Water activity

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

Activity provider: Ottawa Boat Cruise
Water activity

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

Activity provider: Ottawa Boat Cruise

From US$ 34.35 per person

Discover the Rideau Canal on a relaxed cruise from Dow’s lake to the Ottawa River. Be entertained with live commentary from your guide and admire historical landmarks from a new perspective.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the great history of the Ottawa aboard a canal cruise
  • See Canada's national capital from a different perspective
  • Benefit from engaging and insightful commentary
Full description
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal aboard a brand-new electric vessel. Admire top attractions like the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and the National Arts Centre from this iconic waterway. The cruise departs from the heart of downtown Ottawa. Step aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, the only one of its kind. Your experienced and friendly crew will answer your questions and ensure your safety. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as your live guide shares entertaining insights into the region, its history, and rich cultural heritage. Discover the Rideau Canal from the Chateau Laurier to Dow's Lake. Learn about 30 different sites that have marked the history of Ottawa including the Trans-Canada Highway, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canal Ritz, Lansdowne Park, Bank Street Bridge, Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park, Dominion Arboretum, and many more.
Includes
  • 1.5-hour canal cruise
  • Bilingual guide
  • Live commentary in English and French
  • Local taxes
  • Food or drinks
  • Gratuities

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The cruise departs from behind the National Arts Center on 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Canada. Please allow sufficient time to arrive at the meeting point 15-minutes prior to departure.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • An audio guide is available for download in Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 222 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

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Star rating:

Guide & boat were excellent BUT 70% of my fellow passengers were complete a-holes - they talked so much we could barely hear the guide, even though he set the expectation at the beginning AND 1/2 way through. My ancestors dug that thing & I wanted to learn about it. So please administer Ritalin to every rider, combine masking with built-in gags, OR, if u r just there to talk with your friends & family, CHAT ON THE BENCH BESIDE THE CANAL. STAY OFF THE BOAT OR DO AS YOU WERE ASKED & SHUT YOUR YAP UNTIL THE RIDE BACK. No one cares what the passengers have to say.

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March 29, 2023

It was a nice, gentle trip along the Rideau Canal on a very quiet electric boat. We had great commentary all the way from our very funny host, who kept us well informed and entertained with true facts and funny tall stories. It was interesting to learn about the Canal and the buildings along the way. Really enjoyed our trip and would recommend it.

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March 29, 2023

It was amazing trip with my family and parents. Valuable information at this guided tour and many pictures captures in our trip. Strongly recommend to go and sit at left front side to view clear view specially when you will return to see parliament and other monumental buildings.

March 29, 2023

Product ID: 327076