Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
4.5
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About
Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the perfect place to get great views of Ottawa’s top monuments. With this tour, save time studying a map, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing adventure with live commentary along the way. Glide along the Rideau Canal, and admire views of city attractions, including Chateau Laurier, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Arts Center.
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 0-99, max of 95 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French
More
Highlights
- Sail past many top Ottawa attractions on this Rideau Canal Cruise
- Learn as you travel through live on-board commentary
- Choose from multiple departure times throughout the day
- Access fantastic photo opportunities of canal-side sites of interest
- The world's-largest, certified, 100%-electric, passenger vessel.
- Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Rideau Canal Cruises
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P, CanadaDepartures are on the National Art Center side of the canal We are located behind the National Art Center (1 Elgin Street). Right beside the 1 Elgin St Cafe. Directions: Below the Plaza Bridge (Rideau Street Bridge)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 60236P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please note- there is no rescheduling
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 95 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 60236P2
From
C$48.20
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P, CanadaDepartures are on the National Art Center side of the canal We are located behind the National Art Center (1 Elgin Street). Right beside the 1 Elgin St Cafe. Directions: Below the Plaza Bridge (Rideau Street Bridge)
- 1Pass byCanadian Museum of NatureNational Arts Centre
- 2Pass byLansdowne ParkDows Lake PavilionOttawa City hallShaw CentreOttawa LocksUniversity of OttawaTD Place
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- L1458MWgaryn0 contributionsInteresting CruiseWe arrived at the port only to find that the departure time had changed and we missed the cruise. They were going to refund our tickets when suddenly the boat appeared to pick up a crew member. We told him how we had missed the previous cruise. He said, come on board, we will take you on the next cruise. He adjusted our ticket, we relaxed and had a wonderful cruise. All was good. We thank the crew of Paul's Boat Line so saving the day. We would recommend this cruise to anyone interested in seeing Ottawa from an informative and river perspective.Written November 23, 2024
- ronptasiuk0 contributionsNeat experience beautiful sceneryBeautiful scenery excellent tour guide shared lots of interesting information and history about Ottawa the river and surrounding area. Thoroughly enjoyed the tourWritten November 8, 2024
- anabW1742AW0 contributionsMust-do experience!Amazing views. The tour guide (Pascale) was great and shared some great facts with humor. Its a lovely way to see both side of the river and just to generally enjoy nature and views.Written October 15, 2024
- zesanr0 contributionsAmazing ServiceWhat an amazing ride!! Not only was the tour guide amazing, Sophia at the bar was such a wonderful soul to talk to. Her service was amazing and definitely exceeded our expectations. Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting the Ottawa / Gatineau area.Written October 13, 2024
- J1244QQpaulinel0 contributionsBoat CruiseElodie was very informative. A very relaxing cruise and a great way to see the magnificent architecture. All staff were very friendly. Lovely also to see the beautiful colours of the trees.Written October 11, 2024
- R7708BWrashaa0 contributionsTotally worth itThe boat cruise was great! I live in Ottawa but never been on this cruise, my sister qnd her family were visiting from the states so I took them on the cruise and we all LOVED it! The best part of the cruise was our tour guide (Elodi) she was knowledgeable, friendly, and really funny! We enjoyed her sense of humor and kind demeanor. Highly recommend this cruise!Written October 11, 2024
- nattraveler560 contributionsOttawa Boat TourWe had a great tour, it was little cold but the boat had indoor and outdoor seating. The highlight of the trip was our guide Sandy was informative, friendly.Written October 7, 2024
- angelacC4019FZ0 contributionsFun and Relaxing!We took this tour last week and had a great time. Sandy was our tour guide and she was fabulous in both English and French! What a great way to see the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.Written October 6, 2024
- Andrea C0 contributionsOct 5, 2024Very nice experience. The guide was very good. Lots of time at the falls to get pictures. Only complaint would be it’s not 1 1/2 hours. Probably closer to 1 hour if you board on the Quebec side. Parking was much easier there though.Written October 6, 2024
- premsarit0 contributionsRelaxing sunset cruiseWas an amazing cruise. The guide Elodie was very interactive and did a great job of explaining all the landmarks in a great fun wayWritten October 5, 2024
- Z3491KGangies0 contributionsGreatElodie was am amazing tour guide It was a very fun boat cruise We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the smooth ride The caption was very careful to turn in to some deep waves thrown by a boat plowing the waterWritten October 5, 2024
- B693MUfloram0 contributionsEducational, nice relaxing ride.Our guide Elodie was awesome! Fun and informative. Thank you for guiding us! I was lucky that our ride didn't have as many people, so, I got to sit at the edge (right side). Gorgeous view!Written October 4, 2024
- Vacation340272901820 contributionsNice day on the waterThe cruise was lovely and informative. Our guide did a wonderful job of explaining the sites and answering questions. I would recommend this experience to anyone.Written September 29, 2024
- trevormV1292AU0 contributionsNot long to spend in Ottawa? Check out this cruise.We didn’t have long in Ottawa so decided on this trip and it didn’t disappoint. What a wonderful way to see many of the famous landmarks with the help of a well informed and engaging host.Written September 28, 2024
- bearnstar0 contributionsFun boat tourThis was a spur of the moment decision and we did not regret it. Tour was informative and relaxing. Drinks from the bar were great. I wish I could remember our guide's name. It was something like Edelie(?) Sorry I know that was not exactly right. Anyway, she was fabulous!!! She was fluent in French and English.Written September 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
479 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
88
Average
30
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23
Terrible
26
Sarai
Ontario316 contributions
Aug 2020
This was a good and relaxing way to see Ottawa from the locks to Dow's Lake. What really made the trip enjoyable for me was the tour guide Brennan, who is a gifted storyteller and comedian. He made everyone feel at ease with his humor and stories, as well as knowledge about the locations and history he was discussing. He even took the time to interact with everyone on board to get to know a little bit about us, where we came from, make a funny quip about it, etc. If you're lucky enough to get him as a guide, listen for the fantastic giant eel story he tells once you are on your way back from Dow's Lake. It's the stuff of legend. This story alone is what I most remember from this experience!
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,828 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The hour long smooth boat ride on the Rideau Canal was very enjoyable on a sunny afternoon. The starting point is near the Senate Building and the turn around point is at the entry into Dow's Lake. The trip is not HOHO and one has to start the ride downtown. During the Tulip Festival, I recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the boat facing the front of the boat in order to best see the lovely green areas around the canal often filled with tulip beds, flowering crabapple trees, and tall shade trees. Commentary is provided only on the way to Dow's Lake. No one on our trip went to the counter to buy a drink. Best to eat beforehand. Guests sit in rows on ordinary chairs which can be moved around. A few padded benches are on both sides of the boat - might be for priority boarding guests. Should it rain, there were pull down plastic "shades" along the side of the boat to keep passengers dry on the ride. The trip is certainly relaxing after a busy day walking either through the city's galleries or museums or the downtown area.
We did buy an online ticket to be sure of a seat at a time preferable to us, but I did notice there was a ticket booth on Wellington Street at the Parliament Hill entrance, opposite the Senate building. Even though the cruise we were on was the first day for the cruise, the employees were well organized in getting the line of tourists onto the boat, ensuring that priority guests who had paid extra for the privilege of boarding first, did so. The boarding point on the canal is at the park OPPOSITE the Senate building, on the same side as the War Memorial and the National Arts Center.
We did buy an online ticket to be sure of a seat at a time preferable to us, but I did notice there was a ticket booth on Wellington Street at the Parliament Hill entrance, opposite the Senate building. Even though the cruise we were on was the first day for the cruise, the employees were well organized in getting the line of tourists onto the boat, ensuring that priority guests who had paid extra for the privilege of boarding first, did so. The boarding point on the canal is at the park OPPOSITE the Senate building, on the same side as the War Memorial and the National Arts Center.
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
odsouza
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2021
This was a most entertaining tour! Our tour guide, Brennan, was absolutely hilarious, very well-informed about Ottawa history but not above spinning some yarns of his own. I considered this an improvement on history!
It was a beautiful location, and very comfortable, electric boat. A great pandemic activity- outdoors and distanced. There were signs on the boat saying masks were required, but this was not enforced, and my family were the only passengers who kept their masks on, out of courtesy to the staff.
The ticket and website were rather confusing. I ended up calling to double-check the departure location, and was told something slightly different on the phone fro what was on the website. They suggest arriving 20 minutes early, but I'd suggest even earlier than that to be sure you can find the, rather hidden, departure location.
It was a beautiful location, and very comfortable, electric boat. A great pandemic activity- outdoors and distanced. There were signs on the boat saying masks were required, but this was not enforced, and my family were the only passengers who kept their masks on, out of courtesy to the staff.
The ticket and website were rather confusing. I ended up calling to double-check the departure location, and was told something slightly different on the phone fro what was on the website. They suggest arriving 20 minutes early, but I'd suggest even earlier than that to be sure you can find the, rather hidden, departure location.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
indrinita
Leipzig, Germany2 contributions
Sept 2019
The tour guide was fantastic and definitely provided both an education and entertaining commentary on Ottawa sights and history. It's a lovely little boat ride through the canal and you get a good layout of the city as well as learn about the history a bit. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone on their first visit to Ottawa. Boat was comfortable, quiet and clean. I will try to add photos later on if the site allows me.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louis C
Gatineau, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2020
We are from across the Ottawa river (Gatineau) and decided to play tourist on a beautiful summer day. The Rideau Canal is a highlight of the city, the cruise is highly enjoyable, and Brennan's informative and humorous commentary (in both official languages) made the experience a delight. Capped it off with lunch at the NAC waterside restaurant.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, a great way to spend your morning!
