7-Day Ottawa Rideau Canal Cruise Itinerary for Adventurers

The Rideau Canal Le Boat Experience

Le Boat is the top provider of boating vacations and has been offering canal trips throughout Europe for more than 50 years. Operating houseboats in North America, The Rideau Canal proved to be an ideal choice. This stunning 200 km (125 miles) long waterway is reminiscent of a little slice of Europe, featuring charming villages, historic ruins, scenic vineyards, and breathtaking views. Notably, the canal includes 200-year-old locks that have been in operation since 1832.

Your adventure begins with an hour-long introduction to your Le Boat. During this session, you’ll learn to read the maps and charts, utilize the stove, locate essential instruments and equipment, tie knots for mooring, and, most importantly, how to maneuver the boat!

Le Boats on the Rideau Canal are remarkably easy to operate. The Horizon Fleet boats come equipped with front and rear thrusters, allowing you to turn with ease. When approaching a mooring area, parking between boats in tight spaces is straightforward, thanks to the side thrusters that help you position your boat accurately. The boats are limited to a maximum speed of 10 km per hour, ensuring a leisurely cruise throughout your journey.

Following your lesson, if you feel confident, your instructor will guide you through the first set of locks, teaching you the etiquette of operating locks and how to safely dock. With the right skills, you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable cruise through the Rideau Canal on your luxury yacht.

Horizon Fleet

We reserved a four-bedroom, four-bath configuration suitable for three couples, making for an enjoyable family adventure. Le Boat accommodates pets, allowing you to bring the whole family, including furry friends!

Each bedroom features its own bathroom and shower, creating a comfortable living space. The sizable interior seating area easily accommodates everyone, and while it could get a bit cozy downstairs with all the couples, there is ample space on the upper deck and picnic tables for relaxation. Cruising in the fall offered chilly days and nights, making the indoors feel like home more than during our summer vacation on the Horizon 3.

The kitchen includes two small refrigerators and a barbecue on the upper deck, making meal preparation a breeze. We also brought coolers to store beverages and snacks since the refrigerators are not full-sized. The spacious deck area allows plenty of room to accommodate everyone comfortably.

How to Choose Which Direction to Go

Deciding to embark on a boat trip on the Rideau Canal is simple; however, determining the direction can be challenging. Smiths Falls is situated almost centrally along the Rideau Canal. Heading north takes you toward Ottawa, Canada’s capital, while traveling south leads to Kingston, the country’s first capital. Both cities offer unique attractions and interesting stops along the way, providing plenty of reasons to explore in either direction.

Overview of North and South

We had the pleasure of navigating both directions and can confidently say that each offers an exceptional experience. However, they differ significantly, so your choice will depend on the type of adventure you’re seeking.

Boating north toward Ottawa involves passing through many more locks. There are 12 lock stations containing 21 locks between Smiths Falls and Ottawa. The narrower waterways provide a true canal experience rather than a mere leisurely boating trip. A week-long trip allows ample time to reach Ottawa and return.

In contrast, heading south features larger bodies of water and drives across interconnected lakes. The experience often feels less like being on a canal and more akin to exploring Ontario’s cottage country, providing various towns to visit and opportunities for a loop trip instead of a straight there-and-back journey.

Most travelers typically won’t make it all the way to Kingston. Instead, it’s common to stop at the breathtaking Jones Falls Locks, regarded as some of the most picturesque locks on the Rideau Canal. To access Jones Falls, you’ll encounter eight lock stations (after departing Smiths Falls) with just eight locks, allowing for more cruising time and less lock time.

The Trip North to Ottawa

Our anticipation for spending the night in downtown Ottawa on our northern Le Boat journey was palpable. Le Boats can dock right downtown, providing views of the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. In previous visits to Ottawa, we admired yachts moored in the canal and dreamed of such an adventure. With houseboat rentals available, anyone can partake in exploring the historic Rideau Canal.

Day 1: Merrickville (4 hours)

The first destination from Smiths Falls is Merrickville, where we spent the night at the blue line of Merrickville locks. We recommend mooring at the top of the locks for ease of access to explore the town. It makes for an easy start to the next day, and Merrickville stands out as a highlight of this Rideau Canal cruise.

