We went back to Ottawa’s Rent-A bike to check out two bike for our last Canadian ride. Two employees that we knew from the last ride were there, and they helped us to find good bikes.
We then set off in what we thought was a northeast direction toward Lac Leamy. But as sometimes happens, we went astray somewhere. After checking the Ottawa city map , we saw that we were off the map. We decided to turn around and ride along the St. Lawrence. This we managed to do for a time, but after crossing a bridge we lost the St. Lawrence, presumably something it takes a special talent to do. By consulting our map, we worked out a cross-town route that led us to Dows Lake Park and a relaxing ride up the opposite side of the Rideau Canal from that which we rode before.
An added bonus on this side of the canal is the Canal Ritz, a charming restaurant with outside seating overlooking the canal. Adding excellent food and service to the ambiance made this a perfect stop. Plus it was fun to watch a young couple who had arrived by canoe put their vessel back in the water and float away.
After riding the few kilometers back to the bike shop, we chatted with the people there until a huge noisy group of school children appeared on the scene clamoring for bikes.