Whether you are a tourist or a local, a great way to spend your morning!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George C
1 contribution
May 2022
Please be extremely cautious while paying. They have no mercy, they easy charge double amount (one ticket about $39.75 CAD, $79.10 on debit card!!!! wow, huge unearned income, congratulation for new, improved method). Next time? You wish. And I will tell everybody. Like it or not, but I know a lot of people. And I expect you to go bankrupt. The sooner the better.
.
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Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! this was not done on purpose it was a glitch and I believe you have received the money back. It was taken care of right away.
Written May 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KahylaNoosaHeads
Noosa Heads113 contributions
I disliked the fact that we were jammed in very close together no distancing possible. The guide switched between French and English so quickly most of the narration was incomprehensible. The guide also talked very loudly, but this was because of the passengers talking and there were a number of small children so the general level was high anyway. It rained quite heavily during our cruise and the boat is definitely not suited to this kind of weather, floor was very wet and dangerously slippery. It was also very hard to actually see anything due to the design of the boat. Finally the 80’s music at high volume on the return was awful.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norma D
Collingwood, Canada58 contributions
Sept 2021
We took the cruise last weekend from the Hull dock. The cruise itself was good, the guide was hilarious and this was perfect for a party which included small children. I would mention though that the walking tour we took in downtown Ottawa the day before was possibly more informative. A word of advise - we were unable to download the parking app, and the machine to pay for parking was not working. Our car, and another family member's car each received a ticket for $95 which we felt was outrageous. We are trying to appeal this at the moment. The lot was virtually empty.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nishat Mannan
Toronto, Canada23 contributions
Our cruising time was booked for 12pm initially. But we had a baby with us and couldn’t make on time. We were two min late. But we started calling them at the number provided on the trip advisor. The women who picked up my call didn’t allow me to reschedule my visit or didn’t try to do any help. She strictly told me that I can’t reschedule it and it’s non refundable. I know it’s non refundable ticket.
Anyway! Later I talked to a tour guide and told her about my situation. She immediately reschedule me for 5.30 pm cruising. The tour guide during the cruising was really great.
I would recommend it. But please, know that if if you are late for some reasons, you can reschedule it easily at the kiosk talking to a tour guide.
Anyway! Later I talked to a tour guide and told her about my situation. She immediately reschedule me for 5.30 pm cruising. The tour guide during the cruising was really great.
I would recommend it. But please, know that if if you are late for some reasons, you can reschedule it easily at the kiosk talking to a tour guide.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for your valuable feedback! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience with us. It brings us great joy to know that you enjoyed our service during your recent cruise. We continuously strive to enhance the experience for our guests, and your kind words reaffirm that we're heading in the right direction.
As we look forward to serving you again on your next cruise, please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything specific we can do to elevate your experience even further.
Thank you once again for choosing Ottawa Boat Cruise. We can't wait to welcome you back on board!
Best regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Written October 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JULIE1916
Ottawa, Canada61 contributions
May 2022
Very Relaxing canal Trip = Our guide Gabriella was excellent, very informative and charming, the best we have had over several excursions we have done.
The guided tour is one way, on the way back you just take in to scenery and chill (there is bar on board)
As with everything we have done in Ottawa people queue from at least 30minutes before, so if you want to sit together bear this in mind. It was very busy when we went.
The major negative is trying to find it !! its far enough past the 1 Elgin Cafe to think you have missed it (look for a small gangway tied to the canal railing - that is the start of the queue ! With all the advertising on the roads above you think they may spare a sign for the actual tour !
The guided tour is one way, on the way back you just take in to scenery and chill (there is bar on board)
As with everything we have done in Ottawa people queue from at least 30minutes before, so if you want to sit together bear this in mind. It was very busy when we went.
The major negative is trying to find it !! its far enough past the 1 Elgin Cafe to think you have missed it (look for a small gangway tied to the canal railing - that is the start of the queue ! With all the advertising on the roads above you think they may spare a sign for the actual tour !
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Julie. We have since added more signage and flags leading to the departure and at the departure area.
Written May 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Does this go through the lock system or just to the start
Written July 17, 2022
Trail557565
Kingston, Canada
Is there a tour available on November 6th or 7th 2021
Written October 21, 2021
Hi,
Now is Sep., 2021
Could you please advise what are restrictions now?
Should we provide proof of vaccination or not?
Should we wear masks at all times - inside and outside?
Thank you.
Written September 11, 2021
Proof of vaccination was not required when we went in late August, but I do know the government plans on introducing POV's in Ontario in mid September. That being said:
As of September 22nd, proof of vaccination will be required on all their vessels (Quebec and Ontario).
This was taken from their website.
Written September 13, 2021
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