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Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

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Rideau Canal Cruises

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Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise

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Rideau Canal Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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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

• Ottawa Tours App
• FAQ’s – Ottawa River Cruise
• FAQ’s – Rideau Canal Cruise
• FAQ’s – Private Charters

Ottawa River Cruise

• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ottawa River Cruise
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and InterZip Rogers
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ritz restaurant
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and InterZip Rogers
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours

Ekeau Tulip Festival Water Taxi

• Itineraries
• Corporate Event
• Student Boat Party
• Private Boat Party
• Wedding Event
• Sports events and Social Club Parties
• Event Calendar 2024
• Dueling Pianos Cruise

Firework Cruise

• Disco Cruise
• Jazz Date Night With Shawn Marino
• Murder Mystery Cruise
• Singles Cruise
• Pride Boat Party
• Pure Country 94 | Cruise

Tour details

Experience the enchanting beauty of the National Capital Region like never before on our world famous Ottawa River Cruise. With daily departures from Ottawa and Hull (Gatineau), this unforgettable journey will take you on a breathtaking 1-hour adventure that has been the best way to explore the region since 1936. Take in over 50 focal points from Parliament Hill to the Canadian Museum of History, 24 Sussex Drive to the stunning Rideau Falls! Feel the cool breeze on your face as you relax on our spacious upper deck, sipping a refreshing beverage and gazing at the magnificent view of the city. Get ready to be mesmerised by the enchanting scenery as we sail along the sparkling waters of the Ottawa River.

Discover beauty at every turn.

Views of landmarks, wonders & architecture..

Cruise Timings & Prices

From $40.50.

Scenic Locations

• National Gallery of Canada
• Canadian Museum of History
• Supreme court of Canada
• Parliament Buildings
• Chateau Laurier Hotel
• Royal Canadian Mint
• Rideau Falls
• Macdonald Cartier Bridge
• 24 Sussex Drive
• Rockcliffe Parks

+ More. Discover 55 Breathtaking sights on the Paula D.

Parking map.

Information

• Please note that tickets for our cruises are non-refundable and valid only for the date and time selected. 
• Rescheduling is not permitted.
• Ottawa River Cruise (Gatineau Departure) : Paid parking is available at the Ottawa River Cruise Hull Marina.  
• Ottawa River Cruise (Ottawa Departure) : No parking is available at the Ottawa Locks. 
• Rideau Canal Cruise (Ottawa Departure) : For the Canal tour, paid parking is available at the National Arts Centre. 

Book your cruise today

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*** Please contact our office team, at (819) 246 3855 , for further information concerning tickets for attendants for special needs individuals. Someone will be more than pleased to provide you will the information you may need regarding our policy ***

The Rideau Canal is Calling

Triumph of engineering, immerse yourself in recreational bliss, food that feeds your soul, stay where you play, why we love the rideau.

It’s a treasured part of our national heritage and a world-class destination for travelers. It was built for conflict, but flourished through hospitality. People today come from far and wide to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experience its completely unique blend of nature, history and outdoor fun.

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is a 202km water route that connects Canada’s vibrant national capital in Ottawa, with Kingston and Lake Ontario to the south. Travel the canal by boat, canoe or kayak and experience the historic lock system operated by Parks Canada. You can also drive or cycle to many of the great destinations along its length.

Fun can be found during every season. In the warmer months its: cycling and walking the waterfront trails, cruising the canal with your family, or paddling to the next great fishing spot. When the locks are closed, we’re into: ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Local businesses and overnight stays make it easy to plan a trip, plus friendly communities are always waiting to welcome you.

Discover incredible beauty at every turn, coupled with unique community experiences, all rooted in history! The Rideau Canal is one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19 th century, an enduring destination, and an iconic place to plan a vacation.

Explore Our Communities

Merrickville

Smiths Falls

Rideau Ferry & Lombardy

Chaffey's Lock

Jones Falls & Morton

Seeley's Bay

Leeds Grenville

Ontario Highlands

South Eastern Ontario

Overnight Stays

Find a great place to spend the night.

Eat & Drink

Experience the culinary canal.

