Recent Searches
ClearClose
Something Went Wrong
Oops, looks like something went wrong! We are sorry for the inconvenience caused whilst trying to find your next trip. Please refresh the page or try again later.
Log in
The email or password you entered isn't correct. If you've forgotten your password, please reset it. Click here
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
Share





See More
See More

See More
From $28.52
Yay! This item has been added to your cart.
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
Non-refundable
You will not receive a refund if you cancel. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
Shop by Category
Ottawa Tours
Arts & Design
Architecture Tours
Museums
Culture
Costume Dress Up Experiences
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Museums
Photography Tours
Pop Culture
Ghost Tours
Shows & Performances
Concerts
Dinner and Show Tickets
Family-friendly Shows
Musicals
Shows
Theater Shows
Desserts & Sweets
Chocolate Tours
Dining Experiences
Dinner and Show Tickets
Food Tours
Markets
Wine Tastings
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Beer & Brewery Tours
Wine Tastings
Wine Tours
Extreme Sports
4WD Tours
Fun & Games
Motor Sports
4WD Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Eco Tours
On the Ground
Hiking Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Outback Tours
Scavenger Hunts
On the Water
Canal Cruises
Duck Boat Tours
Kayaking Tours
Night Cruises
Sightseeing Cruises
Holidays
Valentine's Day Events
Attractions & Museums
Museum Tickets & Passes
Shows & Performances
Concerts
Dinner and Show Tickets
Family-friendly Shows
Musicals
Shows
Theater Shows
Sporting Events
Motor Sports
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
Duck Boat Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Self-guided Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Adventure Tours
City Tours
Night Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Skip the line Tickets
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Multi-day Tours
Overnight Tours
Services
Photo Shoots
Transfers
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Transportation
Private Drivers
Transportation Services
Attractions
Nearby
Loading available options...
Share
Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 9 more
Overview
The Rideau Canal links Canada’s capital—Ottawa—with majestic Lake Ontario. On this tour, cruise in comfort along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed waterway and admire sweeping views over top attractions including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and the National Arts Centre. Along the way, listen as your guide sheds light on centuries of colorful Canadian history.
- Rideau Canal cruise in Ottawa, with live commentary
- Cruise along the UNESCO–listed Rideau Canal with your guide
- Uninterrupted views over canal-side sites of interest including Château Laurier and Dow’s Lake
- Gain insight into Ottawa’s rich history and heritage
Saved to wishlist!
From $28.52
Book Now
What's Included
Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure & Return
2 Rideau St , 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5, Canada
This activity will end right where it started.Departures 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)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Audio guide available for download in Chinese (simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 95 travelers
- OPERATED BY Ottawa Boat Cruise Inc.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Traveler Tips
- "Both packed with info but not a lot of views worth while - for that take a bike - close up easier to see the buildings and their historic details." See review
- "Hard to find but the entrances are near the Château Laurier" See review
|
Reviews
4.0
287 Reviews
5 stars
163
4 stars
57
3 stars
28
2 stars
15
1 star
24
Reviews by Viator travelers
We perform checks on reviews
Showing 1-10 of 287 reviews
Recommended experience
Rhonda_H
, Jun 2022
Great, informative, and relaxing tour. The beautiful day and scenery just added to the experience.
Thanks.
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our service. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience on our cruises, but it’s great to know that we are on the right track.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your next cruise even better.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Not worth it
Audrey_R
, Jun 2022
The guide did not give much information. I've done this tour with another company before. It was very interesting. The only thing worth it is the boat ride.
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Audrey,
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’re doing a good job. We’re sorry your experience didn’t match your expectations. It was an uncommon instance and we’ll do better in the future.
Kindly email amanda@ekeau.com with any queries/suggestions you may have. We would love to make things right if you give us another chance.
Thank you, again, Audrey for taking the time to share a review with us.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Beautiful day to see the Rideau Canal by boat
Robin_G
, Jun 2022
Seeing the Landsdowne stadium with the apartment that has units that look right into it and all the bikers and kayakers
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Robin,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our service. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience on our cruises, but it’s great to know that we are on the right track.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your next cruise even better.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Update the receipt information about requirements
Angie_R
, Jun 2022
no more segregation of individuals based on medical status. The receipt still says there are requirements but not the description of the cruise. When we got there, no one checked status. Common sense for outdoor activities at least.
Memorable and Amazing Trip to Ottawa
irshadkashif
, Jun 2022
Staff was great, very friendly and booking process was super easy and hassle free. We've enjoyed the time spent with great people and looking around with spectacular scenic views.
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Irshad,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our service. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience on our cruises, but it’s great to know that we are on the right track.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your next cruise even better.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Not pleasant experience
Masha_R
, May 2022
The seating is inconvenient. Lousy passengers made the experience awful. The boat is not clean. I would not recommend this tour
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Masha,
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
Just 'OK'
Robert_M
, May 2022
Crew seemed disorganized, but it may have been "first day of the season" jitters.
Narrator was good.
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Robert,
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
Try boring
Joseph_G
, May 2022
Boring not too many things to see not even the parliament different direction no views just I. The water all what you can see is the park very boring
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Joseph,
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
Very nice experience!
TATIANA_V
, May 2022
Lovely experience! Gabriella is an excellent guidetour, very knowledgeable and very fun to tour with😊 Smooth ride and nice view👌
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Tatian,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our service. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience on our cruises, but it’s great to know that we are on the right track.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your next cruise even better.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Great time!
Traci_D
, Oct 2021
The stories were great! Our guide had a spunky attitude and did a great job. She was awesome! Scenery was beautiful! Just a little chilly
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Traci,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our service. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience on our cruises, but it’s great to know that we are on the right track.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your next cruise even better.
Regards,
Team Ottawa Boat Cruise
Don't waste your time or money
John_M
, Oct 2021
Waste of time. The boat is nice but there is NOTHING to see from the water level except for a few bridges.
Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi John,
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
What a treat!
Liesje_W
, Oct 2021
Nice plan
Bebsabe_D
, Sep 2021
Beautiful but not interesting
Kim_V
, Sep 2021
It was not easy finding the place where to wait for the cruise. We met other people along the way also struggling.
Sylvia_M
, Sep 2021
Relaxing slow pace boat ride...
Teresa_R
, Sep 2021
We took the 6:30 pm time slot and I was happy because the sundown made the views even more pretty. The commentator was well knowledgeable. Very slow pace boat ride. Instructions to find the boat can be confusing. Overall a relaxing experience but if I was able to walk far, walking the along the river would have been more preferable.
Cruising down the canal on a lovely fall day !
Margaret_B
, Sep 2021
Beautiful afternoon and very nice to float along the Rideau Canal. It was the first day for the tour guide ..she was a tad nervous ! Very interesting to see the lovely homes facing the canal and enjoyed the bits of facts but nothing memorable to be honest. Very clean boat and we had great seats. Didn't realize the tour lecture was only 45 minutes but pleasant to enjoy the ride back to docking.
Totally worth Going on!
Debbie_S
, Sep 2021
fun cruise
Saudat_A
, Sep 2021
FANTASTIC!
Lisa_B
, Sep 2021
I have travelled to over 23 countries around this globe, have been on multiple tours (including with Viatour), and this tour guide, Brenan, was one of the best that I have ever encountered! He was funny, knowledgeable and kept us engaged. He also alternated between French and English very well. I was impressed! I have referred a lot of people to this tour thus far. The tour itself was relaxing and allowed us to see and hear aspects of Ottawa, including the history and legend regarding the Rideu Canal, which we would not have heard on our own. Thanks for listing this tour! It was great!
1 traveler found this review helpful
We perform checks on reviews
You can only submit a review or rating of an experience to Viator if you were the person who made the booking through Viator. Before publication, each review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information for each of the following criteria: who, what, how, and when. If the system detects something that contradicts our publication criteria, the review is not published. When the system detects a problem with a review, it may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. In some cases, we will also send you an email asking you to validate your review before it is published. All you need to do is click on the link provided in the email. After publication, our team checks each review reported to it as not meeting our publication criteria. Tripadvisor reviews that appear on the Viator site are subject to the same checks and moderation processes as set out above. It is not necessary to have booked an experience through Viator (or Tripadvisor) to submit a review of an experience to the Tripadvisor site.
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Audio GuidesWater ToursDay CruisesHistorical ToursWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursCultural & Theme ToursOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingOttawaAudio Guides - OntarioWater Tours - OntarioDay Cruises - OntarioHistorical Tours - OntarioCategory
Canadian War Museum Tours & TicketsCanada Aviation and Space Museum Tours & TicketsRideau Hall Tours & TicketsConfederation Square Tours & TicketsCanadian Museum of Nature Tours & TicketsCanadian Museum of History Tours & TicketsPreston Street (Little Italy) Tours & TicketsOttawa Locks Tours & TicketsRoyal Canadian Mint Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Sorting, ranking, and search results
Viator wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That’s why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
Lowest Price Guarantee
We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference.
It's Easy To Do