Ottawa: River Cruise (NCC River House)

Exploring the natural beauty of Ottawa is a must-do for visitors. The NCC River House offers a scenic 30-minute cruise along the Ottawa River, showcasing the city’s historic landmarks. Starting at just $22.25 per person, this accessible journey provides stunning views and inviting amenities at the riverside destination. With a Café & Bistro and outdoor patio, the NCC River House promises an unforgettable experience. But the real highlight? Well, that’s where the adventure begins.

About Your Stay

• A 30-minute river cruise along the Ottawa River connecting the Ottawa Locks and NCC River House, with pricing starting at $22.25 per person.
• The cruise offers stunning natural views and passes historic landmarks, starting and ending at the century-old NCC River House.
• NCC River House provides year-round food and beverage options, an outdoor patio, and various summer and winter activities.
• The free enclosed swimming area at NCC River House features two 25-metre lanes and a capacity of 125 swimmers.
• The cruise and amenities are not recommended for children under 5, people with mobility issues, and non-swimmers, and smoking is prohibited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview and Details

The Ottawa River Cruise offers a 30-minute journey along the waterway, connecting the Ottawa Locks and the NCC River House.

The Ottawa River Cruise offers a 30-minute journey along the waterway, connecting the Ottawa Locks and the NCC River House.

Priced from $22.25 per person, the cruise provides a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and visitors should check availability for starting times.

The cruise showcases historic landmarks and stunning natural beauty along the River House Route, allowing passengers to enjoy the comfort and panoramic views of the NCC River House.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting locations for the Ottawa River Cruise are the NCC River House at 1 Canal Ln., with the drop-off point also at the NCC River House.

Passengers will glide past historic landmarks and enjoy stunning natural beauty along the Ottawa River. The River House Route offers comfort during the cruise.

The century-old heritage NCC River House provides panoramic views of the river. Travelers can experience the building’s amenities, including the Café & Bistro and outdoor patio, as well as the summer dock for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

NCC River House Amenities

The NCC River House features food and beverage options at its Café & Bistro, which are available year-round. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor patio with views of the Ottawa River. During the summer, the public dock offers access for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. In the winter, the area transforms into a hub for skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and walking on the trails. However, indoor seating is subject to event reservations during the colder months.

| Amenity | Details |

| — | — |

| Café & Bistro | Year-round food and beverage options |

| Outdoor Patio | Scenic views of the Ottawa River |

| Summer Activities | Swimming, kayaking, canoeing |

| Winter Activities | Skiing, snowshoeing, biking, walking |

| Indoor Seating | Subject to event reservations |

Swimming Area Information

A free enclosed swimming area is available in the summer months, featuring two 25-metre swimming lanes.

Water depth ranges from 1.5 to 2.7 metres, suitable for various abilities. The swimming area has a capacity of 125 swimmers on a first-come, first-served basis.

The swimming area has a depth range of 1.5 to 2.7 metres, accommodating swimmers of various abilities, with a capacity of 125 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Universal access is provided, with a chair lift and life jackets available in various sizes.

However, the swimming conditions can vary, and the area isn’t recommended for children under 5, those with mobility impairments, or non-swimmers.

Visitors are advised to swim during off-peak hours for better access to this amenity.

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Recommendations for Visitors

Although the Ottawa River Cruise offers a scenic and enjoyable experience, there are a few recommendations visitors should keep in mind.

The cruise isn’t suitable for children under 5 or people with mobility issues and non-swimmers. Visitors should pack appropriate items like a hat, swimwear, camera, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking and vaping aren’t allowed. For the best access to the swimming area, it’s recommended to visit during off-peak hours.

Following these simple tips will help ensure a smooth and memorable cruise along the beautiful Ottawa River.

Getting to the NCC River House

To reach the NCC River House, visitors can follow signs guiding them to 1 Canal Lane in downtown Ottawa.

The building sits along the scenic Ottawa River, offering easy access and stunning views. Parking is available at nearby public lots, and the River House is also accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the O-Train, bus, or even bike to the location.

Once there, they’ll find the historic building and its outdoor patio overlooking the water, ready to welcome them for a relaxing river cruise experience or other recreational activities.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Ottawa River Cruise is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all visitors. The cruise and NCC River House facilities feature wheelchair accessibility.

Visitors can reserve life jackets in various sizes. A chair lift provides universal access to the swimming area.

However, the cruise and swimming area aren’t suitable for children under 5, people with mobility issues, and non-swimmers.

Visitors should come prepared with appropriate attire, sunscreen, and water. Smoking and vaping are prohibited.

For the best experience, the cruise and swimming are recommended during off-peak hours when visitor capacity is lower.

Cruise Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the Ottawa River Cruise is a simple process. Tickets can be reserved in advance through the website or on-site. Prices start at $22.25 per person, with a reserve now & pay later option available. Plus, the cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility ensures a hassle-free experience for travelers.

| Booking Details | Information |

|—————–|————-|

| Price | From $22.25 per person |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |

| Payment | Reserve now & pay later |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors. With convenient booking and cancellation policies, travelers can plan their Ottawa adventure with confidence.

Questions About Your Stay

Is There Any Age Restriction for the River Cruise?

The river cruise has no age restriction, but it’s not suitable for children under 5 years old, people with mobility impairments, and non-swimmers according to the important information provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the river cruise. However, there are onboard food and beverage options available at the Café & Bistro if customers prefer to purchase refreshments during the trip.

Are Pets Allowed on the Cruise?

Pets are not allowed on the cruise. The website states the cruise is "wheelchair accessible," indicating only service animals are permitted. Passengers are advised to leave their pets at home for this river cruise experience.

Is There an On-Board Guide or Audio Commentary?

The river cruise doesn’t have an on-board guide or audio commentary. Passengers can enjoy the scenic views and historic landmarks along the Ottawa River independently during the 30-minute cruise.

Can I Disembark at Any Point Along the Route?

No, passengers can’t disembark at any point along the route. The cruise operates as a round-trip from the NCC River House, with no option to get off and back on during the 30-minute journey.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Ottawa River cruise offers a scenic 30-minute journey showcasing the city’s historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the amenities at the NCC River House, including a café and outdoor patio. With free cancellation and accessibility features, this river cruise is a perfect outing for families and friends seeking an adventure in nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: