A Day Trip to Jones Falls, Ontario

Discovering Canadian history, family connections, and Sunday brunch beside Lock 42 on the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal - It was one of those beautiful summer Sundays in Ontario when everything feels possible — until the weather changes its mind. We had planned to boat to Hotel Kenney in Jones Falls, docking right in front of the historic building along the Rideau Canal. A slip had even been reserved for us, ready for our arrival. However, as sometimes happens during a Canadian summer, strong winds and a threat of rain altered our plans. Instead of boating, we drove the scenic backroads from Battersea, a charming town just north of Kingston, to Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal with family.​

Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal: A Heritage Landmark

Located beside Lock 42 in Jones Falls, Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal has been welcoming visitors since the late 1800s. Built on the site of an earlier inn that served travellers and canal workers, this charming property continues to offer hospitality steeped in Canadian history. Still operating 20 overnight rooms, over the years the hotel has hosted boaters, anglers, and families exploring the waterways between Kingston and Ottawa. Today, the restored verandas, lakeside cottages, and peaceful lock-side setting make it a beloved destination for travellers seeking nostalgia, comfort, and a true taste of Ontario heritage.​

Timeless Sites and Sounds of Summer at Hotel Kenney

As we arrived, the antique white creamy façade of Hotel Kenney stood proudly against the grey and misty sky. The Rideau Canal locks were in motion, boats slowly rising and lowering with the rhythmic sound of water and machinery — a mesmerizing reminder that Jones Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alive with history.​

A Sunday Brunch Surrounded by Canadian History

Inside, the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling breakfast favourites filled the air of Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal. The dining room, lined with old photographs and wooden accents, was both rustic and refined — the kind of place where stories seem to linger in the corners. My husband, his parents, our children, and I were seated on the enclosed veranda at a large table overlooking the water. The setting was relaxed, friendly, and filled with the gentle hum of conversation. Honestly, being at Hotel Kenny on the Rideau Canal felt like being at home. During our meal, conversation flowed as easily as the canal outside. My in-laws reminisced about visiting Jones Falls on many previous occasions, when Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal was a lively stop for summer travellers arriving by boat. They remembered ice cream cones on the porch and long walks along the locks. Even though the weather had kept us off the water that day, being inside this historical landmark still felt rewarding.​

Sunday Brunch Menu at Hotel Kenney

Although the menu had been modernized, it still honoured traditional Canadian brunch comfort food. A variety of food was beautifully presented — fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and golden home fries were on the breakfast table. Plus perogies, onion rings, pizza and a make your own poutine bar. There were meats, cheese and platters of desserts. The food was homemade, yet exceptional, and each bite tasted familiar. Many dishes were prepared with local ingredients, offering a true taste of Ontario cuisine.​

Hotel Kenney Amenities

The registration desk at Hotel Kenney on the Rideau is modest yet welcoming. Located close by is a cozy parlour complete with wood burning fire place and panoramic views of Lock 42. Around the corner, between our table and the buffet style Sunday brunch, was Jeff's Coffee Bar and lounge, a cozy space allowing for more intimate gatherings. Notably, Jeff's Coffee Bar served some of the best coffee I have had. Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal also boasts a snack bar, Kenney Jr, with a reduced menu and nut-free gourmet bakeshop.​

Why a Visit to Hotel Kenney Still Matters Today

Spending time at Hotel Kenney helps preserve a vital piece of Canadian history. Furthermore, this property connects generations through shared experiences including good food, local hospitality, and the timeless beauty of the Rideau Canal. By visiting, guests support ongoing restoration efforts and ensure that the hotel continues to thrive as a living part of the region's story. ​

Exploring Lock 42 at Jones Falls on the Rideau Canal

As the afternoon sun tried to peek through the clouds, we wandered between raindrops outside Hotel Kenney to the dock along the Rideau Canal. The scent of pine and fresh rain hung in the air, while the sound of laughter echoed from families nearby. Picturesquely, Hotel Kenney's location at Lock 42 offers a front-row seat to one of the most impressive engineering achievements in Ontario. The combination of history, architecture, and nature creates a rare experience that few destinations can replicate. For families, it's an easy and enriching day trip from Kingston and the surrounding areas. For boaters, it remains an essential stop along the canal route.​

A Memorable Sunday Brunch Beside Lock 42

​Ultimately, our decision to drive instead of boating allowed us to slow down and truly appreciate the surroundings. Watching boats move through the locks while sipping coffee at Hotel Kenney made the day unforgettable. It was a reminder that sometimes detours lead to the best discoveries — and that every visit to Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal tells a new chapter in an old Canadian story.

Hotel Kenney on the Rideau Canal is a cherished part of Ontario's heritage, offering locals and travellers alike a warm welcome at Lock 42.​

Plan your next Sunday brunch at Hotel Kenney and experience the magic of Canadian history in every bite.​

​Photo Credit: Anja Cahill and Emma Cahill