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Ottawa Boat Cruise - EKEAU Tours

Rideau canal national historic site.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the historic Rideau Canal on North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, which is the only one of its kind. The Rideau Canal cruises will take you back to 1812 when the plan for the construction of the canal was introduced! With 9 different options to choose from, Ottawa Boat Cruise | EKEAU Tours offer a variety of cruise packages on the Rideau Canal and some also include beverages and snacks.

Location: 895 rue Jacques-Cartier, Gatineau, QC Phone number: (819) 246-3855

What can visitors expect?

In 2016, Rideau Canal Cruises (now known as Ottawa Boat Cruise | EKEAU tours ) began offering sightseeing cruises on the popular Rideau Canal. Visitors can discover the region, its history and rich cultural heritage while cruising on board a brand new electric vessel. This unique vessel has glass sides for a spectacular view of the canal bed.

About Ottawa Boat Cruise | EKEAU Tours

• 40+ years of experience on waterways in the region
• Knowledgeable and friendly staff
• Licensed local operator
• 100% Electric Vessel
• Bilingual Tours

Types of cruises

• Day cruises (From 10am to 6:30pm)
• Tour duration: 1.5 hours
• Combo cruise with city tours, restaurants, bicycle rentals and zip Lines
• Fully licensed snack and bar

*Offer subject to change. Please check operator's website for exact details.

Additional information:

Related links.

• Le Boat cruisers
• Rideau Tours

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• Things to do

Rideau Canal Cruises

A unique way to discover the nation’s capital! Cruise the Rideau Canal aboard our brand new, 100% electric boat and get a different view of downtown Ottawa and its landmarks, including the National Arts Centre, Lansdowne Park, and Dow’s Lake. Live bilingual commentary and audioguide app. Tickets available at 2 Rideau Street (Confederation Square). Open daily from mid-May to mid-October.

Characteristics

• Accessible by public transport
• Paid parking

Nearby attractions

Rideau Canal Skateway

French Theatre at the National Arts Centre

Lady Dive Inc.

Gray Line Ottawa-Gatineau

Winter Lights Across Canada

Parliament of Canada

Capital Pathway Network

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Plan your visit

At 202km in length, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site is one epic travel route. With charming waterfront communities and 24 historic lockstations along its length, you’re bound to discover something exciting around every bend. Start planning your next trip to this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

By water or land, there’s lots to explore!

Lockstations

Travel along the Rideau Canal is made possible by a series of locks (47) and lockstations (24) maintained and operated by Parks Canada . Each lock features historic engineering that connects boaters and paddlers to a navigable system stretching from Kingston to Ottawa. Basic on-site facilities at lockstations (such as washrooms and picnic tables) cater to the needs of visitors arriving by land or water, and various overnight stay options invite you to plan an extended visit. Speak to friendly Parks Canada staff for trip planning information and to learn more about the history. Each lockstation has its own story to tell in this uniquely Canadian experience, so be sure to visit them all!

Getting here:

Click here to see a visitor map of the Rideau Canal

Visitors travelling by boat:

Boaters should consult up-to-date Nautical Charts (#1512 & #1513). Charts can be purchased at most lockstations or online. Boaters should also check the Notice for Mariners (NOTMAR) website.

Drivers, cyclists and hikers:

Road travelers should consult provincial road maps and/or trusted online map sources.

More information about navigating the Rideau Canal

Hours of operation:

Parks Canada’s navigation season runs annually from mid-May to mid-October. During seasonal hours of operation, friendly lock staff will be on-hand to provide lockage and mooring services to boaters, and check-in any overnight visitors. Washroom facilities and limited parking will also be available to the public during these hours.

Parks Canada Hours of Operation .

Fees and Permits:

There is no entrance fee when visiting a lockstation on the Rideau Canal. This includes access to washroom facilities and surrounding parklands for picnics and sightseeing.

Parks Canada does collect fees from boaters and paddlers seeking lockage and mooring services, as well for various overnight camping and accommodations options.

Revenues are used to support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you travel the Rideau Canal, you are investing in its future – and in a legacy for future generations.

See a complete list of fees on the Parks Canada website

Chaffeys Lock:

The Kawartha Voyageur Cruise Boat. Rideau Heritage Route: The Kawartha Voyageur moored at Poonamalie Lock. Rideau Canal World Heritage Site, Ontario, Canada

Springer Market Square:

Activities and experiences

Explore the canal

Get inspired with these suggested things to do

Stay where you play

Find a great overnight stay that suits your style

Eat & Drink

Fuel your fun

Planning tips

Check the weather

Boaters and paddlers should always be sure to check the weather before planning any trip along the Rideau Canal. Water levels and navigation conditions can change suddenly and without notice.

Purchase permits in advance

If your trip to the Rideau Canal includes overnight mooring and/or lockage for your boat or paddlecraft, save yourself time by purchasing your permits online in advance. Purchase a seasonal lockage or mooring package and you’re set for the whole season!

Permits are also available of purchase on-site at time of arrival, during seasonal hours of operation.

Follow Parks Canada on Social Media

For travel tips and ideas, important announcements, and answers to your visitor questions follow:

@RideauCanalNHS on Twitter /RideauCanalNHS on Facebook

For real-time boater information, including mooring availability and wait times, follow @RideauBoatInfo on Twitter

Are there public washrooms at the lockstations?

Basic on-site washroom facilities are available at each lockstation, and open to the public during Hours of Operation. After-hours access is given to boaters who are mooring overnight, and visitors camping or staying in an oTENTik

How long does it take to travel between lockstations?

Travel times between lockstations varies widely based on the location of the lockstations, your method of travel, and various operational considerations. Travellers should consult trusted boating guides, road maps and/or tourism information centres for complete trip planning information.

How long does it take to travel the entire Rideau Canal?

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is 202km in length. Boaters should plan for 5-7 days to complete the journey, including lockage through 47 locks. Visitors who drive to the locks should take into consideration the various towns, villages and cities along its length.

Can I rent a boat, or canoes and kayaks, at the lockstation?

Parks Canada does not offer any rentals at lockstations. Check local listings for trusted local outfitters along on the Rideau Canal.

Featured Events

Browse the regions calendar of events below.

Ottawa Events Calendar

Find out what’s happening in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.

Kingston Events Calendar

Kingston, a hub where makers, culinary enthusiasts and musicians bring a vibrant, modern culture to this historic Canadian city.

Perth Events Calendar

Night markets, music and more. Find out what’s happening in Perth, Ontario.  

Smiths Falls Events Calendar

Find out what’s happening in Smiths Falls, Ontario.  

Westport Events Calendar

Discover events and live music in the Village of Westport.

Kemptville Events Calendar

Explore events for Kemptville and the surrounding areas in North Grenville.  

Manotick Events Calendar

Discover unique businesses, festivals, and special village events in Manotick.

Merrickville Events Calendar

Arts, shopping and street events are aplenty in ‘the Jewel of the Rideau’. Find things to do in Merrickville, Ontario.  

Rideau Lakes Event Calendar

Find events happening in the many villages of Rideau Lakes.

Leeds and the Thousand Islands Events Calendar

Find out what’s happening in Seeley’s Bay & Lyndhurst.

Rideau Canal Cruise Itinerary With Le Boat

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 8, 2024

If you are looking for a boating holiday that is out of the ordinary? A luxury houseboat cruise on the Rideau Canal with Le Boat is a fantastic option. Le Boat Luxury Houseboats is the number one provider of boating holidays on the canals of Europe and now, Ontario, Canada is lucky enough to have Le Boats cruising along the historic Rideau Canal from Ottawa to Kingston.

Table of Contents

Self Drive a Houseboat on the Rideau Canal with Le Boat

Cruising the Rideau Canal isn’t high on many people’s radar (outside the boating community), and that is such a shame. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the greatest waterways in the world, and cruising it feels like a little slice of Europe in the heart of North America.

Dave and I have traveled Ontario from top to bottom, and yet, the only time we’ve really explored this famous waterway is while skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. We never knew we could actually self-drive a yacht on the Rideau Canal if we didn’t own a boat of our own. But Le Boat lets novice drivers explore the lakes and rivers of Ontario in luxury.

About the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a 202 km (125 miles) long waterway running from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario. It opened in 1832 and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique experience to yacht through. All locks (except for 2) are operated by Park’s Canada staff, who crank the lock gates by hand.

Taking a trip along the Rideau Canal is like going through a living history museum. The 45 locks in 23 lock stations have barely changed in 200 years, with the original lockmasters’ houses and blockhouses still intact. The 202 km of waterways are a blend of locks, rivers, and lakes lined with million-dollar cottages, communities, and provincial parks. We had an amazing seven-day itinerary from Smiths Falls to Jones Falls.

Rideau Canal Itinerary

Le Boat Cruises starts in the lovely town of Smiths Falls. You can book tours either north to Ottawa or south to Kingston. We planned a trip south to Jones Falls. If we wanted to push it to Kingston, it could easily be done in 7 days, but we wanted to be able to explore the communities along the canal, so we planned for only 2 to 3 hours of driving each day with lots of opportunities to hike, bike, paddle and explore.

Day 1 – Smiths Falls

Smith Falls is a picturesque town located halfway between Ottawa and Kingston. It has been completely revitalized after the closing of the Hershey Factory in 2007 and it is hard to believe that it fell on tough times for many years. This is a beautiful Ontario destination that should be at the top of your list of places to visit in the province. We never considered Smiths Falls before this trip.

The Railway Museum is one of the greatest historic railway museums in the country. You can actually spend the night in one of the railway cars and see what it was like to be on a train in the 1950s. Check out details at their website.

There are cars displayed to show how a traveling dentist reached remote communities in northern Canada. There are dining cars and a fully restored station plus we had the chance to ride the train. Not only that I had the chance to drive the train! It is every person’s dream to be an engineer and I had my chance at the Railway Museum. (Dave has driven a train in the past so he didn’t miss out). We also had the chance to see what it is like to drive a hand car. Wow! Once you start, it really picks up speed!

We spent the night on the boat in Smiths Falls and stocked up on some beverages and last-minute food items. Grabbing dinner on The Lockmaster Tap House patio was a great start to our trip. If you are staying overnight in Smiths Falls before you get on the boat, the Econolodge has the best location, but it is in need of an update.

Day 2 – Smiths falls to Beveridges Lock

The morning was spent unpacking and organizing on the boat while we waited for our boat lesson. To make the most of our week on the Rideau Canal, we had a kayak and bikes loaded onboard and we filled up the two refrigerators and every nook and cranny with our food and gear. It was amazing to see how much space was on board.

Jim and Janice had the massive master bedroom as the guests of honour and Dave and I spread out between the two other rooms. One room for our camera gear, one room for ourselves. Our food and snacks fit perfectly in the cupboards and under the seats and we were ready to set sail by 1:00 pm.

After leaving Smiths Falls we made our way south to our first stop on the trip, Beveridges Lock Station. Beveridges is about an hour and a half from Smiths Falls and it’s a popular stop for Le Boaters on their first night. The drive offers the complete Rideau Canal experience allowing everyone to get used to boating.

We went through two locks where lock masters from Park’s Canada offered help and advice while pulling in. Jim and Janice did amazing work on the ropes, and Dave was beside me at the captain’s chair, navigating with the binoculars and looking for markers as we made our way through rivers and Lower Rideau Lake.

Day 3 – Beveridges Lock

Beverages Lock Station is a pretty lock that leads to Perth, Ontario. Most Le Boaters don’t go through this lock as it is a very narrow passage to Perth. So, instead, we all parked our boats at the top of the lock station to enjoy the evening. With a full kitchen in the galley and barbecue and sink up top, we celebrated with beverages and a hot grill as we settled in for the night.

There was a lot to keep us occupied here, and we went for a bike ride along the trail to check out the nearby Otentiks operated by Park’s Canada. Janice made a note to come back next summer and stay in one of these.

Park’s Canada also has two canoes on hand for use. Instead of driving our 45-foot yacht through this channel, we hopped in the canoes and spent a morning exploring this waterway. I can see why Le Boat doesn’t recommend going through this lock with the houseboat. The waters are quite shallow outside the buoys and one wrong move could make you hit bottom.

We heard that a Le Boater didn’t heed the warnings while we were there and had to be towed out losing not only their deposit, but a day of travel waiting to be rescued.

It was pretty intimidating at first to be sitting way down at the bottom of Beverages Lock on a tiny canoe, but as the staff hand-cranked the locks open, the water churned in for a fun, thrill ride. In a few minutes, the doors opened and we were off to explore the beauty of the Tay River. We loved our paddling trip. Not only did we have the chance to experience our first locks on a boat, but we have also paddled through a lock.

Make sure you bring some water and snacks and remember that you have to paddle back, so don’t go beyond your limits. The wind really came up during our paddle back and we had a tough go against the wind.

Day 4 – Westport

The weather did a complete 180 the next morning and we awoke to sunshine and happiness. As we basked in the beautiful morning sun, we enjoyed fresh coffee and breakfast on the deck as we planned the day ahead. This was our longest drive of the trip, which was a three-hour journey to the town of Westport. Pulling out of the dock was a thrill. We were parked between two boats in a narrow channel and I wouldn’t have believed that we could do a complete turn in the middle of the channel if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.

With everyone helping out, I used the thrusters to pull away from the dock. Once we were a safe distance away, Jim undid his rope at the front of the boat while Janice kept a loose grip at the back while I swung the boat around on its axis. Using the thrusters, it turned on a dime and we had done a complete U-turn without hitting another thing in sight.

After leaving the lock, it was a gorgeous day to drive from the upper deck. There are two options for driving. If the weather is bad, you can drive from below (something I wasn’t ready to do on the first day), but when the sun is shining like it was today, there is nothing better than being up top.

We cruised by massive mansions lining the waterway and waived to every boat passing. It seemed that nearly every boat on the water was another Le Boat. The Park’s staff told us they were really grateful for Le Boat being on the Rideau because they keep the locks busy during the week. I can only imagine how slow the days would go if they weren’t letting boats through on a regular basis.

Our first lock of the day was the Narrows. And let me tell you, it lives up to its name. The wind had really picked up once we reached The Narrows and there was a rumor that they were closing it soon. I have to admit, I was a little stressed going through this narrow lock in high winds, but our Horizon 3 worked like a charm. Using the Thrusters, we went through with ease.

This lock is pretty cool because the staff hand cranks not only the lock but also a swing bridge on the road. The cars stopped as we made our way through, and as the park staff wished us well, we were on our way to Westport.

The Park’s staff is really friendly and are always there to lend a helping hand. While you are sitting in the locks, be sure to chat with them. They give some great advice and insider tips about boating the Rideau Canal.

We had a beautiful breeze heading into the town of Westport keeping us cool and comfortable on our journey. Janice made some snacks for the ride and it was just a bit past lunch when we got into town. I am glad we pushed through quickly to enjoy everything Westport had to offer. There is so much to do here that we could have easily spent two nights. But lucky for us, we’re professional travelers and made use of every spare moment.

The guys and gals at the marina were super helpful and friendly, and we felt like old friends when we got off the boat. They guided us into our dock, showed us where we could fill up with water, and offered advice on what to see and do. After we settled in, we took a walk into town to enjoy a flight of beer at the Westport Brewery. If you want to do some shopping, Westport is the place. There are some great clothing and gift stores and there is a supermarket to stock up on supplies and ice before you leave town.

The hottest spot in town is definitely Scheurmann Vineyard. We had a reservation booked on the lawn and when we arrived, it was packed with outdoor dining. The beautiful setting had us in a grassy field overlooking the vineyard and Westport Sand Lake. It’s a 20-minute walk from town so you can easily enjoy some wine. After dinner, we made our way up to Foley Mountain for some panoramic views of Westport and the Upper Rideau Lake. Making our way back to the boat, we enjoyed a nightcap on the upper deck before falling asleep to the sound of water lapping gently against the hull of the boat.

Day 5 – Chaffey’s Lock

We felt a bit groggy waking up on day five of our boating adventure along the Rideau Canal. Yesterday was a huge day filled with activity, but we had an easy trip ahead to Chaffey’s Lock. Just 1.5 hours by boat to Chaffey’s Lock, allowed us to take it easy in the morning to do some shopping, enjoy our coffee and explore a bit more of Westport. After stocking up on ice. (As Janice said “Ice is like gold on a boat”) we said goodbye to the staff at the Westport Marina and were back on the Rideau Canal.

We took our time today and after passing through the first lock of the day, we tied up for a barbecue on the deck. As we watched the ducks pitter-patter from one side of the canal to the other, we cooked up some burgers and basked in the warm sun. I think each of us took a short nap before moving on. It was then just a short, scenic drive to Chaffey’s Lock.

