July 4, 2025 Canada, Eh!

Friday, July 4th, 2025.  Ogdensburg NY to Cornwall, ON, Canada   54 miles 7 hours 3 locks

Big day today - not just the 249th anniversary of America's Independance, but our first day crossing into Canada.  Potentially a very long day as we'll go through three of the big St. Lawrence Seaway locks which don't have any fixed lockage times. That means it's at the lockmaster's discretion when he'll let you through.  It's normally dictated by the passage of commercial ships who have first priority, but we've heard horror stories about pleasure craft waiting up to four hours to be let through. 

Early morning sunshine as we head for International Bridge #2

 We left the dock at Ogdensburg at 6:30 to make sure we were at the Iroquois lock at 8 AM, which is the earliest they will let pleasure craft through. Passed under the 2nd International Bridge connecting US and Canada.  Arrived at 7:50, docked and checked in.  Lockmaster said he'd have us in within half an hour.  Not sure why the holdup.  No upbound traffic and figured he wanted us out of the way before the downbound ship following us about an hour away got nearby.  Got in and it's such a small drop we don't even tie up.  Just idle and float.  Overall, a quick passage and we're happy.

The check-in dock for pleasure craft at the Iroquois lock.
Walk down the dock, up the stairs and call in your arrival

Idling in the lock as we get lowered a few feet

About a 2-hour cruise to the next lock. There was another boat who locked with us and after being released from the Iroquois lock we let him around us and he punched it.  We ran our normal speed but did get a nice boost from the current.  Had two ships that had come through the lower locks pass us.

We always enjoy seeing a Canadian Steamship Line ship due to their unique graphics.

This one showing a Canada Goose with Native American artwork for wings

SURPRISE.  We arrived at the Eisenhower lock to see him tied up inside with the green light still on awaiting our arrival.  40' drop but these are US locks and use a floating bollard system which makes tying up and going up or down easier.  Lockmaster said he would be holding the doors open for another 20 minutes "just in case any other boats are coming".  As stated, they make the rules, so we waited even though I knew there was no one behind us.

The red floating bollard is recessed into the lock wall
 and rides up and down as the water level changes. 
We have one line tied back to the midship cleat and one forward to our #2 cleat

I'm sure our "buddy" boat had to be frustrated having waited over an hour, but he behaved once the doors opened and we moved together through the channel connecting to the final American lock - Snell lock. It was waiting with the doors open and the green light on.  Quick tie ups and another 40' drop and we were heading out. 

Our "buddy" boat waiting with us at the Eisenhower lock

Water still going down, but not to the bottom yet!

Passing under 3rd and final international bridge.
Note the attentive First Mate shuffling fenders from starboard side
 needed in locks to the port side we'll use at the marina.  

Unbelievably we were done locking by noon!   We had reservations at Marina 200 in Cornwall which is an approved Canadian port of entry.   Got within 10 minutes of it and a police boat passing by circled back, blue lights flashing.   RCMP  (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) = the Mounties!!  Just wanted to do a safety check and verify our paperwork was in order. Started off on the right foot as Martha was still wearing her inflatable PFD and even had a safety signaling whistle attached.   Then handed them our documentation book which included our CG documentation certificate, insurance, proof of a boater safety class, etc., etc.  Asked a few questions about our safety equipment but never got on board to verify anything.  Thanked us for being such conscience and safe boaters and headed off. 

Friendly and courteous Mounties wound up keeping their boat at the same marina

Made it to the marina, got tied up and did necessary reporting into customs and border protection. Received our cruising permit number for display on a side window and approval for up to a 75-day vacation stay to complete the Canadian section of the Down East Loop. 

Nice to be securely tied up after a 7-hour day with 3 locks.

Had time for a walk around the waterfront park then headed up the main street for an early dinner after a long day.  Schnitzels European Flavours.  We settled for 2 appetizers and well deserved drink. While we did get through the locks in great time, it was still a very early start for us and a longish cruising day.  We'll sleep good tonight.   

Welcome to Canada. 
 "Holy Schnitz Poutine" (hand cut fries topped with braised beef goulash,
cheese curds, diced pickles and fried spaetzle)
and Perogies (potato and cheese perogies with sautéed onions and pork).

Journey for July 4, 2025