The impressive Blakeney Rapids in Eastern Ontario

In my many road trips across Eastern Ontario, I have crossed the Mississippi River many times. I have visited several of the villages that the river passes through, and hiked in the conservation areas of its watershed. And yet, I had never stopped at Blakeney, a place where the river is probably at its most impressive.

The Mississippi River has no relation with the famous river of the same name in the United States. This Ontario river has its source at Mazinaw Lake and flows almost 200 kilometres further into the Ottawa River. It played an important role in the development of the region: several villages were born along it, as first settlers wanted to take advantage of the current of its waters to build water-powered mills.

This is particularly the case in Blakeney. First settlers arrived in the area around 1821 and saw the potential of the river’s rapids for developing water power. A few mills, as well as an inn, a tannery, a brewery, a cheese factory and a blacksmith shop were all built near the river.

Today, nothing of Blakeney’s early industries remains, but the river and its rapids continue to impress. The Almonte Fish & Game Association has developed a small network of trails to highlight the beauty of this place. It was my first visit, and I was immediately charmed by the numerous small bridges allowing you to get closer to the rapids.

And I don’t know if it’s because it’s spring, but the Blakeney Rapids seemed really impressive to me. The waves of the Mississippi River crashed against the rocks in a torrential din. I sat for many minutes on a large rock on the bank, hypnotized by this natural spectacle.

The trail system near the river is approximately 1 kilometre long, and is rather easy to follow (there a few rocky areas, but nothing too complicated). I really liked the many viewpoints offered on the river. There are several benches and a few picnic tables, making it the perfect place if you want to take a break. It seems that people also come there to fish and swim, although the current of the river seemed so intense to me that I am not sure I would have had the courage to dive in.

After Blakeney, the Mississippi River seems to calm down and become more placid. I know that further on, it flows through the village of Pakenham where there is a magnificent five-arch bridge (also worth a stop). Then the river continues its course through the lands of the Ottawa Valley, up to its confluence with the Ottawa River, not far from Arnprior.

In short, the Blakeney Rapids are a nice place to stop if you are in the area. And if you want to extend the fun and do more hiking, the nearby Mill of Kintail Conservation Area offers a few kilometres of trails.