Parks Canada’s Lock & Paddle event returned this weekend after its big success last year. Kayakers and canoers were invited to paddle on the Rideau Canal from the Hartwells Lockstation Saturday, creating a sea of colourful watersport enthusiasts. “We’re celebrating Canada’s Parks Day. That’s been going on since the 1990s. We’re here together to celebrate our green spaces and our Parks Canada protected places,” said Haley Lang, a public relations and communications officer for the Rideau Canal. “We’re going through to the sound of laughter and music. We have some bubbles. We have some beach balls and everyone’s just having a great time.” Hundreds of paddlers lined the Rideau Canal for one of the brightest events bringing a portion of Ottawa’s canoe and kayak community together. “This year, it’s so wonderful to see the community come out. The lock is full and there’s even more paddlers waiting on the other side,” said Sachin Zalera, who is part of a competitive Dragon Boat team. The event was open to both experienced pro paddlers and beginners, welcoming entire families to join in. “This is the first time for me. I’m here with my brother and sister-in-law. They’re visiting us from Kitchener. They had their canoe anyway because they’re camping, so we decided this was a fun and appropriate thing to do,” said participant Gord Rabjohn. Local rental options were available through Escape Tourism, Dow’s Lake Pavilion, Ottawa Canoe Outfitters, and Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak. No registration was required for the event. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