We made our way through some picturesque narrow channels as osprey flew overhead. We arrived at the lock in the late afternoon where we pumped out our boat at Browns Marina, stocked up on more ice, and went through the lock to a quiet dock that we had all to ourselves. Breaking out the bikes, we took a ride to see the legendary Opinicon Restaurant.

This historic hotel and museum lend themselves to the Dirty Dancing style retreats of the 1950s. Sadly it was closed during our trip, but it was still worth seeing from the outside. While at Chaffey’s Lock you can also explore the Lockmaster Museum and there is a gallery on the waterfront as well.

The rain followed us again though, so after making dinner under the canopy of the upper deck, we made our way downstairs to the cabin for a night of board game fun.

Day 6 – Jones Falls

Most cruises south from Smiths Falls end at Jones Falls. Jones Falls is considered the most beautiful lock on the Rideau Canal and with good reason. This set of locks is not to be missed when exploring the Rideau Canal. The reason most people turn around here though is that it takes quite a while to go through, so many Le Boats park at the top for the night and instead explore the area on foot.

There are four locks here and it can take at least an hour to get through. Count another hour to get back and you’ve spent a lot of time in the lock. So instead, it’s recommended to dock at the top and get out to explore its hiking trails and historic buildings on foot.

We didn’t make it to Jones Falls by boat (albeit Dave and I drove there after our trip to see it) and instead turned around at Chaffey’s lock to spend the night at Newboro. There was a high wind and rain warning on the Rideau Canal, and we didn’t want to get stuck out in the storm. Today was so bad that they actually closed the narrows. I’m glad we changed our plans because we instead had the chance to explore Newboro.

Newboro is a cute little lock that has canoes and kayaks on offer. There’s a fire pit and it offers a lovely peaceful setting. But the highlight of Newboro is going into town to shop at Kilborns. Kilborns is a quirky department store that consists of three historic buildings strung together.

There is so much more to it than meets the eye. When we walked in we thought it was a small souvenir shop, but the store just kept going on and on selling everything from furniture to western boots. If you want to buy some one-of-a-kind clothing or art, this is the place. Before heading back to the boat (which is just a short 10-minute walk) stop for a drink on the patio at Stirling Lodge.

Day 7 – Colonel By Island

The next stop on our trip was most certainly our favourite. I think everyone loves Colonel By Island. Named after Colonel By an English military engineer who supervised the construction of the Rideau Canal, (Fun Fact: ByWard Market in Ottawa is also named after Colonel By) Col. By Island is a beautiful place to spend the night on the Rideau Waterways. The island is located on Big Rideau Lake and although there are no facilities on the island there is a lot to do.

Park’s Canada owns the island but have sadly done a terrible job maintaining it. There is a historic building that is going to ruins due to neglect and if they had half a brain, they’d get in there to fix it up. The building was formerly owned by Danny Arnstein the owner of Yellow Cab in New York and Chicago in 1949. The New York Mafia, Rat Pack, and celebrities such as Paul Anka used to frequent the island for holidays.

It is now condemned and you cannot go inside, but you can imagine how grand it once was. There is a tennis court and basketball court on the premises and you can see the grand peanut fireplaces from the outside. I would have loved to be able to go inside. All I could think while walking around the grounds was “how if this were the United States, they’d have this building restored with heritage furniture from the era letting people tour inside to see how the rich lived during its heyday. I hope Parks Canada does something about it in the future.

But Colonel By Island is still worth visiting. There is a 3 km hiking trail that takes you through some of the most unique forests on the Rideau Waterways, it’s an excellent place for kayaking and swimming and you can have a bonfire at night. This was one of the few places on the Rideau Canal where you don’t have to stay at a lock station. There isn’t any power, but the Le Boats don’t need power every night. In fact, they charge up quite quickly just by driving them during the day.

We ran toasters, radios, stovetops, and coffee makers every day and never ran out.

Note: The dock is very loud (it squeaks a lot), so we suggest mooring on one of the balls at night for a better night’s sleep.

Day 8 – Back to Smiths Falls

Our final day took us back to Smiths Falls. Most people do this trip in 7 days, but with our extra day in Smiths Falls to explore the museum at the beginning, we had 8. It was sad to leave the Rideau Canal, I could definitely see doing this again. (as a matter a fact, we’re already planning for the fall colours and a Le Boat Tour in Europe where the company originated.) My brother Jim said he’d love to get back into boating with something like this and I must admit, Le Boat made boat lovers out of Dave and I too! We backed our massive boat back into the slots at Le Boat’s docks in Smiths Falls and the unloading process was made easy with the rolling carts supplied by Le Boat.

If you haven’t explored Smiths Falls yet, make sure to go for a walk from the docks. Downtown is just a short 10-minute stroll where you can visit the Rideau Canal headquarters and enjoy a pint of beer at one of the bars.

Our Le Boat vacation was truly an amazing week-long trip in Ontario that now tops our list of the best things to do in Ontario, Canada. There is nothing quite like it. If you haven’t thought of renting a houseboat before, check out Le Boat on the Rideau Canal. You won’t regret it.

Tips For Cruising the Rideau Canal With Le Boat

It is a lot of work navigating the Rideau Canal when you are new to boating. Plus, it didn’t help that we had a crazy thunderstorm to deal with. My brother Jim stayed up top with me as I drove through the fog and rain to keep an eye out like a good big brother, and Dave had the binoculars armed in search of buoys and markers.

• Locks operate from 9 AM to 6 PM so you must make sure that you plan to go through before 6pm if you want to be somewhere make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the locks close to be safe.
• When boating, you are not allowed to have any open alcohol. That is saved for when you are moored at the docks.
• Boat’s don’t use a lot of gas, we did 7 days of cruising and only used about a half a tank.
• Rentals can be booked from 3 to 10 days.
• Pet’s are allowed
• You can rent paddle boards, bikes and kayaks or you can bring your own as well.
• All cabins have their own private bathroom

Before leaving the dock each day, make sure to have a good look at the charts to map out your route. You will find that you are always looking at the charts for markers and buoys. One person drives and the other is armed with binoculars and charts keeping an eye out for shallows, obstacles, and navigation.

You really do have to keep an eye out for markers and it is important to have your first mate keeping an eye on them with binoculars. (which Le Boat supplies. Albeit, we had two other pairs that we packed which was awesome because everyone could pitch in to make sure I stayed on course. If you go on the wrong side of a buoy or go off course you can run aground. But if you keep your wits about you and follow the map and markers, you’ll make your way no problem.

We made the right-hand turn in torrential rain in the middle of Lower Rideau Lake to Beveridges Lock and were thrilled to arrive after a successful first day of navigation. With our hands frozen and clothes drenched, we puttered into the lock and gave ourselves a pat on the back for a successful day on the water. I won’t lie, that first day is hair raising, but after making it through, the rest of the week was gravy!

Le Boat Horizon Line

Le Boat houseboats aren’t your grandparents’ houseboats baby. These state-of-the-art floating yachts are spacious, luxurious, and easy to navigate. Taking a cruise on the Rideau Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to be able to do it in style at your own pace while driving your own boat is a huge bonus.

You can choose boats from the Horizon 1 to Horizon 5. Depending on the size of your party, there are boats to accommodate 2 to 12 people.

The boats are very soundproof and once we went to bed, I couldn’t hear a thing. Jim and Janice stayed up later than us most nights and I never knew it!

Le Boats can dock at all Parks Canada Locks at no extra charge. For power it is $8.90 but you really don’t need it unless you are using a lot of electricity as the boats recharge while driving.

Make sure to get ice at every stop. There are two small fridges on board, but we kept all our drinks and veggies in coolers. We had food for 6 people for 8 days on the water. (My parents couldn’t come at the last minute, so we were stuck with a lot of food. )

Horizon 3 by Le Boat

We chose the Horizon 3, which has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. My parents were originally coming with us and we were going to give them the large master bedroom But they couldn’t make it. So it was just the four of us. I actually found it perfect for 4 people.

We pushed the single beds together in the smaller rooms, but if I were to do it again I’d keep them as two singles because I had to climb over Dave to go to the bathroom each night.

We hopped aboard our Horizon 3 houseboa t, which is docked in Smiths Falls, Ontario. This huge boat is perfect for couples and large families going on vacation. It comes complete with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an upper and lower deck, and a massive kitchen. There is a barbecue and sink on the top deck, making for great evenings under the stars.