Epic adventure

Boat, play, shop, tour – explore YOUR way!

The Rideau at a glance

(Please note: this map is for reference purposes only and should not be used for navigation)

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.

Amazing Places to Visit on the Rideau Canal

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: November 10, 2023

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs from downtown Ottawa to Kingston. The 202 km long waterway is famous for its historic locks and famous skating rink, but there are so many things to do on the Rideau Canal, it takes a couple of weeks to truly explore it.

The oldest continuously run locks system in North America is filled with towns dotting its route, vineyards, historic sites, and incredible scenery. We have visited the Rideau Canal several times in Ottawa and Kingston , but it wasn’t until we spend two weeks this past summer and autumn driving a houseboat with Le Boat that we had the opportunity to explore everywhere in between.

See what it’s like on a Le Boat Tour

We loved Le Boat so much we did it twice in 2021 and have plans for Europe in 2022! You can book your own Canada or Europe tour in your own private luxury cruiser. What we loved is that we had our own little travel bubble with our family (including my parent’s cats) on our Horizon 4 with four bedrooms 4 baths. Imagine cruising the canals of  France while discovering its historical sites and indulging in French food and wine next summer. What a dream. Read all about our Le Boat Trip on the Rideau Canal .

Places to visit on the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal was such a spectacular vacation, we often wondered why more Canadians don’t explore this beautiful region of Ontario. However, I don’t think it will be long before the waterways are flooded with visitors from around the world once they see all the incredible places to visit on the Rideau Canal.

It is truly a bucket list item to spend a week on a boat cruising through locks. We learned how to drive the houseboat, and how to navigate through these historic locks that can reach heights of 7.9 m (26 ft.) at Smiths Falls. It can be intimidating and exhilarating all at once going into a lock for the first time.

Rideau Locks and Lock Stations

The most interesting places to visit in the Rideau Canal are all the Rideau Locks. There are 24 lock stations housing 47 locks on the Rideau from Ottawa to Kingston. We have been to or boated through every single one of them. What makes the locks of the Rideau Canal so special is that they are operating the same way that they have since 1832.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is all hand cranked (except for two locks) by Parks Canada Staff. There are original lockmasters’ houses at lock stations and the massive wooden locks and swing bridges are turned by hand by the intrepid staff.

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.

Ottawa is by far the best place to experience the Rideau Canal for tourists. Many of the city’s top attractions are located on the Rideau Canal from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to Parliament Hill and the Bytown Museum overlooking the set of 8 incredible locks connecting the canal to the Ottawa River . The Ottawa Locks are by far the most picturesque of the Rideau Canal Locks with the Fairmont Chateau Laurie framing one side and the Parliament buildings on the other.

With boat cruises taking visitors from downtown to Dows Lake to cycling paths running along the Rideau, there are plenty of things to see on the Rideau when visiting Ottawa. If you want to cycle the Rideau Canal check out Escape Bicycle Tours for rentals and guided tours.

Rideau Canal Cruise

We have taken a guided Rideau Canal Cruise from downtown to Dows Lake but it was while on Le Boat that we moored directly in front of the Westin Hotel and National Arts Center on our luxurious houseboat that we truly experienced what it is like for boaters to ride through the locks. In the past, we have always watched in envy as boaters sipped wine on their decks under the summer sun, and now all of a sudden we were doing so! It is incredible to watch the twinkling lights of the city dance on the water as we stayed in the prime location. A great thing is that Parks Canada offers free docking and you can purchase electricity (if you need it) for 9.20 per night.

Downs Lake is another stop in Ottawa on the Rideau Canal. We not only had the chance to boat it, we have also raced dragon boats on this lake in the middle of winter while it was frozen. There is a pavilion on the lake where boaters can moor for the night. It has restaurants and rentals for kayaks, paddleboats, and bicycles. You can also skate on Dows Lake in the winter.

Merrickville

We had never heard of Merrickville before cruising the Rideau Canal, but once we explored this charming downtown, we named it one of the prettiest little towns in Ontario. We then found out that Communities in Bloom once named it the most beautiful village in Canada. This surprising town located directly on the Rideau Canal has a lot to see and you should spend at least a day here.

Start the morning with fresh coffee and pastries at Stella Luna Cafe. And make sure to return in the afternoon for fresh Gelato as you stroll the storefronts. Owners, Tammy and Alessandro met in Rome and after knowing each other for just a short time, decided to get married. Tammy moved from the Ottawa area to Italy for more than a decade and when they decided to move to Canada, they brought the best darn gelato with them. It was one of our favorite places to visit in Merrickville.

Merrickville Ruins

There are several things to see in Merrickville besides the cafes and shops though, one of the most interesting attractions is the ruins located beside the Merrickville locks. The Merrickville Ruins are stone ruins dating back to the 1800s. Located at the sight of an old mill, these ruins are as pretty as a picture and make for the perfect Instagram stop. You must also stop at the Merrickville blockhouse. It is the largest blockhouse on the Rideau Canal and is a National Historic Site.

Burrit’s Rapids

Nearly every lock you stop at on the Rideau Canal is worth seeing. Whether they have a museum or blockhouse, a Parks Canada house, or interactive signs, they are worth seeing. Burrits Rapids is an interesting stop to see the Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge. The Burrits Rapids Park area also attracts many locals to hike its Tip to Toe Trail, a lovely four km walk, and make sure to stop at the nearby Rideau Woodland Ramble.

The Rideau Woodland Ramble is not only a renowned garden center, but you can stroll through the gardens that have been meticulously designed to create a serene environment. Enjoy the displays throughout the artist’s walk and make your way to the labyrinth for some quiet contemplation.

Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls is where all Le Boat Tours begin and end and with good reason. Smiths Falls is located in the middle of the Rideau Canal and is an amazing hub for exploring the Rideau. This town houses the highest locks on the Rideau and one of only three hydraulic locks on the Rideau. The rest of the locks on the Rideau Canal are filled, opened, and drained by hand with Park’s Canada Staff working the historic cranks. In Smiths Falls there are several hiking and biking trails along the canal and plenty of eateries and shops downtown.

Railway Museum

A highlight of visiting Smiths Falls is the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. This incredible museum takes you back through time as you walk through the old train stations, cabooses, and railway cars. There’s a replica of an old Dentist Train that was once used to reach rural communities in Canada and you can even stay overnight in a vintage caboose. You can also take train rides and try your hand at the hand car. It is an amazing museum to visit.

Canoeing and Camping at Beveridges Lock

Upper Beveridges Lock Station is a popular lock station on the Rideau Canal with Otentiks available for rental from Parks Canada. This lock station connects the Rideau Canal with the Tay River leading toward the community of Perth. Something we highly recommend doing is renting a canoe from Park’s Canada (or bringing your own kayak or canoe) to Beveridges to go through the locks in a non-motorized vehicle. It was thrilling to be inside a lock on a canoe while having it fill up with water. This is a popular paddling route that is filled with birdlife.

Rideau Lakes

The Rideau Canal isn’t all narrow waterways and channels. In fact, there are plenty of lakes on the Rideau. In fact, the Rideau Lakes is considered one of the best small boat cruising destinations in Canada. With so many communities and marinas, this waterway is definitely the place to have a boat!

Colonel By Island

Located on Big Rideau Lake, Colonel By Island is a National Historic Site that is run by Park’s Canada. This island is steeped in history. Back in the day, it was frequented by the rat pack, Paul Anka, and New York’s elite. It was once owned by the owner of New York’s Yellow Cab Company and he used to bring all his socialite friends out to the Canadian wilderness for a remote escape.

The house, tennis courts, and large fireplaces are still standing albeit in a state of disrepair. You can only look at the building from the outside, but it is still a fascinating example of how the rich and famous used to spend their weekend retreats. There’s a fantastic hiking trail and it’s a great place to go kayaking and swimming.

Wine at Westport

Westport is another picturesque comminute on the Rideau Canal. With plenty of ice cream shops, shopping, and even a brewery it’s the perfect place to spend the night. The bustling marina is an inviting place to spend the night on a boat. I think the star attraction of Westport is the Scheurmann Vineyard.

The vineyard is set in a picturesque setting making it the perfect dining option for sunset. Just a 20-minute walk from town, it seemed that everyone from the Marina and local BnBs made their way to the restaurant for the evening. Another place we recommend going to in Westport is up Foley Mountain for views of the town and Upper Rideau Lake.

Chafey’s Lock

Chafey’s Lock is another must-visit lock station on the Rideau Canal. There is a marina and place to moor your boat for the evening and the famous stop here is the Opinicon Restaurant. This historic restaurant and retreat dates back to the 1950s and feels as if you have stepped right into the movie Dirty Dancing. There’s an ice cream shop and there is also a museum.

Kilborns at Newboro

Another fun town to visit on the Rideau Canal for shopping is Newboro. We had heard of the interesting department store they had there, but it wasn’t until going inside that we learned just how special it is. Kilborn’s is a department store set within three historic houses that have been blended together. Take a walk through the different displays to buy some one-of-a-kind local art or simply stock up on snacks and food.

Jones Falls

Our favourite lock on the Rideau Canal was Jones Falls. It is often considered one of the most attractive locks on the Rideau Canal with a total of four locks. There’s a large turning basin between one and the other three that are connected. What makes Jones Falls special to us is all the historic plaques, lock houses, and its 16 km (10 miles) long hiking and biking trail.

Kingston Mills

One of the most beautiful locks on the Rideau Canal is Kingston Mills. Located just 15 minutes outside of Kingston this lock station has a turning basin, three-step locks, and another detached lock. A cool fact is that this set of four locks was the location of the first mill on the Rideau Canal dating back to 1784.

Rideau Canal Mansions

Cruising along the Rideau Canal doesn’t only offer beautiful natural views, it also is an amazing place to go house hunting. Well, house hunting for houses that you’ll never be able to afford. The closer you get to Ottawa the more massive the mansions become. We thought we saw a beautiful waterfront home when cruising south from Smiths Falls, but when we took a trip north, the homes hit an entirely new level. Some look like hotels while others have their own seaplanes parked out front along with their multiple boats and kayaks. Ah to dream.

History of the Rideau Canal

Even though Britain won the war of 1812, Canada was left feeling very vulnerable to another attack from the United States. With Canada and America now splitting the St. Lawrence River, the powers that be were tasked with a safe route to the Great Lakes in case another war broke out. It was decided that the Rideau River would be a good route between Ottawa what was then Bytown and the St. Lawrence River.

The difficult work started in 1827 and was completed in 1932 but not without taking a toll. The person tasked with overseeing the construction of the Rideau Canal was Colonel John By. After the completion of the Rideau Canal, with many delays and extra costs, Colonel By was summoned home to explain himself. More than 500 men died of malaria and the cost was more than England wanted to spend. Instead of being lauded for his accomplishment, he was put on trial and had to defend himself. In the end he lost his military career.

Skating on the Rideau Canal – Winter

One of the more famous things to do on the Rideau Canal when in Ottawa is to go skating on it during Winterlude. I know this isn’t part of a boat cruise, but if you make your way back to Canada in winter, don’t miss this iconic Canadian activity. When the ice freezes, the Rideau Canal turns into the world’s largest skating rink with shops, restaurants, and warming stations dotting the route. It is a truly unique Canadian experience to skate on the Rideau and a trip to Ottawa in winter is worth it just for the chance to hop on the ice! Make sure to grab a Beavertail and fresh frozen maple syrup while you are out on the ice. Read more Winterlude Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide to Ottawa

Don’t forget to check out Le Boat for great Black Friday savings to France and Canada

And these are some of the most incredible things to do on The Rideau Canal. It truly is Canada’s hidden gem. If you have a chance to visit our nation’s capital make sure to take a cruise along the Rideau Canal. It is spectacular.

• Amazing Rideau Canal Cruise – A Unique Cruise Holiday with Le Boat
• The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
• Things to do in Kingston – Don’t Miss This Ontario Gem
• 33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City
• Places to Visit in Ottawa this Autumn
• Wolf Cabins Experience Parc Omega

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Rideau Canal Cruises

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Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise

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.