Our stay in Merrickville became a favorite among our stops. Dubbed “Canada’s Most Beautiful Village” by Communities in Bloom, it truly lives up to the title. The town abounds in shopping opportunities, and we picked up several items for our home. Take a stroll along the main street, visiting its shops. One of our favorites was the Gray Art Glass Studio, where we discovered a stunning centerpiece for our dining room table. Don’t miss Stella Luna Cafe for gelato crafted by a local who trained at the Carbigiani Gelato University in Bologna—a place we have toured ourselves!

Merrickville Ruins

A must-see feature of Merrickville is its beautiful ruins. The foundation of an abandoned woolen mill rests in a picturesque setting just across the Rideau Canal from town. Visitors can wander along a trail amid beautiful stone ruins, a power generator, and lovely views of the canal. Be sure to take the bridge to see the ruins. While you’re docked in Merrickville, consider visiting the historical blockhouse turned museum.

Day 2: Burritts Rapids (3 hours)

Next, we moved to Burritts Rapids. Leaving Merrickville, you’ll navigate through three locks and a swing bridge before arriving. Burritts Rapids features a lovely hiking trail, the Tip to Tip, a 4.3-kilometer out-and-back trail, which offers scenic views of the village of Burritts Rapids along the way.

A highlight of this stop is the Rideau Woodland Ramble. If you rented bicycles through Le Boat, or brought your own, you can bike to this lovely garden display and center, located just 1.7 km from the Burritts Rapids Lock station. The gardens are enchanting, featuring walking paths, Japanese maples, tranquil ponds, and a labyrinth for peaceful meditation. Take your time to explore the stunning displays and gather supplies for your garden.

We opted for dinner aboard the boat while enjoying a stunning sunset from the lock station.

Day 3: Long Island (5 hours)

Today involves a fuller day of boating; therefore, aim to be the first through the locks to reach Long Island. After navigating the Merrickville Locks, enjoy a smooth cruise along the Rideau River towards Manotick. This stretch encompasses spectacular scenery, adorned with increasing impressive homes. Sitting on the deck while the beautiful views glide by was a favorite moment for us.

It’s a good day to have someone prepare lunch and refreshments on board to ensure you’re making good progress. Our goal was to transit through the Long Island locks, as the distance to Ottawa still lay ahead. Keep in mind that you should arrive at the locks 1.5 hours before closing time. As we traveled in the autumn to see the fall colors, it was essential to be at the lock station by 3:30 pm, given that it closed at 5 pm. Fortunately, our timing matched with the weekend hours, allowing us to depart promptly at 9 am and easily navigate through the Long Island locks.

This lock station is essential to traverse, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy an early start the next morning. Arrive the night before and dock at the bottom of the locks to avoid delay.

Black Rapids (1 hour)

We made such great progress that after clearing the Long Island Locks, we decided to advance to Black Rapids Locks. The distance from Long Island to Black Rapids is less than 10 km, and given it was the weekend, we had ample time to navigate through Black Rapids to stay overnight at the bottom of the locks, allowing us to head toward Ottawa first thing in the morning.

As evening approached, rain began to fall, making this a perfect moment to cover some distance. We moved downstairs for warmth and comfort while driving down to Black Rapids, spending the night at the bottom of the locks. Being the last boat through for the day, we anticipated a short journey ahead to reach Ottawa.

Day 4: Ottawa (4 Hours)

This day held excitement as we entered the final leg leading to Canada’s Capital City. As the homes grew denser and larger, floatplanes and motorboats filled the docks. Cheery kayakers waved hello as we passed, and after navigating marinas and bridges, the channel gradually closed in, leading us to Ottawa. You’ll pass two more locks, Hartwell and Hogs Back, before arriving in the city, marking the transition to an urban setting. Cyclists pedal alongside the shore, pedestrians stroll paths, and spectators gather to watch boats navigate through the locks. By now, you’ll have gained considerable expertise maneuvering your Le Boat with confidence!

