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
- Stroller 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 travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please note- there is no rescheduling
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 95 travelers
- 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
$34.82
per adult
Select date and travelers
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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
479 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
88
Average
30
Poor
23
Terrible
26
indrinita
Leipzig, Germany2 contributions
Sep 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
Sep 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.
Kristen C
Morrisville, PA29 contributions
This tour was on a quiet, clean, electric powered boat on the Rideau canal. On a sunny warm day it was a really pleasant ride. That could be enough for many folks. But the tour guide, Brennan, was informative and hilarious and really made the tour for us.
Should you take this tour? Honestly, I’d call and find out who the guide will be. You can figure out from these reviews who is worth touring with.
Plan to locate the departure area about 30 minutes ahead of departure so that you can show your ticket and get a good spot in line, which will get you your choice of seats. You’ll want to sit on the right hand side of the boat (the side you board on) because most of the tour focuses on sights on that side.
You will also want to be early because they will show you no mercy if you show up after the scheduled departure. A man and a little boy sprinted up to the boat at 12:02 for a 12pm cruise and were denied boarding.
That said, I observed the crew being very thoughtful and accommodating to help a young lady with special needs find an optimal viewing location, so they certainly aren’t heartless, they just run a tight ship -er- electric tour boat. So be on time!
Should you take this tour? Honestly, I’d call and find out who the guide will be. You can figure out from these reviews who is worth touring with.
Plan to locate the departure area about 30 minutes ahead of departure so that you can show your ticket and get a good spot in line, which will get you your choice of seats. You’ll want to sit on the right hand side of the boat (the side you board on) because most of the tour focuses on sights on that side.
You will also want to be early because they will show you no mercy if you show up after the scheduled departure. A man and a little boy sprinted up to the boat at 12:02 for a 12pm cruise and were denied boarding.
That said, I observed the crew being very thoughtful and accommodating to help a young lady with special needs find an optimal viewing location, so they certainly aren’t heartless, they just run a tight ship -er- electric tour boat. So be on time!
Written August 13, 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.
nicolas lempereur
1 contribution
Jun 2022
THe whole rather nice canal trip was spoiled by the fact that they boarded us on one side of the canal so we parked in the Arts Center parking garage. There was one frail, aged lady in our party and 4 others including a second in her 80's. Upon return, without taking the few minutes to off-load us where we boarded, they unloaded us on the other side of the canal!! Hot weather, construction of the stairway to the bridge made access to the bridge to cross back to where we are parked was a horrible experience. Part of our group walked up to chateau hotel to wait and it took my partner and I 45 minutes to find a way up from the canal to reach the bridge to cross back by navigating through long fairway to top of a building which turned out to be a hotel and would not let us exit through the hotel...and so on, and then back to Arts Center to find the car so we could pick up the rest of our party. How thoughtless was that company ? They need to recharge on the side of the canal opposite to our boarding side but they still need to leave the passengers off there and then cross to other side.
Written June 17, 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.
Hi There,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is important and we rely on hearing from our guests to ensure we are doing a good job. We are sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. It was an unusual case and we will do better in the future.
Please email amanda@ekeau.com with any questions/suggestions. We would love to make things right if you give us another chance.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theresa
Ontario, Canada2 contributions
Oct 2020
The tour guide we had (Brennan), was a very fun guide who provided the information about the tour in a fun and entertaining way. His love for history is very evident and much appreciated during the tour. The other staff present were also very friendly.
This is a good activity for during COVID-19 as it is outdoors and the chairs were spaced out well. The staff wore masks the whole time and reminded customers to wear masks at the beginning of the tour. Some people took their masks off partway through the tour and there was no reminder for them to put their mask back on. I'm not sure if this is good or bad or not but depending on your comfort level, it's something to note.
Thanks for the entertaining afternoon!
This is a good activity for during COVID-19 as it is outdoors and the chairs were spaced out well. The staff wore masks the whole time and reminded customers to wear masks at the beginning of the tour. Some people took their masks off partway through the tour and there was no reminder for them to put their mask back on. I'm not sure if this is good or bad or not but depending on your comfort level, it's something to note.
Thanks for the entertaining afternoon!
Written October 4, 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.
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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