The passing of time often consigns once-thriving icons to the annals of history. Among these, the Steamer Victoria, a graceful excursion boat that plied the blue waters of the Rideau Canal and Lakes, holds a cherished place in the memories of Smiths Falls residents and Rideau Lake campers. While it may no longer grace the waves, the story of the Steamer Victoria weaves a fascinating tale of maritime nostalgia and transformation.
In 1910, Captain George A. Davis, a water enthusiast with a deep-rooted love for the Rideau Lakes, acquired the Steamer Victoria in Brockville. This gleaming excursion boat had a distinguished pedigree, reflecting the popularity of such vessels during its construction in Kingston in 1900. At that time, the “Vic” stood as one of the finest and most elegant steamers of its kind.
Captain Davis recalls a time when motor cars were a rarity, and the primary mode of reaching cottages on the Rideau Lakes was by boat. The Victoria, with its regular excursions to Newboro, Portland, and Westport, played a pivotal role in connecting people to these picturesque destinations. Moonlight excursions aboard the “Vic” were particularly popular, drawing hordes of enthusiastic young people who reveled in the magic of the Rideau Lakes.
The construction of the C.N.R. line to Portland marked the beginning of a shift in the Steamer Victoria’s fortunes. Visitors from Ottawa found it more convenient to continue their journey to Portland by train, making it unnecessary to disembark at Smiths Falls. The advent of motor cars and improved road networks further diminished the steamer’s appeal. The once-thriving passenger boat began to feel the effects of changing times.
**The Victoria’s Later Years**
In her twilight years, the Victoria transitioned from a passenger vessel to a supply boat, primarily serving the cottagers. While her popularity waned, she still enjoyed a resurgence during the annual Ferry regatta days, carrying Smiths Falls residents to aquatic events and motor races. However, her final voyage took place in 1928, and by 1929, the Victoria remained idle at her wharf for the first time in eighteen years.
Captain George Davis, the stalwart navigator of the Steamer Victoria throughout its eighteen-year tenure on the Rideau Canal and Lakes, takes pride in the vessel’s impeccable safety record. He notes that serious accidents were virtually non-existent, with only minor mishaps punctuating an otherwise smooth journey.
The Steamer Victoria, once a symbol of summer delight and a crucial lifeline for those seeking the beauty of the Rideau Lakes, has now vanished into history. The rise of the automobile and changing transportation preferences consigned this once-beloved vessel to oblivion. Nevertheless, the memories of happy hours spent on her decks during her heyday will forever linger, reminding us of the days when the Steamer Victoria was the pride of the Rideau and a beloved symbol of maritime adventure.
Sources and External Links #
- The Weekly Advance, Kemptville, Ontario, May 28, 1931, Page 7.
- Facebook post by George Halladay – Rideau Facebook Page
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing
