A 1.5-hour guided cruise along the historic Rideau Canal, featuring commentary on Ottawa's history, architecture, and UNESCO heritage.
Priority boarding for premium ticket holders, allowing early access to the boat for the best seating and a relaxed start.
Refreshments and drinks available for purchase during the cruise, served by friendly bar staff.
Tours offered in both English and French, with informative and engaging guides sharing stories and facts.
Options for special events, group outings, or private tours tailored to your needs.
This boat ride is along the channel only so do not expect to see the Parlament. Our guide was well informed about the bridges, houses and surroundings as well as about the history of the channel.
I enjoyed a really memorable experience, the cruise was informative, calming and fun. I especially want to thank the crew: tour guide Caleb, the bar staff Emma, and the captain Jacob. They were all so welcoming, helpful, and friendly. I had a great afternoon at Ottawa thanks to you!
Rideau Canal Tour with Ekeau – A Perfect Blend of History and Scenery! I enjoyed a leisurely but informative Rideau Canal tour with Ekeau on a recent trip to Ottawa on the day before Canada Day. This hour and half long Rideau Canal tour with Ekeau was an unforgettable experience and a perfect way to explore Ottawa from the water. The boat itself is fully electric, making the ride incredibly quiet and environmentally friendly — a great bonus for those who appreciate sustainable tourism. I got premium tickets for 10 o’clock ride and was allowed to board ahead of regular ticket holders. But depending on the day and time of the ride, paying premium may not be worth it. The scenery was nice, but it was the storytelling that truly made the experience outstanding. Our guide, Caleb, was outstanding. He brought the history of the Rideau Canal to life, explaining how it was built in the early 1800s as a military route to defend against potential American invasion. His stories about Colonel John By, the visionary engineer behind the canal, were fascinating — especially how the settlement around the construction site became known as Bytown, later renamed Ottawa. Caleb also shared why Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as Canada’s capital: its central location between English and French Canada and its strategic defensibility, all of which came together beautifully as we cruised along the historic waterway. The onboard experience was smooth and relaxing, thanks to Andy at the bar and our captains, Jason and Jacques, who made the journey feel effortless. If you’re visiting Ottawa or even live here, this electric boat tour is a must. It’s scenic, informative, sustainable — and a great way to experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highly recommendedt!
A relaxing way to see some of the city's beauty from the canal with information from the tour guide about the points of interest. The seats are comfortable and the 10 o'clock run was not crowded. The electric motor is quiet so you can hear the information being given. There is a washroom and a place to buy drinks. You can park farther away and walk along the canal to get to the boarding area on the Nation Arts side of the canal. There is an employee there to check tickets about a half hour before departure. It is a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half learning some history of the city, the construction of the canal, and the breeze from the water.
Absolutely wonderful tour! The vessel was well maintained and very clean. Our tour guide, Melody, was very fun and informative. The tour was bilingual in both English and French. Our captain, Logan, was very professional. The bartender, John, was happy to help and served us with a smile. I highly recommend this cruise for anyone visiting Ottawa! Definitely a must do

Experience Ottawa's UNESCO World Heritage Site from the water on a quiet, eco-friendly electric boat cruise.
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Ottawa Boat Cruise offers unforgettable Rideau Canal tours aboard fully electric boats, providing a serene and sustainable way to explore the city's historic waterways. Our knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the canal's construction, Colonel John By, and Ottawa's history while you enjoy comfortable seating, scenic views, and onboard amenities like a bar and washroom. Perfect for tourists and locals alike, our 1.5-hour cruises blend relaxation, education, and breathtaking scenery for an immersive Ottawa experience.
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