Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The most unique way to discover Ottawa is on board the world's-largest, certified, 100%-electric, passenger vessel. You will sail for 90 minutes on the iconic Rideau Canal and have a novel view of downtown Ottawa! The National Arts Centre, Lansdowne Park, Dow’s Lake, and many more scenic views await you! You will discover more with the live bilingual commentary and the free audio guide application. Come to 2 Rideau Street for your tickets, just across the street from Parliament Hill. The schedule is mid-May to mid-October, 6 departures per day, 7 days a week.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please note- there is no rescheduling
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Rideau Canal Cruises
The cruises will let you discover the wonderful Rideau Canal, from Dow's Lake to the Ottawa River. Be surprised by the richness and the historical landmarks that will be offered on the cruise! During your cruise you will discover the heritage of the city of Ottawa in a very different way! From the Chateau Laurier to Dow's Lake, you will have the chance to learn about thirty different sites that have marked the history of the city. In addition, several miscellaneous fun and often surprising facts will be presented! You will also have the chance to learn about the following historical sites: University of Ottawa campus, German Embassy, Armenian Embassy, Trans-Canada Highway, Pretoria Bridge, Canadian Museum of Nature, St. Patrick Statue, Canal Ritz, Lansdowne Park, TD Place Stadium, TD Place Arena, Bank Street Bridge, Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park, Dominion Arboretum, and many more.
Canadian Museum Of Nature
See the sites of Canada's Capital city from it's unique canal including the Canadian Museum of Nature
Options
Rideau Canal Cruise
Taxes and fees are included
Reviews
1,126 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We outside ( on a boat )
tanyavR5279JE,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience...good vibes and great staff. Lily (tour guide ) was a great local guide. Her local knowledge was an entertaining experience. Im still in awww about the " Rejenerated beaver tails " Beaver's in Ottawa are magical!!!!
Excellent tour guide, pretty scenery, but the seats were cramped and uncomfortable.
C1720LTlaurab,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We enjoyed our boat cruise with the personable tour guide, Lily. The weather was beautiful and the ride was very smooth and quiet. The scenery along the Rideau Canal was very pretty, especially with the fall colours. The reason I gave only 4 stars instead of 5 is that the price seemed very high for what it was. The seating also was cheap stackable chairs, that were not comfortable. I feel that the price would have been more reasonable if the experience had been more comfortable, with better, more comfortable and less cramped seating, and perhaps a drink or snack offered.
“Gliding Through History — My Ottawa Rideau Canal Cruise Experience 🇨🇦✨”
saverseats,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the Ottawa Boat Cruise along the Rideau Canal and it was such a relaxing and scenic ride! 🛳️ The guide shared amazing facts about Ottawa’s history and landmarks — from Parliament Hill views to the charming bridges along the canal. The pace was calm, perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to see the city from a new angle. The boat was clean, comfortable, and offered great photo spots — especially when the sun hit the water. 🌞 Highly recommend doing this cruise if you’re visiting Ottawa in spring, summer, or early fall. It’s one of those must-do experiences that makes you appreciate how beautiful and historic this city really is.
Sunset cruise
Glendora T,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Lisa was very informative as to the history of the canal as well as the sights along the canal. We did the sunset cruise so it was a bit dark to see everything but it was a relaxing ride.
We had a wonderful time...
Michele R,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time on the river cruise. Lily, our guide, did a great job. She was informative and personable. It was a picture perfect day!
Lili Very good perfectly bilingual. Thank you very much Lili
Stay589815,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Comfortable and well explained tour by a superb Lili guide perfectly bilingual (French, English) Everything was perfect
Wonderful cruise
shannonbZ5726WM,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this cruise along with their River cruise - both were enjoyable and worth the cost. Our guide on this one a native of Ottawa so had lots of added information, her love of her city shone out of her. All the crew was helpful and kind.
Cruise sunset
Happiness01266557888,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky enough to be aboard the last cruise of 2025 and our guide Lilly was the best! She was funny and very interesting! Thank you EKEAU for this evening at sunset in love! I recommend +++
Very Nice Tour!
Paradise30226949022,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour. Lily was the best! Not only she was funny, but we learned so much! I didn’t even know that the canal was built by the English. 5/5 Tour.
Restful
mccandlesm,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to get background info on Ottawa, on the canal that brought it into existence. Restful as well.
Related Experiences
Operated by Ottawa Boat Cruise Inc.