Dows Lake

Upon reaching Dows Lake, just outside downtown Ottawa, you face a choice. This large marina boasts three restaurants and water sports rentals. Furthermore, it’s where you’ll want to pump out your boat and refill your water supplies. While you can moor for the night, an additional fee (approximately $80) applies for marina stays.

Day 5: Downtown (30 minutes to 1 hour)

After pumping out and refilling, we continued toward downtown Ottawa from Dows Lake. This route allows you to dock in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the top attractions. The scenic cruise into Ottawa is breathtaking; many tourists pay for a Rideau Canal cruise that takes in this historic section of waterway. However, with Le Boat, you have the thrill of steering your vessel. The journey from Dows Lake to Downtown spans only 20 to 30 minutes but requires waiting for one lift bridge. The bridge master’s contact number is on your charts, so be sure to call ahead and arrange for a timely pass.

Things to do in Ottawa near Le Boat parking

Once you dock, the afternoon awaits with a plethora of activities in downtown Ottawa. As frequent visitors, we have penned many articles on the city’s attractions. For first-timers, you’re in an excellent location, close to ByWard Market, the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Centre, and Sparks Street. The ByTown Museum is also nearby, where, for only $2, you can explore exhibits tracing Ottawa’s history when it was originally called Bytown.

For dinner, we recommend ByWard Market, where an array of dining options await. Don’t forget to head to the top of the Andaz Hotel for refreshing cocktails at the rooftop bar, boasting incredible views over Ottawa.

Before dinner, take a leisurely walk to Parliament Hill to admire the government buildings and gaze across the Ottawa River towards Gatineau, Quebec. As you make your way back, detour through Sparks Street, a pedestrian-friendly area that’s perfect for a stroll. This leads to the War Memorial, where you can witness the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 9 am and 5 pm.

Evening

Ottawa evenings brimming with entertainment options lend themselves to family-friendly activities like a haunted walking tour, where you can dive into stories about the city’s history while visiting famous sites rumored to be haunted.

Day 6: Ottawa (Optional Full Day in Ottawa)

If your schedule allows only one day in Ottawa, consider taking a guided tour. We signed up for an e-bike tour with Escape Bicycle Tours. This eco-friendly mode of transportation proved ideal for our multi-generational family trip, easing the workload on my parents and accommodating varying cycling abilities.

Meeting our guide, Andrew, at the office on Sparks Street, we enjoyed specialty coffees and later, drinks from their inviting patio. After a brief on bike navigation, we followed Andrew through the city’s well-maintained bike paths. Ottawa’s layout favors cycling, and our family quickly relaxed, finding comfort in the extensive bike lanes.

The tour took us across the Ottawa River into Quebec to view Canada’s busiest Museum, The Canadian Museum of History. We cycled across the Alexandra Bridge, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, leading to the National Gallery of Canada. We enjoyed seeing the striking Maman spider installation and the Notre Dame Basilica’s stunning views. Continuing along Sussex Drive, we visited Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. The tour was exceptional, allowing us to explore the city while enjoying the great Canadian outdoors.

Afterward, we relaxed with drinks on the patio at Escape Bicycle Tours. Maria, the owner, joined us for a delightful cappuccino and lively conversation. While visiting Ottawa, we highly recommend considering a bicycle tour with Escape Bicycle Tours; visit their website for more details.

Later that evening, we bonded as a family at Escape Manor, collaborating as a team to navigate and escape from the Asylum. It was our first experience at an escape room, and I would enthusiastically recommend it, especially for family gatherings.

Dinner

Walking along Bank Street, we reached Flora Hall Brewing for dinner. Housed in a refurbished garage, this craft brewery boasts an impressive menu, with options ranging from falafels to burrata salads. The open-concept atmosphere invites you to watch the beer-making process through glass walls showcasing their brewing equipment. After enjoying our meal, we returned to the boat for cocktails under the illuminated Ottawa skyline.

Day 7: Ottawa to Long Island (3-4 hours)

It’s time to bid farewell to Ottawa and begin our journey back to Smiths Falls. The return will showcase familiar sights, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to revisit places you may have missed. Given how swiftly we traveled from Long Island to Black Rapids on our way to Ottawa, we chose to stay overnight at Long Island on the return trip.

Long Island features a charming lock station, complete with three locks and a swing bridge. Observing the Parks Canada staff at work is fascinating; they operate the locks manually and navigate the trolley to swing the bridge, offering a delightful glimpse into the past.

A quick 15-minute bike ride from the Long Island Locks leads you to the historic town of Manotick. Watson’s Mill from the 1860s is the prime attraction, surrounded by quaint cafés and specialized shops for leisurely shopping or relaxation on one of the town’s patios.

Day 8: Nicolson Locks

Today is a relaxed cruise as we make our way back on the Rideau Canal. Since it’s not feasible to reach Smiths Falls directly from Long Island in one day, plan your overnight stay as you wish along the return route. Consider revisiting Merrickville for some delicious pizza at Iron Forge Pizza or opting for a serene night at Burritts Rapids or Nicholsons Lock. We chose to stop at Nicholsons to relish a tranquil evening aboard Le Boat.

Using the barbecue on the upper deck, we savored cocktails and dinner while watching the sunset over the water, providing the perfect conclusion to our final night on the boat.

Final Day: On to Smiths Falls

Our last morning began with an early push to reach Smiths Falls. Backing the boat into the slip signified the end of our journey. Reflecting on our experiences over the week, it was heartwarming to see how far we had come—from initial nerves about navigating Le Boat’s Horizon Four to expertly docking alongside the rest of the fleet.

While one of us retrieved carts to assist with our gear, the remaining members unloaded the boat, preparing it for sign-off. This week spent with family aboard Le Boat Horizon Four was remarkable, leaving us with cherished memories. I highly recommend gathering your loved ones for this exceptional experience.

Le Boat and Rideau Canal – The Details

Le Boat operates from Smiths Falls, centrally located along the Rideau Canal. Boat vacations can traverse either direction from Smiths Falls; you don’t need to complete the trip to Ottawa. We encountered many individuals who opted for shorter excursions, such as three to four days to either Merrickville or Burritts Rapids. There’s no requirement to stay two nights in Ottawa either.

Our goal was ensuring my family experienced our beloved city, prompting us to extend our stay by an extra night, although you’re welcome to stay as long or as briefly as you desire. The only additional charge for Le Boaters in Ottawa pertains to power usage, costing $9.20 per night.

Rideau Canal Hours

When organizing your Le Boat journey on the Rideau Canal, it’s vital to check lock times. Since Le Boats are limited to 10 km per hour, a leisurely pace prevails as you meander from lock to lock. Prior to booking your days from Smiths Falls, ensure you note how far you intend to travel and the sights you wish to see.

Making it to Ottawa within three days is feasible, but it’s crucial to maintain good timing between locks and confirm parking arrangements at either the top or bottom of the locks. Lock operations can be time-consuming, so consider going through the locks during the evening to secure an early departure the next day.

Lock hours vary by season; hence, you should arrive at the locks an hour and a half before they close, as passage can take time. If the locks close at 4:00 pm in the fall, you must be through by 2:30 pm.

Opening Hours:

• May 21 – June 17
  • Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• June 18 – September 6:
  • Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• September 7 – October 11:
  • Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday & Thanksgiving 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Le Boat customers can stay at Parks Canada locks for free. Should you require power, an extra fee of $9.80 applies. It’s not always necessary to have power as Le Boats recharge while cruising; however, having power might be beneficial for running air conditioning in summer or heating in spring and autumn.

If you opt for a marina, some include utilities in your rental fee while others impose an additional charge. It’s wise to confirm with the staff before departure regarding which marinas offer complimentary stays. Several marinas provide free stays for the first two Le Boaters to arrive, thus planning your arrival early can be beneficial.

Embarking on a Le Boat vacation on the Rideau Canal is undeniably a unique experience. Navigating the historic locks presents a once-in-a-lifetime journey that many boating enthusiasts dream of. The arrival of Le Boat in Canada offers luxury 45-foot yachts to the public, allowing everyone to enjoy an adventure that was once exclusive to boat owners. If you’re searching for something distinctive to do in Ontario this summer, make Le Boat your top choice!

For luxury boating vacations in Europe and Canada, explore LeBoat.com.