About Rideau Canal
Wild and wonderful, take an unforgettable boating holiday on Canada's canals and wide open lakes
Our Canadian boating holidays are the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal. One of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America. Travelling this attractive waterway, you'll be able to unwind and take in the spectacular nature, picturesque towns and lively cities of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover more about Canada and the unique charm of each region of our cruising ground.
Find your bearings...
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Fishing
The lakes and rivers of the Rideau Waterway offer great fishing opportunities including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and Walleye.
Nature
Nature lovers will enjoy their journey through the Rideau, which provides a haven for many species of wildlife.
Cycling
Bicycle enthusiasts can fully enjoy the Rideau region. Although there are no bicycle trails directly along the Rideau, there are many trails and secondary roads close by that bicyclists can enjoy.
Shopping
All the cities along the Canal offer shopping opportunities. Check out the local products and crafts shops. Don't leave Canada without a bottle of maple syrup.
Useful information
A bit of background
As it winds its way 202km (125 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, the Rideau Canal is bursting with new experiences just waiting to be explored. Whether you like taking in abundant nature, discovering fascinating culture or simply indulging in some of the finer things - the Rideau Canal has something for you!
Originally intended as a military supply route between Montreal and Kingston in the event of an American invasion of Canada. Construction of the canal, under the charge of Lt. Colonel John By, began in 1826 through a wilderness of rough bush, swamps and rocky terrain. 19th century working conditions were grueling and the work was done by hand. An estimated 1,000 men died during the six years of construction. Today, the Rideau Canal is one of North America’s most beautiful navigable waterways, with exquisite stone-masonry admired to this day.
Our Canada cruises are perfect for that short escape or epic expedition. Our base is located in Smiths Falls, midway along the canal, and is the perfect starting point for long or short breaks. So whether you have a few days or several weeks, our Canada cruises are the perfect standalone holiday or accompaniment to a wider break.
There are 24 Lockstations and 47 Locks on the Rideau. Each lock has 3 to 4 staff members to help out in any way they can.
Opening Hours:
- May 19 - June 25
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 26 - Sept. 4
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 5 - October 9
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Thanksgiving 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
There are many options for overnight moorings along the Rideau; private marinas, township marinas and Parks Canada moorings (situated at lock stations) all provide overnight moorings for a fee, with varying facilities and services.
However, a mandatory fee of $70 USD / $75 CAD for short breaks or $110 USD / $120 CAD for 7nts+ will be charged to Le Boat customers and covers overnight moorings at all Parks Canada sites, as well as the township marinas of Portland, Seeley’s Bay, Perth and Westport – a significantly reduced rate than the fee charged locally at each of these moorings sites. All overnight moorings are operated on a first-come, first-served basis and exclude services such as shore power.
To find out how to get to our base in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available there or nearby, click on the relevant base below:
- Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demontration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- A compulsory moorings fee has been included in the price quoted. See compulsory costs for more details
- Optional holiday extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (by the litre in Scotland).
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
Interactive map of the Rideau Canal
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see...
Itinerary suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You don't have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Smiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Smiths Falls
7 hr(s) of cruising
30km 8 lock(s) 3 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Beveridges
Along the Rideau you'll discover an abundance of wildlife. With Beavers, Otters, Turtles, Ospreys and the famous Canada Geese just some of the fantastic fauna you be able to spot while you drift gently along the Rideau. So remember your binoculars and camera, because this region is a nature lovers dream.
7 hr(s) of cruising
30km 8 lock(s) 3 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Perth
Smiths Falls
Beveridge's Locks
Perth
Smiths Falls
9 hr(s) of cruising
46km 8 lock(s) 4 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Perth
Canada is a paradoxical place, able to combine pristine wilderness with vibrant local culture. Discover this paradox for yourself with the 'taste of Canada' cruise. Find yourself taking in the natural wonders of Ontario as you make your way gently down the Rideau before unearthing the lively local culture of Perth with its quaint boutiques and lively markets.
9 hr(s) of cruising
46km 8 lock(s) 4 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Smiths Falls
13 hr(s) of cruising
45km 16 lock(s) 4 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville
Picturesque Victorian stone houses, local craft shops and a thriving artisan community. It is easy to see why Merrickville was voted Canada's most beautiful village. Let yourself wander around this chocolate-box town and delve deeper into this regions charming local culture with the Victorian short break cruise.
13 hr(s) of cruising
45km 16 lock(s) 4 nights
Seeley's Bay RETURN via Kingston
Seeley's Bay
Kingston Mills
Kingston
Seeley's Bay
17 hr(s) of cruising
70km 14 lock(s) 4 nightsSeeley's Bay RETURN via Kingston
A short cruise to explore the Southern end of the Rideau Canal and the lively city of Kingston. Let yourself enjoy wide lakes and wild scenery as you head down to Kingston, where the Southern Rideau meets the mighty Lake Ontario.
17 hr(s) of cruising
70km 14 lock(s) 4 nights
Seeley's Bay to Smiths Falls
Seeley's Bay
Jones Falls
Chaffey's Lockstation
Newboro
Westport
Portland
Smiths Falls
17 hr(s) of cruising
82km 11 lock(s) 4 nightsSeeley's Bay to Smiths Falls
A short cruise perfect for those who want to explore the vast open lakes, small-town charm and the breath-taking nature of the central Rideau without re-tracing your steps. There is plenty to see-and-do along this stretch of the waterway, making this the perfect cruise for those who want to pack their days with adventure!
17 hr(s) of cruising
82km 11 lock(s) 4 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Portland and Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
Portland
Westport
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
21 hr(s) of cruising
123km 16 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Portland and Jones Falls
Gently cruise the vast lakes, mighty forests and hidden islands of the Southern Rideau. The perfect playground for any lover of the outdoors. Find yourself paddling the Big Rideau Lake, going on a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area or playing golf on one of Portland’s two golf courses.
21 hr(s) of cruising
123km 16 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Burritt's Rapids and Long Island
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Burritts Rapids
Long Island
Upper Nicholsons
Smiths Falls
29 hr(s) of cruising
145km 30 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Burritt's Rapids and Long Island
Sometimes the best things in life are those little luxuries. Discover them with a cruise on the Northern Rideau. Combine some retail therapy in Canada’s prettiest village, Merrickville, with a visit to one of Canada’s top gardens, the Rideau Woodland Ramble in Burritt’s Rapids. Paradise is real, and you'll find it here!
29 hr(s) of cruising
145km 30 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Newboro and Seeleys Bay
Smiths Falls
Newboro
Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
22 hr(s) of cruising
69km 16 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Newboro and Seeleys Bay
Get in touch with the friendly Canadian culture with a cruise to Seeleys Bay and Newboro. Be sure not to miss Kilborne’s, a unique shopping experience located in the heart of historic Newboro - and the adjacent dining room in an original 1832 residence.
22 hr(s) of cruising
69km 16 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Kingston
Smiths Falls
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Kingston Mills
Kingston
Seeley's Bay
34 hr(s) of cruising
170km 25 lock(s) 7 nightsSmiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Kingston
A week long one-way cruise, which takes you from Smiths Falls on the central Rideau down to Seeley’s Bay via the city of Kingston at the Rideau’s southernmost tip. Cruising through the Rideau’s most beautiful lakes you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy adrenaline filled water sports or fishing in tranquil inlets.
34 hr(s) of cruising
170km 25 lock(s) 7 nights
Seeley's Bay RETURN via Westport and Kingston
Seeley's Bay
Jones Falls
Chaffey's Lockstation
Newboro
Westport
Kingston Mills
Kingston
Seeley's Bay
33 hr(s) of cruising
152km 28 lock(s) 7 nightsSeeley's Bay RETURN via Westport and Kingston
A week long cruise for those looking to discover both the small-town charm of Westport and the big city thrill of Kingston. This cruise is ideal for those looking to enjoy both the Rideau’s breath-taking nature, and unique local culture.
33 hr(s) of cruising
152km 28 lock(s) 7 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Newboro and Kingston
Smiths Falls
Merrickville
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Kingston Mills
Kingston
Jones Falls
Smiths Falls
53 hr(s) of cruising
299km 30 lock(s) 14 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Newboro and Kingston
Stopping off at Newboro and Seeleys Bay this itinerary is perfect for any budding angler looking to catch one of the region’s Largemouth Bass. For those less piscis-ly minded, this cruise also takes in the charming artisanal community of Merrickville and pulsating culture of Kingston. The perfect cruise for mixing nature, adventure and culture.
53 hr(s) of cruising
299km 30 lock(s) 14 nights
Smiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Long Island and Ottawa
Smiths Falls
Upper Nicholsons
Long Island
Ottawa
Burritts Rapids
Merrickville
Smiths Falls
39 hr(s) of cruising
192km 40 lock(s) 10 nightsSmiths Falls RETURN via Merrickville, Long Island and Ottawa
This cruise will allow you to enjoy some of the spectacular nature that lines the Rideau Canal, from the Otter to the Osprey, as you make your way to Ottawa. Here, you’ll be able to take in all that Canada’s capital has to offer before gently making your way back to Smith Falls for a second chance to spot any animal you may have missed on the way up!
39 hr(s) of cruising
192km 40 lock(s) 10 nights
Smiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Ottawa
Smiths Falls
Upper Nicholsons
Long Island
Ottawa
Burritts Rapids
Merrickville
Portland
Westport
Newboro
Chaffey's Lockstation
Jones Falls
Seeley's Bay
60 hr(s) of cruising
264km 46 lock(s) 14 nightsSmiths Falls to Seeley's Bay via Ottawa
An epic one-way long break for those looking to truly immerse themselves in Canada. Travel from our base on the central Rideau in Smiths Falls up to Canada’s capital Ottawa in the north, then head south across vast Lakes to Seeley’s Bay on the Southern Rideau. The perfect getaway for those who want to explore the Rideau to its fullest.
60 hr(s) of cruising
264km 46 lock(s) 14 nights