. We couldn't get lost. We did the 12 mile and reveled in the first 2.5 hours, but then realized we had no idea where we were. There are no mile or other markers so you have to be patient and not plan any activities right after you "think" you'll be back to the rental place. It took us 4 hours of some drifting, some heavy paddling, some light paddling, and a stop for lunch on a rock patch. And know that since you can't wiggle a lot in a canoe, your butt may be very sore by the time you see that sand plant landmark. I would have brought a cushion for each of us had I known. My other tip is that someone wear waterproof shoes in case you have to push your canoe off one of the shallow patches. We got stuck a few times and had to push/rock ourselves back into slightly deeper water.

On our way there at 4 pm, we called the lady. She asked what we wanted. We asked what time they close, because the "hours vary" On the website. This was also her answer on the phone. So then we asked for a canoe, and she rudely said " oh were closed. " my brain hurt after that. She also exclaimed they do not take walk ins . So be sure to reserve ahead of time. ( or don't reserve and go elsewhere, this lady annoyed the heck out of us.)

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