River Pooling
Finally! Ever since I heard that the National Capital Commission was opening the River House to the public for swimming, I’ve been yearning to go there. At last, two years later, I am getting my chance. The plan is to cycle 25 km on recreational trails with a meal and a swim sandwiched in between. It seems like the perfect way of combining exercise with a cool-down on a hot summer day.
Our cycling route takes us along the Ottawa River with views of boats cruising by. Along the route we watch fishermen casting their lines and people dipping in the river seeking relief from the sweltering heat. On a rocky point of land, a group of iconic red Muskoka chairs command attention. I soak in the scenery, my shutter-button finger itching subconsciously, but I persevere. We have a lunch date by the water and bathing suits in our saddlebags. I try to file the scenes away in the recesses of my mind for future reminiscence. Someone points out a contrail streaking the sky long after a jet’s passage. The lack of wind prevents the white line from dissolving into the azure sky. The gravel trail, interspersed at times with pavement, has a flat grade which enables us to roll at a comfortable pace.
With merely a dozen kilometers one way, it doesn’t take us long to reach our destination. For our convenience, numerous bike racks grace the NCC River House property creating a cyclist-friendly atmosphere. The century-old building is even more impressive in person. Designated as a heritage building, it was originally built for a competitive canoeing club, and evolved over the years to include sailing, rowing, and tennis. Its construction, started in 1914, was halted because of World War I, and took nine years to complete. With time, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually closed for extensive renovations. When it re-opened in 2023 it boasted an enclosed swimming area for the public free of cost.
After securing our bicycles, we walk down to the pedestrian bridge leading to the River House. To our right we can glimpse the large river-pool surrounded by scenic views of sailboats and yachts. The setting is spectacular! To our left we can see several moored sailboats and kayaks for rent. Facing them is a patio with a row of empty red Muskoka chairs. It looks like an ideal spot to have lunch. We zig-zag down the accessible walkway to reach the patio to our front row seats. From this vantage point, we can enjoy the action on the water. A children’s sailing lesson is in progress, and they seem to be having a great time. You can’t beat a picnic with a view.
The long-anticipated river swim has arrived. The pool area is massive, and includes a couple of lap lanes, a basketball net, floating rafts, and an access chair. Although there are many people here, it is so spacious that we don’t feel crowded. Young children are encouraged to wear lifejackets as the water is very deep, so deep that the weeds are noticeably absent. As I swim, I notice the abundant seating available around the circumference of the pool. Just beyond that, a multitude of boats, mainly coasting sailboats or anchored yachts, creates a unique setting. It’s basically a small body of water within a larger body of water. Very cool! And yes, the water is refreshing too. To those who swim laps wearing goggles, the murkier water, caused by organic sediment, is noticeably not that of a chlorinated pool, but the rest of us can almost forget we are in a river.
Refreshed and relaxed, we pack up and return to our bikes for the journey back to our starting point. This time we diverge slightly from our original route to take the higher path along the Parkway where we can see planes land and take off. We also locate a section of trail that we missed the first time which cleverly underpasses a bridge eliminating the need for crossing traffic.
By the time we reach the parking lot, we are overheated again, and I am wishing I could take another plunge by the River House, but it will have to be for another day. If you’re in the area, why not plan to drop by. It’s a great outing for the whole family. I dare you to dive in!
For more information about the Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air, visit our website at www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca or follow us on Facebook.
