Indigenous Canoe Portage in Rockcliffe Park

Our walk starts at Rockcliffe Park's pavillion, near the site of an ancient Indigenous encampment spot. We will follow a traditional Indigenous portage between the Ottawa River (also known as Kichi Sibi) and the Rideau River. The trail meanders through a forested area with a steep uneven section and then skirts the grounds of Rideau Hall and follows the streets of New Edinburgh, ending at the banks of the Rideau River near the intersection of Crichton and Beechwood.

After the walk, participants are encouraged to remain in the area and visit the restaurants along Beechwood or walk through New Edinburgh, one of Canada's most famous neighbourhoods that overlays the ancient Indigenous presence in our capital city.

Participants may park in NCC Parking Lot #2, near the Rockeries, which is close to the Pavilion (big gazebo) where we will gather. If that parking lot is full, you can park at the next one further up the road at the lookout and walk back.

John should be dressed in his traditional white and striped capote (blanket coat), so he will be easily recognized.

John Savage is a resident of Pointe-Gatineau and a past Jane's Walk walk leader. He has has shared his skills as an canoe and rowing guide, organizer, lobbyist, and community activist to protect and promote both the river community, its archaeological history, and the natural environment for all to enjoy. As a Métis (Chippewa, French, & British) whose ancestors traversed this area, he has a familial connection to the area possibly spanning 7,000 years, and a Metis heritage that is largely based on the fur trade, professional rowing, and athletics. His work with Jane's Walk Ottawa-Gatineau has influenced waterfront development, including the establishment of Gatineau's first canoe and rowing launch site. He aims to do the same on the Ottawa side of the river next, so this walk will talk about the challenges in implementing citizen-led change in our community.

Max Finkelstein, known as Canada’s “canoe man”, is an outstanding leader, educator and writer on Canada’s natural history and conservation. He organizes educational canoe trips and paddling events.