Rideau Canal Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Unlocking the Charm of the Rideau Canal with Le Boat

• March 3, 2024

Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan

The waters of Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal mirror the blue sky, white clouds, and lush vegetation hugging the shoreline. It’s too perfect, and I’m not entirely sure that what I’m seeing is real. If I was an Instagram girl I’d be lounging at the front of the boat in a swimsuit while my Insta husband takes photos of me. Instead, I’m standing on the top deck of a Le Boat Horizon 3 , snapping landscape photos in a euphoric stupor.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal is a place where function and beauty coexist seamlessly. It invokes thoughts of summertime boat tours and ice skating on the canal in winter, but there is more to see and enjoy on the Rideau Canal.

The canal and waterways link several lakes on its 202 km journey from Ottawa to Kingston. On a sunny day, life on the water feels ethereal. A playground for local boaters for many years, the canal waterways are becoming a favourite refuge with boat-less travellers thanks to companies like Le Boat. No boat or boating license? No problem, Le Boat has you covered.

I was so excited when Le Boat invited me to experience Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal for a few days in late summer. I’ve always associated canal boating with European destinations, so I was thrilled to learn I could see more of the canal by boat.

Building the Rideau Canal System

A slackwater canal system, the Rideau Canal (the oldest one in continual use in North America) was built as an alternative supply route from Montreal to Kingston. The Saint-Lawrence River was too close to the American border for comfort; and after the War of 1812, the fear of another American invasion was all too real. 

In 1826, Lieutenant-Colonel John By arrived in Canada, tasked with building the canal. Originally, the canal’s plans featured locks to accommodate small barges. Colonel By, thankfully, had the foresight to make the locks big enough to allow vessels as large as steamboats to pass. With the approval of the higher-ups, Colonel By began construction in 1827.

read more…

It took five years to finish the construction of the Rideau Canal, thanks to the hard work of local labourers (many of whom were Irish immigrants). The finished canal featured forty-seven locks, fortified lock master’s houses and blockhouses, all for the low low price of £800,000 (the British government was not happy about the expense though, tightwads!).

Until 1849, the canal was used often for commercial shipments. Over time, however, vessels slowly switched back to the Saint-Lawrence River. While there was a loss of commercial traffic, local transport continued to utilize The Rideau Canal until after WWI. The canal became somewhat dormant after that, but taking it apart was too expensive. 

Parks Canada breathed life back into The Rideau Canal after it was transferred into their care in 1972. Its battle-weary and commercial transport days are long behind it, but not forgotten. Today, Parks Canada maintains the history of the canal and focuses on preservation and sustainability.

Recommended stop s enroute to Smith Falls

Leaving the hotel in Ottawa early in the morning, we drove towards our departure point, Smith Falls. Stopping at a handful of historic points and towns along the way.

Watson’s Mill

In Manotick, Watson’s Mill is a 19th-century water-powered flour mill sitting on the shore of the Rideau River. Standing on the opposite side of the river in A.Y. Jackson Park offers a beautiful view of the mill. 

Originally known as the Long Island Milling Enterprise, the mill was owned by Moss Kent Dickinson, Joseph Merrill Currier, and two other businessmen. Circumstances changed, however, when Currier’s wife of 6 weeks accidentally died at the mill. He sold his shares to Dickinson, and the others followed suit. Some say they’ve seen the ghost of Currier’s wife on the second floor where she died.

Today, Watson’s Mill (named for its last owner, Harry Watson) is an active water-powered flour mill. It’s located in Dickinson Square, along with Dickinson House where each of the mill’s owners lived with their families. We didn’t have time to explore, but I’ll return for a flour grinding demo (May to October, Sun 1-3 pm) and a tour through the mill and house. 

5525 Dickinson St. • Manotick • 613-692-6455 • watsonsmill.com

Merrickville

I fell in love with Merrickville the first moment I saw it. It’s a Victorian village of around 3,000 people, perched on the Rideau River, and absolutely charming. While we didn’t have time for a walking tour of the town, we did visit the Merrickville Blockhouse (part of the Merrickville Lockstation Walking Tour ). Built between 1832 and 1833, the blockhouse was one of four erected on the Rideau Canal, and the largest defence post (American invasion was a big worry for a time).

