Folding bikes can be a fantastic addition to life aboard Lucky Enough — but only in the right places. We are not interested in riding along busy rural highways with no shoulder. What we look for are:
- Dedicated multi-use paths
- Bike lanes
- Quiet village streets
- Park roads
Below are the lockstations and towns along the Rideau Canal where bringing the bikes actually makes sense.
Downtown Ottawa (Ottawa Locks to Dow’s Lake)
Locks: Ottawa Locks, Hartwells, Hogs Back
This is the best cycling section on the entire Rideau Canal.
- Fully separated Rideau Canal multi-use pathway
- Flat and scenic
- Connects Parliament, Lansdowne, Dow’s Lake and Little Italy
- No highway exposure
If we cruise into Ottawa and stay near the wall or Dow’s Lake, the bikes are absolutely worth bringing.
Verdict: Top pick.
Smiths Falls
Lock: Smiths Falls Combined
- Waterfront paths
- Quiet town streets
- Easy ride to groceries, cafes and the Railway Museum
Good infrastructure and comfortable riding conditions.
Verdict: Very worthwhile to have bikes.
Merrickville
Lock: Merrickville
- Small, charming village
- Slow traffic streets
- Easy access to bakery, pubs and shops
There are no dedicated bike lanes, but traffic is calm and manageable.
Verdict: Nice to have bikes, but not essential.
Westport
Technically off the main canal via Upper Rideau Lake.
- Compact village layout
- Light traffic
- Rolling terrain
Fine for casual riding within town. Avoid Highway 10 out of town.
Verdict: Optional but useful.
Perth (via the Tay Canal)
Lock: Tay Canal Lockstation
- Beautiful riverside pathways
- Stewart Park trails
- Very bike-friendly downtown core
Perth is one of the most enjoyable cycling stops along the system.
Verdict: Absolutely bring the bikes.
Narrows / Newboro
Lock: Narrows
- Very small, quiet village
- Safe for short local rides
- No dedicated bike paths
Limited range and avoid County Road 42.
Verdict: Fine for a short spin.
Where Bikes Are Not Ideal
These lockstations are beautiful cruising stops but are not great cycling hubs due to rural highways and narrow roads:
- Jones Falls
- Upper Brewers
- Lower Brewers
- Davis
Our Folding Bike Strategy from Len’s Cove
Definitely pack bikes for:
- Ottawa
- Perth
- Smiths Falls
Nice to have for:
- Merrickville
- Westport
- Narrows
Leave them stowed for:
- The rural lock corridor between Kingston Mills and Smiths Falls
For our cruising style on Lucky Enough — running cut speed through narrow sections and canal speed through wider stretches — folding bikes are most valuable when we are overnighting in towns with real infrastructure.
Used strategically, they turn a simple lock stop into an easy grocery run, a scenic evening ride, or a relaxed exploration of town.