A Quick Paddle Down the Mississippi River

Life's hectic pace often leaves little room for extended getaways, but sometimes a short paddling adventure is all you need to rejuvenate your spirit.

That's precisely what Scott and I discovered when we set out on a quick journey down the Mississippi River near Kinburn, Ontario. Initially, we had aimed to explore the Ottawa River, but nature had other plans. Strong winds and intimidating whitecaps put a halt to those ambitions. But as they say, when one river closes, another opens.

Making Do Without Roof Racks

Because of this especially windy day, we decided to swap out our regular Oru Kayaks for a couple of hard kayaks instead. The only issue is that we don't have roof racks on our vehicle. However, this minor obstacle was no match for the ingenuity of Level Six foam blocks and Perception tie-downs, which enabled us to safely secure our kayaks to the car roof. The setup isn't glamorous or ideal, but it was effective for a short drive. After getting the kayaks secured, we were on our way to the river.

Kayaks secured to the car roof with foam blocks and tie-downs

Making do without roof racks

The Launch Point Is Not What It Seems

Arriving at what is marked on Google Maps as a boat launch off Hunt Line Road, we had a slight surprise.

⚠️ Let me set the record straight, this isn't a proper boat launch. If you're considering bringing a trailer, you'll want to reconsider. The "ramp" is more of a rocky drop-off than a designated launch area. For our kayaks, though, it was more than adequate, and we found it easy enough to get into the water and set out on our journey.

The rocky launch point off Hunt Line Road

The "boat launch" off Hunt Line Road

Battling the Wind

As we began paddling downstream, it was apparent that the wind was going to be a significant factor in our outing. Every stroke felt like a mini battle against nature's forces, but it was a great workout for the arms.

We managed to travel around 2.5 kilometres downstream before deciding it was time to head back. While the strong wind made for a demanding outward journey, the river gave us a scenic backdrop. Had time permitted, we would have extended our trip to visit the old train bridge just above Galetta Falls, a goal we're saving for next time.

Paddling downstream on the Mississippi River near Kinburn

Battling the wind downstream

A Birder's Paradise

Our trip wasn't just a test of our paddling endurance, it was also a spectacle for the eyes, especially for bird watching enthusiasts. Among the avian stars were three great blue herons, a kingfisher, a handful of blue jays, and a mysterious bird of prey. But the standout moment came when we spotted a great egret, an incredible sight, as neither of us had ever seen one before.

A great blue heron spotted along the river

One of three great blue herons we spotted that day

The Marvelous Great Egret

The great egret deserves special attention. This striking bird, with its pure white plumage and long, slender neck, is a sight to behold against the contrasting landscape of the Mississippi River.

Good to know

Native to areas in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Southern Europe, the great egret stands out as one of the more adaptable wading birds. It can fly at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and has a wingspan that ranges from 52 to 67 inches. It typically feeds on fish but will also eat amphibians, invertebrates, and small mammals when the opportunity arises. Spotting a great egret is often considered a sign of a healthy wetland ecosystem, which is a great thing to see on one of our local rivers.

We had the pleasure of watching the bird fishing for its lunch, but sadly it didn't catch anything this time around. It was a blissful experience to follow this elegant bird along the river, watching it glide gracefully and attempt to snag a meal, even if it was unsuccessful in the end.

A great egret fishing along the Mississippi River

The great egret, out fishing for its lunch

The Perfect Quick Escape

If you're in the Ottawa area and looking for a short and rewarding paddling experience, the Mississippi River offers just that. In less than 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa, you can immerse yourself in nature and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

So, are you ready to discover this hidden gem for yourself? Grab your paddle and get out exploring.

A peaceful stretch of the Mississippi River near Kinburn

A peaceful stretch of the Mississippi River, just 40 minutes from Ottawa

With love from the Valley,
Lana

About the author

Lana Cole is an Ottawa Valley-based photographer, designer and outdoor storyteller with a soft spot for cozy corners and wild landscapes. Co-owner of Ottawa Valley Air Paddle alongside her husband, she is the creative force behind our emails, social posts, videos and photography.

With a background in graphic design and a camera always close at hand, she shares real, relatable adventures through a creative lens, and loves nothing more than checking out local destinations in the Valley and hitting the road on a good adventure with her family. Find more of her photography and content on Instagram at @ElcyPhotos.