The blockhouse has been turned into a museum, exhibiting tools and artifacts chronicling the history of the Merrickville-Wolford area. A short walk from the blockhouse is St Lawrence Street, one of the main arteries of the town. There was candle shopping at Wick Witch Apothecary , gelato for breakfast at Stella Luna , and a stop at Gray Art Glass to admire glassblowing masterpieces.

Our time in Merrickville was long enough to convince me to return – spending a day or two wandering, eating, and shopping.

Afternoon Tea at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

Before making our way to the Le Boat base in Smith Falls, we stopped at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario . Located in the old Smith Falls train station (built in 1912 by the Canadian Northern Ontario Railway), the railway museum is a fascinating activity in Smith Falls. The train station’s interior retains much of its original architectural details, and there’s a gift shop for souvenirs, but the best parts of the museum’s collections are outside.

There’s a Canadian Northern steam locomotive, and a Canadian Pacific diesel locomotive (both built by Montreal Locomotive Works); a trackmobile used by the Hershey Chocolat Company in Smith Falls; cabooses, a dental car, snowplow car, and more. It’s the perfect place for train-lovers.

The museum hosts events throughout the year, including a delicious afternoon tea in a restored 1899 dining car. Blue and white china adorn tables draped in white linen, a three-tiered serving dish filled with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats perched in the middle of the table. It’s one of the more unique afternoon teas I’ve gone to and so fun.

90 William St. West • Smith Falls • 613-283-5696 • https://rmeo.org/

Le Boat Base in Smith Falls

While stopping to see Watson’s Mill, Merrickville, and the train museum was fun, arriving at the Le Boat base in Smith Falls sent ripples of joy throughout my body. It was one of those knock-on-wood-perfect days. The blue sky was dotted with puffy white clouds and the water of Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal was like squeaky clean glass. Our gear and food were piled into wheel barrels for easy transportation to the boat. While my chaperones (haha), Guy from Parks Canada and Lisa from Le Boat, loaded the boat, I sat back and admired its beauty.

Our boat, a Horizon 3, is equipped with three bedrooms, a captain’s chair, a cozy kitchen, and eating space inside. Outside, up a small ladder, is an outdoor table, more seating, a small grill, and another captain’s chair – all under a canvas canopy. There’s space to lay in the sun, too.

Foodie adventures with Le Boat

There’s camping, and then there is Le Boat-ing (I made a verb! haha), both are fun, but the latter is the superior choice. For starters, every Le Boat has a kitchen with an oven, stovetop, microwave, and fridge inside, and a small grill on the upper outside deck. It’s small, but as Lisa from Le Boat proved during our trip, amazing meals happen in small kitchen spaces.

Stocking the fridge with farmer’s market finds before departure is a good starting point. Think about yummy sunrise breakfasts (or late morning if you had a lot of fun the night before), and leave room to pick up ingredients for lunch and late-night snacks along the way. Don’t plan to eat all of your meals onboard though!

One of the best parts of cruising around the Parks Canada Rideau Canal waterways is stopping in small towns and communities. Spend a few hours (or stay overnight) exploring, stopping in bakeries, eating ice cream, visiting wineries, and checking out local restaurants.

It was a big cruising day as we made our way across Big Rideau Lake, through the Narrows lockstation into Upper Rideau Lake and over to the town of Westport. At a cruising speed of 25 km/hr (the fastest a Horizon boat will go), the journey to Westport was as delightful as the town itself. The sun was out, the water was calm, and I was wondering why it’s taken me so long to explore the Rideau Canal beyond Ottawa.

The harbour in Westport is small and serene, with grand weeping willows, colourful flowers, and space to relax on land. The main street of town is a short walk from the harbour – it’s where you’ll find Westport Brewing Company . After a day on the water, sitting on a patio enjoying a cold local brew is quite nice.

A 20-minute walk from the harbour is Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery , and my favourite foodie destination along the Rideau Canal. This family-owned and operated vineyard and winery began in 2011 with 500 Pinot Noir and 500 Chardonnay plants on 4 acres of land. Four years later, they opened their doors to the public for wine tastings and have been going strong since that time.

