Rothesay

Launched February 2, 1867 at St. John New Brunswick this 193 ft. x28.8 ft. x 7.9 ft. twin side-wheeler was relocated to service the Montreal to Prescott run where she met her fate September, 2 1889 by colliding with the American tug “Myra”. In 1901 a group from the Royal Military College, Kingston used this wreck for explosives practice which flattened her mid section, though stern and bow remain relatively intact. The rope from shore meets Rothesay about the midsection near the paddlewheels where you can still view the rocker arm and paddles outlined. The bottom here is firm with weed growth between Rothesay and the shore, however the site has little current and remains an enjoyable visit.

One of Eastern Ontario’s most famous wreck sites, Rothesay lies at the west edge of Prescott, Ontario, south side of Highway #2. A park/picnic area and staircase to the river’s edge leads you to a shore entry to follow the rope system to the site.