OTTAWA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Electric Passage and City Vistas: A Day on the Rideau Canal and Gray Line Double‑Decker
A one‑day package that pairs a 1 hour 30 minute Rideau Canal cruise aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel with a Gray Line double‑decker bus tour of Ottawa.
Electric Passage and City Vistas: A Day on the Rideau Canal and Gray Line Double‑Decker.
This combo pairs a guided cruise along the Rideau Canal with a Gray Line double‑decker city tour, letting you glide from Dow’s Lake toward the Ottawa River aboard a brand‑new, fully electric passenger vessel while learning the canal’s 1812‑era history before seeing Ottawa’s landmarks by bus.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel
Rideau Canal Cruises operates a brand‑new, fully electric passenger vessel — the largest of its kind on the continent — providing a quiet, low‑impact platform for sightseeing and interpretation.
A waterway that reaches back to 1812
The Rideau Canal is a chain of lakes, rivers and canals stretching 202 km from Kingston to Ottawa; the cruise emphasizes the canal’s historical landmarks and the era when its construction was first proposed in 1812.
Two‑way exploration: canal glide plus city tour
The package includes admission for a scenic canal cruise and a Gray Line double‑decker bus ticket, combining waterside perspectives from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River with an overhead view of the city’s landmarks.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You board in the city, settle into a quiet, electric vessel and watch the shoreline and historic locks slide past as guides recount the canal’s story; the on‑water portion lasts about ninety minutes and is complemented by a hop‑on, hop‑off style Gray Line double‑decker bus tour of Ottawa’s streets and civic sights.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo suits — and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Rideau Canal cruise portion runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Departures are organized from the downtown meeting point at 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON.
The package includes a Gray Line double‑decker bus ticket; you must contact Grayline directly to reserve your bus seat at 613‑562‑9090.
No special guest gear is listed by the operator; the vessel is fully electric and the experienced crew manages passenger safety.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Rideau Canal cruise?
The cruise portion lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where is the meeting point for departures?
The meeting location is 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON.
Does the package include the Gray Line bus tour?
Yes — the package includes a ticket for a Gray Line double‑decker city tour; guests must contact Grayline to reserve their bus seat.
What kind of vessel is used for the cruise?
The cruise operates aboard a brand‑new, 100% electric passenger vessel — the largest of its kind in North America.
Who operates the cruise?
The cruise is operated by Ottawa Tours / Rideau Canal Cruises, part of the Ottawa Boat Cruise family with over 30 years of regional navigation experience.
How do I reserve a seat on the Gray Line bus?
Contact Grayline directly to reserve your seat at 613‑562‑9090.