Today, Scheuermann has 9,000 plants across 6.3 acres of land, free-range chickens and sheep, woodfire ovens, and an insanely delicious food menu. Everything we ate was divine, which sounds like hyperbole, but is absolutely true. We started with a wine tasting, the fire-baked artichoke dip, and maple balsamic greens. Pizza was, of course, next. The highland pizza (garlic oil, wood-grilled AAA rib steak, highland blue cheese, wood-fired caramelized onion, white cheddar, and crème fraiche) was a fast favourite.  

Dessert was a serving of salted honey pie, which I am still drolling about to this day. On a beautiful summer (or autumn) day, this winery is a wonderful place to relax. You’re free to roam around or relax under a massive canvas tent. Sure, the chickens may come pecking around your feet, but that is part of the charm. Best of all, you can buy some wine to take back to your Le Boat for later.

Chaffey’s Lock

The route from Westport to Chaffey’s Lock is a delightful mix of big lakes and narrow canal channels lined with lush vegetation. Great Blue Herons perched here and there on rocks, sunning themselves and looking for yummy snacks in the water. As we neared Chaffey’s Lock, canoers paddled around larger boats, and I dreamed of owning a little cottage with a dock. Spending time on the channels and lakes of the Rideau Canal is far more peaceful than I anticipated.

We spent the late afternoon hours relaxing in the tiny harbour, joking with fellow boaters. After sunset, it was time for dinner at The Opinicon . It’s an iconic part of Chaffey’s Lock, starting as the home of John Chaffey in 1896. Over the years it’s been a rooming house, private fishing lodge, and family resort (I keep imagining the resort from Dirty Dancing). Today, it’s home to a restaurant, pub, and 50s-style ice cream shop.

Sitting in the dining room, we sat back and enjoyed a slow dinner. A coconut shrimp starter leads to a perfectly cooked burger and yummy fries. Having snacked on the boat earlier in the day, I was too full to think about dessert. The next day, however, I was delighted when we visited the ice cream shop and I was able to get a waffle cone piled with tiger tail (orange and licorice swirled together) ice cream. I felt like a kid again, a tasty way to end my time with Le Boat.

Practical Information

In terms of communication and ease of booking, Le Boat is one of the best. They make sure you have all of the information you need before arrival. There are guides to help you plan your routes and stopovers, and the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.

Training and safety before departure – Once everything is loaded, and before departure from the base, Le Boat staff spend an hour or two going over boat safety and the ins and outs of operating the boat. This training and practice period is mandatory for all boaters. Once Le Boat staff decide you’re able to safely maneuver and moor the boat, as well as navigate through the Rideau Canal, the adventure begins.

Navigating Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal – The most important part of cruising through Parks Canada’s Rideau Canal is to stay between the green and red markers. While you can navigate the canal solely by the markers, picking up one of Le Boat’s map books before departure is highly recommended. They contain a wealth of knowledge on routes, boating lanes, etc.

The lockstations – One of the best parts about cruising through the Rideau Canal waterways is the lockstations. There are 27 lockstations on the journey from Ottawa to Kingston, and we passed through four of them – Smith Falls , Poonamalie , The Narrows , and Newboro .

Booking with Le Boat is easy, call them at 1-800-734-5491 or visit their website at https://leboat.ca . While I was invited to experience Le Boat as a media guest, my opinions are my own. I didn’t drive the boat, so no freaky stories about that… maybe next time? They are operating on the Trent-Severn waterway this year, so who knows!

The only downside to my time on Le Boat was the bathroom and shower room. I’m a big girl with big boobs and those doorways are a bit skinny. I was able to get into both, it was just a bit snug. That’s a ME problem though, and I would happily do it again to experience parts of Ontario by water.

Pamela MacNaughtan

Hello, I'm Pamela! I'm a travel and food writer, chocolat chaud addict, an anglophone who prefers life in Quebec. When I'm not working on Urban Guide Quebec, I am writing about Quebec City, travelling, updating guidebooks, and writing freelance! There's a good chance I'm planning my next Quebec road trip, got tips?

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