I’ve posted several times before about Hog’s Back Falls, truly one of Ottawa’s hidden treasures. It’s one of my very favourite places in the city, especially in the fall. The paths are broad and easily accessible by stroller, but there are paths and steps to be scaled and stone walls to scamper across: plenty of adventure for a six-year-old who fancies himself “Tristiana Jones”.
This year, the boys were finally old enough to enjoy feeding the chickadees and nuthatches without being frightened by the light pickyness of their claws.
We brought peanuts to feed the chipmunks but we didn’t see a single one, and the red and black squirrels were too shy to take the peanuts from our fingers. They didn’t go to waste, though!
Beloved assures me he wasn’t thinking of tossing the baby into the falls, despite the look on his face!
I’ve been reading a little bit of the history of Hog’s Back. Most of us know that they mark the spot where the Rideau River diverges from the Rideau Canal. But did you know that rather than the 41 foot drop that exists today, in the time before the Canal they were simply rapids that were navigable by canoe? Also, the dam that was built to divert water from the Rideau River to the Canal at Hog’s Back actually collapsed twice during construction. You can read more about the history of Hog’s Back on the Rideau Canal World Heritage site. Or, you can just go for a lovely amble and enjoy the smell of the leaves, the dappled sunshine and the sound of water splashing over rock. Does it get any better?
love the Strat guitar t-shirt !
Sounds like a great place – will add it to my “To Do in Ottawa” file for the next time I am in the area! Thanks!
I want to live out where you live! Minus the cold. It’s beautiful!
Hey, I wanna live with you too…but I don’t like cold weather, either way…..you make it all seem so gorgeous.
@David – he loves it too!
@Renee, Jerri Ann – ah, it’s only cold six months of the year. The rest of the time is lovely!! And hey, I can’t take the credit for mother nature’s work, but it truly is lovely this time of year.
I haven’t been there in ages. Thanks for the reminder, I’ll have to take the girls there next weekend!
I work right by this gem of nature and love to spend my lunch hour strolling by the falls, down the paths and around the beach.