Riverboat holiday on the Rideau Canal

Welcome to Rideau Canal

There are numerous exciting sailing areas and a large number of boats to choose from, and to fit any holiday budget and crew size - it is an experience for all ages - young and old - a family trip - a trip with friends or for three generations. Discover Europe's most beautiful lakes, rivers, and canals from the sun deck of the boat, while the landscape slowly pans past you. Enjoy an adventure in a relaxing atmosphere or a gourmet journey or historic surroundings - we guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Stop when (and where) you will (and for as long as you like) - it is glorious on a boating vacation! Enjoy an impromptu visit to a wine chateau/Chauteau, shop at the local colourful market, visit a medieval village, makes a stop at the shore for a picnic in the countryside, explore the area on rented bikes - these are just a few examples of what you can expect of a boat vacation. Sailing through the locks is a fun part of the holiday and allows everyone to get involved. Once you've gotten through the first gate, you will soon find out that it is not so difficult. Most locks are automatic or operated by the lock operator. Often you can buy local products directly from him, and share tips and experiences with others sailing. As the day draws to a close it's time to moor - either at a dock/marina or along the shore and enjoy the sunset from the sun deck.

Inspiration and practical information

The waterway guide assists you in planning your route and deciding on where to stop and where to eat. Make the most of your boat trip and use the waterway guide to choose the best route based on your criteria’s. The guide is great for calculating distances and number of locks on your route. Moreover, the guide contains helpful information about opening hours, speed limits, signals, locks, useful phone numbers, and addresses for tourist offices. Use the waterway guide as guidance before and during your trip, and use it as a reference book to look for inspiration to local museums and markets. A copy of the waterway guide is also to be found on the boat.

Locks on the Rideau Canal are open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer – and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the spring and autumn.

Note: All boat trips are to start and end in Smiths Falls!

Such is life aboard a riverboat

• A boat vacation is also an experience and enjoyment of a region's culinary experiences and one of the highlights of the holiday. Wherever you choose to sail there are opportunities to try out the delicious local produce and regional dishes with wine and beer. Do you feel the history, the possibilities are also diverse: from medieval castles to Gothic cathedrals and ancient castle ruins. A boat vacation on Europe's waterways is like a journey through history. Remember binoculars: wildlife along the rivers and canals are unique - and no matter how you choose to sail, you get close to the local wildlife as you are in the middle of their habitat.
• When you have total freedom to plan the days are guaranteed a myriad of diverse experiences for all. Price includes: fully equipped boat, bed linen and towels (except for Nicols boats), instruction in sailing the boat, technical assistance every day, channel maps and information are available on board.
• Do not worry - the boats are easy to operate and prior experience is not necessary. There is only one gear back and forth and the boats are easy to control. Before arrival, you will receive instructional material and at the transfer, there will be given thorough practical instruction in everything from knots and hitches to how the oven works on board. The boats are well equipped and comfortable with duvets, pillows, bed linen, kitchen utensils, bathroom with toilet and shower, etc.