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Rideau Canal

Over a century ago, the glistening waters of the Rideau Canal in Canada witnessed a remarkable display of Victorian opulence. The era of grand palace steamboats offered affluent travelers the chance to embark on leisurely river cruises in refined luxury. Among these magnificent vessels were the Rideau Belle, Rideau Queen, and Rideau King, built at Davis Dry Dock on Wellington Street (now MetalCraft Marine). Captain Daniel Noonan, along with the Rideau Lakes Navigation Company, Ltd., captained these palatial steamers, marking a golden age of canal travel.

The Rideau Canal, originally constructed as a secure communications route to guard against potential American invasions after the War of 1812, was completed in 1832. Spanning from Kingston to Ottawa, this engineering marvel became a vital trade and freight route. As businessmen began to see the canal’s tourism potential, navigation companies started offering passenger trips on the canal and surrounding waters. The launch of the comfortable steamboat Ella Ross in Montreal in 1873 sparked a new industry, and demand for passenger cruises surged.

In 1885, the elegant steamboat Rideau Belle emerged as the epitome of luxury, offering “unprecedented luxury” with its cherrywood paneling, sky blue ceilings, and green curtains complementing plush settees and sofas with satin cushions. The vessel became a favorite for leisured summer excursionists seeking a memorable and refined travel experience. Rideau Belle was specifically designed to fit the canal and lock dimensions, ensuring it could navigate the waterway with ease.

Captain Noonan’s business flourished, leading to the enlargement of the Rideau Belle in its second year of service. Canal tourism soared, with over 7,500 passengers recorded among various companies by 1892. Building on his success, Noonan expanded his fleet with the addition of the steamboat James Swift in June 1893. The James Swift boasted modern conveniences, including indoor plumbing, electric lights, and steam heaters, setting new standards for luxury and comfort.

However, the realm of grandeur came with its share of dangers. In 1895, disaster struck as a fire engulfed the Rideau Belle, reducing the once-luxurious vessel to ashes. Undeterred, Captain Noonan used his influence to lobby for urgent improvements to the Rideau Canal in 1896, threatening to remove his vessel from essential service. The government quickly made the necessary repairs to the canal to retain Noonan’s vital fleet.

In 1899, Noonan incorporated his company as the Rideau Lakes Navigation Company, Ltd., and with an investment of $100,000, the construction of the grand palace steamer Rideau Queen commenced. Measuring nearly 34 meters in length with a 200-ton displacement, Rideau Queen featured oak and tamarack construction with elegant finishing. Its luxurious amenities included running water, electric lights, and indoor plumbing, an exceptional feature in that era.

The Rideau Queen, along with the Rideau King, offered an unforgettable voyage for passengers. Traveling along the scenic river, these grand vessels became the epitome of luxury cabin steamers. Their journey was met with excitement at every village they docked, with residents and visitors gathering for entertainment, picnics, and ball games.

As the years passed, changes in transportation preferences and other factors led to the eventual decline of the grand steamboats’ popularity. The First World War and environmental challenges further impacted canal travel. By 1916, the Rideau Queen and Rideau King were worn out, and their grandeur faded into history.

Captain Noonan, the visionary behind these magnificent steamers, passed away in 1914, leaving behind a legacy of Victorian opulence on the Rideau Canal. While the golden age of canal travel came to an end, the memory of these grand palace steamboats continues to evoke awe and admiration, offering us a glimpse into the bygone era of refined luxury on the rippling waters of the Rideau Canal.