Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

The Rideau Canal Cruise in Ottawa offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s historic waterway. Departing from the National Arts Center, this 1.5-hour journey showcases iconic landmarks while providing live commentary in both English and French. With its 100% electric passenger vessel, the cruise ensures a smooth and accessible experience for all travelers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Rideau Canal Cruise promises to unveil the hidden gems of this vibrant capital city.

About Your Stay

• A 1.5-hour electric boat cruise along the historic Rideau Canal in Ottawa, featuring live commentary and exploring landmarks like the Canadian Museum of Nature.
• Wheelchair-accessible cruise with no upfront payment required, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Contactless booking available through the website or mobile app, with secure reservations and flexible scheduling options.
• Positive customer reviews highlighting the smooth ride and great scenery, with audio guides available in multiple languages.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure at the National Arts Center for check-in and boarding the electric passenger vessel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview

The Rideau Canal Cruise offers a 1.5-hour journey through the historic Ottawa waterway.

This activity allows visitors to explore the city’s landmarks from the water, including the Canadian Museum of Nature and Château Laurier.

The cruise departs from behind the National Arts Center, with prices starting from $35.35 per person.

Departs behind the National Arts Center, with prices starting from $35.35 per person.

The vessel is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers.

With live commentary available in English and French, as well as downloadable audio guides in multiple languages, the Rideau Canal Cruise provides a well-rounded and accessible sightseeing experience.

Booking Information

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Rideau Canal Cruise and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

The booking process is flexible, with the following options:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Check availability for different starting times

• Secure reservations without any upfront cost

• Contactless booking through the website or mobile app

• Hassle-free experience with the option to pay later

This booking policy allows customers to plan their trip with ease and peace of mind, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Cruise Experience

Aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, visitors can expect a comfortable and eco-friendly cruise along the Rideau Canal.

The vessel offers live commentary in English and French, as well as an audio guide available in multiple languages.

Aboard the electric vessel, passengers can enjoy live commentary in English and French, along with an audio guide in multiple languages.

Passengers can explore historical landmarks, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, and Dow’s Lake, while learning about 30 different sites relevant to Ottawa’s history.

The smooth ride and great scenery provide a pleasant experience, making the cruise a worthwhile value for money according to customer reviews.

Customer Feedback

Hundreds of satisfied customers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Rideau Canal Cruise, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 850 reviews.

Highlights from the feedback include:

• Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, scoring 4.7/5.

• The smooth ride on the electric boat with great scenery earns a 4.6/5 for transportation quality.

• Customers feel the experience provides good value for money, rating it 4.2/5.

The Rideau Canal Cruise offers an informative and enjoyable experience exploring the historical landmarks of Ottawa.

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Restrictions and Accessibility

Although the Rideau Canal Cruise is wheelchair accessible, mobility scooters aren’t allowed aboard.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, as unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted. Passengers should arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to check-in. The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. These restrictions ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.

The electric boat’s accessibility and the availability of multilingual audio guides make the Rideau Canal Cruise an inclusive and informative option for visitors to explore Ottawa’s historic waterway.

Meeting and Departure Details

Passengers for the Rideau Canal Cruise should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time at the designated meeting point behind the National Arts Center on 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

This allows time for check-in and boarding the electric passenger vessel, North America’s largest of its kind.

The cruise experience includes:

• Live commentary in English and French

• Audio guides in multiple languages

• Exploration of historical landmarks along the canal

• Learning about 30 important sites relevant to Ottawa’s history

• A smooth, comfortable journey on the all-electric boat.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Rideau Canal Cruise ticket price includes the 1.5-hour boat tour and live commentary in English and French. An audio guide in multiple languages is also available for download. However, the ticket does not cover food, drinks, or gratuities.

| Included | Not Included | Additional Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Boat Tour | Food & Drinks | Arrive 30 mins early for check-in |

| Live Commentary | Gratuities | Mobility scooters not allowed |

| Audio Guide | – | Unaccompanied minors not allowed |

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in, and mobility scooters and unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

Exploring the Rideau Canal

Gliding along the historic Rideau Canal, the electric boat cruise offers passengers a unique vantage point to explore Ottawa’s picturesque waterways.

Gliding along the historic Rideau Canal, the electric boat cruise offers passengers a unique vantage point to explore Ottawa’s picturesque waterways.

The cruise highlights:

• Stunning views of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, and Dow’s Lake

• Live commentary that provides historical insights into 30 different sites along the canal

• Downloadable audio guides in multiple languages, catering to a diverse audience

• A smooth, eco-friendly ride on North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel

• The opportunity to learn about Ottawa’s rich history and architecture as you float through the scenic waterway.

Questions About Your Stay

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

According to the information provided, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The cruise experience does not include any provided food or beverages.

Are There Any On-Board Restroom Facilities Available During the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise vessel has on-board restroom facilities available for passengers to use during the 1.5-hour journey. Passengers can take advantage of these facilities as needed throughout the duration of the cruise.

Can I Disembark and Re-Board the Boat During the Cruise?

Passengers cannot disembark and re-board the boat during the 1.5-hour cruise. The tour operates as a continuous experience without any stops, allowing guests to enjoy the full duration of the sightseeing journey.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Cruise in My Native Language?

Yes, there is an audio guide available in multiple languages, including Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish, which can be downloaded to listen to during the cruise.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Rideau Canal Cruise?

The best time to take the Rideau Canal cruise depends on personal preferences. Some travelers prefer the cooler, more peaceful mornings, while others enjoy the livelier atmosphere of the afternoon cruises. Availability and scheduling should also be considered when choosing the ideal departure time.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise provides a delightful way to experience the historic waterway. With live commentary, accessibility features, and a 100% electric vessel, the cruise offers a smooth and informative journey showcasing iconic landmarks. Flexible booking options allow for easy planning, making it an ideal activity for all travelers exploring the vibrant city of Ottawa.

You can check availability for your dates here: