Boat Tours

Cruising on the water is a lovely tradition along the Rideau Canal. Capitaine Luc welcomes groups from 4 up to 12 passengers aboard a new pontoon boat. In 2020 we hope to begin cruises in July to late October with custom tours also available. Lifejackets and all safety equipment provided as per Transport Canada safety regulations.

The configuration of seats on board allows for 4 groups of 3 persons. Each group 2 metres from other group (see picture below)

Cruises depart the Chaffey’s Lock wharf next to the Parks Canada parking lot. The pontoon has a full sun cover and a full enclosure to protect in case of light rain or wind. We also have cozy blankets to keep you warm on those cooler days.

2020 SPRING SCHEDULE No Spring tours due to Covid-19 restrictions

2020 SUMMER SCHEDULE Opening date To Be confirmed – See link for Covid-19 update

2020 FALL SCHEDULE Sept 14 – October 24

(see Fall Colour Cruises below)

Final 3 Lock Tour of the season on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.

Charters, Private Tours and Gift Certificates also available. Call Rideau Tours at 613-583-4783 for more details.

2020 Rideau Boat Tours

The 3 LOCK TOUR

Nature & Heritage Discovery of Chaffey’s, Davis Lock & Jones Falls

Departure at 10am (Boarding begins at 9:45am)
Return to dock around 3pm
Cruise length 5 hours (may be a few minutes difference due to time in locks) Includes a 1 hour stop-over at Jones Falls to explore this spectacular lockstation featuring the “Whispering Wall” Stone Arch dam, Blacksmith Shop, Sweeney House Museum and visitor centre. Jones Falls is challenging for guests with mobility issues as the terrain is steep & uneven but the Captain will be pleased to stop for a washroom break at Davis Lock before arriving at Jones Falls to ensure everyone’s comfort. Add a Gourmet Picnic for $25 per person or bring your own picnic on board.

$75 per person

$60 children 12 years & under
2020 SCHEDULE – TBC to Sept 6 / Fri-Sat-Sun from Sept 11 to Oct 4 (Reservations required)

The 3 LAKE LOOP

Indian Lake, Clear Lake & Newboro Lake

Departure at 4pm (Boarding begins at 3:45pm)
Return to dock at 6pm
Cruise length 120 minutes / 2 hours.

$50 per person
$40 children 12 years & under
2020 SCHEDULE – TBC to October 12 (Reservations required)

EVENING SUNSET CRUISE

Departure at 6:30pm (Boarding begins at 6:15pm)
Return to dock at 8:00pm
Cruise length 90 minutes (1.5hrs)
(Exact departure time may vary depending on predicted sunset)

$40 per person
$30 children 12 years & under
2019 SCHEDULE – TBC to October 9 (Reservations required)

Add a Gourmet Picnic to your cruise for $25 per person:

Insulated picnic basket, tablecloth & plates

Smoked turkey, chicken salad or Roast beef sandwiches
Local Artisan cheese, smoked sausage and in season veggies
Freshly squeezed lemonade or apple cider (Fall)
A cookie or square sweetened with maple syrup
85% of Ingredients locally sourced using farm fresh produce
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options

FALL COLOUR CRUISES

Of Indian Lake, Clear Lake & Newboro Lake

Daily Departures at 10am, 1pm and 3:30pm (Boarding begins 10 min prior)
Cruise length 1.5 hours

$40 per person
$30 children 12 years & under
2019 SCHEDULE – Daily from mid September to October 24 (Reservations required)

PRIVATE CHARTERS

The pontoon accommodates up to 12 passengers and is very accessible even for guests with reduced mobility. Your charter includes a personally guided tour with a navigation chart outlining the route the boat will be taking. Charters available June 1 to Oct 24. Call ahead to ensure your date & time. Choose from a 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour or 5-hour charter. Charters depart from Chaffey’s Lock but departures from Portland, Westport or Seeley’s Bay can be arranged for an additional $150.

LENGTH OF CHARTER	Washroom stop	PRICE
2 HOURS	1	$400
3 HOURS	1	$500
4 HOURS	2	$600
5 HOURS	2	$700

There is a 25% non-refundable deposit required to secure the charter but you can reschedule if the weather is inclement. We still go out in a light rain/drizzle but we cancel if there are thunderstorms or heavy winds. Lunch options include bringing your own picnic lunch or ordering a gourmet local flavours picnic from Rideau Tours.

BOAT TOUR MAP (Click to enlarge)