Ottawa river?

[chiaro]

If I had my way I'd retire on Kipawa...I think I might be able to get my wife to retire on the Ottawa river. Anyone have any favorite spots for scenic beauty? That is what will sell her...that and Ottawa being not too far away.

[Greg]

Hey Chiaro

I fish the Ottawa every weekend in summer east between Orleans and hawkesbury.  I live at the very east side of Orleans.  Lots of great places around this area but anything waterfront can be pricey.  A quick 30 minute drive east will put you in wendover area or even Plantagenet.   Highway 174 runs parallel to the river the entire way.  West of Ottawa towards arnprior - also awesome area and water is known to be a little cleaner.   Traditionally - west are English communities and east are French communities - but you will find bilingual people and services everywhere.

You can catch pike, small mouth, large mouth , musky, walleye, catfish and a few other species all in a couple of hours. 

Let me know if you have any specific geography questions.

[crunchie]

Here's my take.  I'm a local to both bodies, Temiscaming.  If you're choices are Kipawa Lake or the Ottawa River in the Ottawa area, you cannot compare.  If you're looking to retire in either areas, it all depends on how much you're going to miss the city.  I've never lived in the city so I can't say but I know what city life is because although I've never lived it, I've visited it many times and sort of know what is involved and what's available, traffic, noise and lots of waves on the Ottawa river near Ottawa/Gatineau.

You may be bored on Kipawa Lake, longing for that special restaurant you're used to going to, shopping at Costco, etc.  Some people think that they want tranquillity, but once they have it, they sort of miss all the hustle and bustle they've become used to.  If you've never spent more than a couple of weeks away from home, it can be a totally new experience.

I like to compare it to the couples who own a home and a cottage.  They say "why do we need both?"  Paying two taxes, hydro, upkeep, etc.  Yes, it can get expensive if you don't have the means.  Then they sell the house and move to the cottage permanently.  All of a sudden they don't feel that getaway feeling, you know, the feeling of "getting away".  Oh boy, am I off topic or what? lol.  But seriously, I've heard it many times.

To sum up my rant, Kipawa Lake and the Ottawa River near the capital are two very  different beasts.   Lots of factors to consider before taking the plunge.

[Fort Wisers]

Willing to split the difference and settle on the Ottawa river a bit further north then right near Ottawa proper?

I agree with the sentiments so far though, too different to compare.

[Hodgey1]

Then they sell the house and move to the cottage permanently.  All of a sudden they don't feel that getaway feeling, you know, the feeling of "getting away".  Oh boy, am I off topic or what? lol.  But seriously, I've heard it many times

Great insight and advice!

[limacharley]

Look for cottages in the Fort Coulonge area; that's just east of Pembroke on the Quebec side. Beautiful area.  You could rent something in that area as a way for the wife to see if she likes it.??

[chiaro]

What I am looking for long term is a seasonal cottage..what I am looking for this summer is an establishment more suited for a 55 year old women who likes to fish and the beautiful outdoors, but likes a good cook and a good mattress. I did take her to Kipawa lodge and she really enjoyed that, especially the cooking and the surroundings. She goes on fly-in trips with me and she always is just that much more happy if the room isn't your standard basic camp cottage. Creature comforts mean something to her. So I am looking for two things...the most scenic area of the river and then an establishment that she would be pleased with. I'll take one of those two criteria because she will be happy enough with either.

We both come from towns under 30000, but she loves culture so I know Kipawa would be too far away. The other choices would be the Muskoka area and that is just too lame for me now. I've always loved the Ottawa river but have only fished the top of the river, and one day at Norway Bay which I liked. We might end up not buying but renting but it's been a dream of mine to spend 3 months up north on the water. We live in farm land country and most of the bodies of water here are polluted. I'll take scenic and not the best fishing.

[chiaro]

Look for cottages in the Fort Coulonge area; that's just east of Pembroke on the Quebec side. Beautiful area.  You could rent something in that area as a way for the wife to see if she likes it.??

That is a beautiful area?