Le Boat House Boats Have Thrusters

All of the Horizon Le Boats have something called thrusters that help you navigate the waters with ease. Bow and side thrusters make maneuvering the boat a breeze. We could literally turn the boat around in the middle of a narrow channel using our side thrusters and we could ease up to docks without bumping or floating away. Once I got the hang of it, I loved using the thrusters and wondered why anyone would drive a boat without them?

Self Driving a Le Boat House Boat

I was quite nervous to drive a €450k, ($650k CAD) 45-foot luxury yacht but that is exactly what I set myself up to do over the next seven days. Besides, Le Boat isn’t worried at all. They’ve made it completely safe for novice drivers.

After we unloaded all our gear (packing list coming soon), we had a lovely visit from Doug, a representative of Le Boat, who showed us everything we needed to know, from using the upstairs deck barbecue to running the air conditioning and learning how to tie knots and use ropes. But the biggest task ahead was learning how to drive a boat.

Dave and I invited my brother Jim and my sister-in-law Janice to come along for the trip. They are avid boaters with extensive driving experience, so when Doug asked who needed the lesson, I quickly volunteered myself as I required the most help out of the four of us. Doug went through all the aspects of piloting a boat, and within minutes, we were pulling out from the dock for an hour-long lesson.

Do you need Boating Experience to Drive a Le Boat?

Jim and Janice have their boating license and assumed that they’d be the ones driving the boat for the week. But when renting a houseboat on the Rideau Canal, no experience is necessary. You do not need a boating license or experience to drive a Le Boat Houseboat. You can drive a Le Boat with ease even if you have never driven a boat in your life. All boats have limiters on them reaching a maximum speed of only 10km per hour, there are bumpers all the way around the entire boat, and you have a secret weapon on the boat that makes even the greenest of boaters look like experts – thrusters.

What’s It Like at Locks on the Rideau Canal

Jim and Janice were on rope duty, I was driving, and Dave was watching everything as he’d be sharing the driving duties with me during the week. Inside the lock, I had the chance to breathe as we waited for the water to fill.

I quickly learned that the neutral throttle was my best friend. I would give the engine some power while in neutral which allowed the thrusters to really control the boat when docking.

Plus, I learned that I could slow the boat down quickly by putting it in reverse. We sailed through the lock with ease (albeit a lot of stress on my end) and once we were out on the other side, we dropped Doug off and began our week-long journey south from Smiths Falls.

There are plenty of options for activities at night on a Le Boat. Many of the locks offer campfires and you can definitely get out to explore on your own. Le Boats are allowed to dock at any of the locks at night. Most offer power for a fee of $9 and some allow campfires. Some of the docks have facilities and some are located close to town where you can walk in for dinner or drinks.

But make sure to pack some games and cards for nighttime fun. Le Boats also have TVs and you can get some movies and TV shows from the office. We never had a moment where we felt bored and all of our time was filled as much or as little as we liked.

We practiced steering, parking, and driving the boat in a straight line. After getting the hang of things, we moved on to our first lock on the Rideau Canal with Doug aboard to make sure we could all handle our tasks.

So are you ready to self drive the Rideau Canal? This is the coolest vacation we’ve done and it made a houseboat lover out of us! Where will you be going next?

Read more about travel in Ontario

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2 thoughts on “Rideau Canal Cruise Itinerary With Le Boat”

I am a local filmmaker in Rideau Lakes and am working on a series of short historical documentary films for the Township of Rideau Lakes. The first three are finished and can be found on the website of the Township of Rideau Lakes. The first is about the making of the Rideau Canal, and particularly, about the Narrow’s and Newboro Locks. The second film is about an island on Indian Lake, just north of Chaffey’s Lock, where recovering soldiers from WWI were cared for during the war. The third film is about the election riots in the 1830s in the present-day towns of Delta and Phillipsville. I’m not sure what the next film will be about, but stay tuned.

thank you for the wonderful trip report – we can’t wait, only another 5 weeks before we head to Smith Falls and pick up a Horizon 1 for 10 days. We have done a lot of boat rental trips in Europe ( Ireland, GB, France ) but never did Canada

NACO on the Canal

You are invited to join for a unique experience where members of the NAC Orchestra provide a captivating soundtrack from aboard our showboat, as you walk, run, bike or rollerblade along the scenic Rideau Canal.

The concert will begin at the Paul's Boat Line docks located on the Rideau Canal outside the NAC, under the Rideau Street Bridge. The boat will arrive at Lansdowne Park approximately 45 minutes later and then return back. The entire trip is 90 minutes and the concert will take place on the boat while it is moving.  

NACO Wind Ensemble on Thursday July 11 at 6:30 p.m. and NACO Brass Ensemble on Saturday July 13 at 4:30 p.m.

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Join Parks Canada on Canada Day with free admission at national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas!

From: Parks Canada

News release

June 26, 2024                               Ottawa, Ontario                                      Parks Canada

Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places in the world. These treasured places, including national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas, provide visitors the opportunity to connect with history and discover nature.

On July 1, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, invites visitors to connect with some of the most iconic places in Canada with free admission to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas. Lockage along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site and the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, as well as at Québec’s historic canals will also be free for the day.

Canada Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse perspectives of our shared culture and history. This includes learning more about the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with ancestral lands and waters. Parks Canada administered places tell us the stories of who we are and allow visitors to experience the country’s rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage. These special places are the perfect setting for the many stories yet to be made this summer.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, Parks Canada administered places offer countless unique experiences to suit every visitor’s needs. From taking a wagon tour at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site to learning about Mik'maw knowledge at Wejisqalia'ti'k Encampment at Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site or enjoying period music, captivating musket demonstrations and cannon firings at Fort George National Historic Site , there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover!

Parks Canada is committed to providing all visitors with high quality and meaningful experiences across the country. To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. The Parks Canada App provides accessibility support and on-the-go access to essential information for planning, travelling, and visiting Parks Canada administered places. The app also provides exclusive access to on-site experiences, such as interactive self-guided mobile tours that allow you to explore at your own pace… right there at your fingertips! Visitors can also visit the Parks Canada website , sign up for Parks Canada’s e-newsletter, listen to Parks Canada’s podcast ReCollections , and follow Parks Canada on social media for inspiration to help plan the perfect visit.

                                                                                                       -30-

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“On July 1, admission will be free at all Parks Canada administrated places across the country. I hope you will spend this day with family and friends creating your own stories against the backdrop of inspiring national historic sites or breathtaking national parks and national marine conservation areas. Happy Canada Day!” The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick facts

Parks Canada protects a vast network of cultural and natural heritage places that includes 171 national historic sites, 47 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park.

National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas are an important part of local economies, helping to generate billions of dollars annually and employing tens of thousands of people. Parks Canada works with partners and nearby communities to help grow local tourism and create jobs.

Countless Indigenous tourism experiences , kid-approved family activities , and events will be happening throughout the summer at Parks Canada administered places across the country. 

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year to over 80 destinations across the country. Visitors can purchase their Parks Canada Discovery Passes online or at Parks Canada administered places and partner retailer locations across the country. Please visit Passes, permits and fees for more information.

Free or discounted admission programs exist for youth 17 years old and under , senior citizens (visitors aged 65 years and older ), Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans of the CAF, and their immediate families , and newcomers to Canada, who are within their first five years as permanent residents or are within their first year of Canadian citizenship . Parks Canada also offers free entry and access to programs for support persons who are traveling with a visitor who has a disability and depends on the support person to travel and experience a park or site. 

Associated links

• Parks Canada website
• Parks Canada mobile application
• Parks Canada Recollections Podcast
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass Order Online
• Parks Canada Reservation System
• Parks Canada Shop
• Events at Parks Canada

Kaitlin Power Press Secretary       Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 819-230-1557 [email protected]

Media Relations Parks Canada 855-862-1812 [email protected]

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Tour details

Water taxi by ekeau.

Drop-offs and pick-ups are available at the following locations: Senate-Shaw Centre, Canal Ritz, Bank Street Bridge-Lansdowne and Dow’s lake Pavilion.

Water Taxi Available: Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are available for purchase on site. 

12 Passenger 100% Electric

Experience the rideau canal like never before.

Times & Prices

Traveling south to dow's lake pavillion, traveling north to downtown.

On-Site Booking Only

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Combo : Water Taxi and Walking Tour

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