OTTAWA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Silent Glide Along the Rideau: Ottawa’s Electric Canal Cruise
A 90-minute sightseeing cruise from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel — this guide orients you to the route, history and what to expect.
Silent Glide Along the Rideau: Ottawa’s Electric Canal Cruise.
Experience the Rideau Canal like never before aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel. For decades these cruises have traced a living waterway that links lakes, rivers and canals — carrying passengers from Dow’s Lake through the storied channels of the Rideau Canal and out to the Ottawa River — while local crew point out cultural landmarks and the canal’s deep history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A quiet, all-electric way to cruise the capital
The tour runs aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel — a unique, low‑emission platform for viewing the Rideau’s shoreline and landmarks.
A waterway with roots stretching back to the early 19th century
The Rideau Canal’s story — from the 1812 plan for its construction to the chain of lakes and rivers that run 202 km to Kingston — forms the historical spine of the cruise, and the company traces its passenger cruises back through decades of regional navigation heritage.
From Dow’s Lake out to the Ottawa River
The sightseeing cruise follows the Rideau Canal corridor from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River, showcasing landscapes and cultural landmarks unique to Canada’s capital region.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Over roughly ninety minutes you glide a short, focused section of the Rideau Canal aboard a modern electric vessel while crew from the Ottawa Boat Cruise family answer questions and point out historical and cultural highlights between Dow’s Lake and the Ottawa River.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this cruise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The operator’s experienced team attends to passenger safety and questions during the trip.
Meeting point for departures is 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON CA.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the EKEAU Canal Tour?
The cruise lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where does the cruise travel?
The sightseeing cruise follows the Rideau Canal from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River.
What kind of boat is used?
The tour uses North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel — described as the only one of its kind.
Who operates the EKEAU Canal Tour?
The tour is operated by Ottawa Tours as part of the Ottawa Boat Cruise family; the operator cites decades of navigation experience and a long regional history of cruises.
When did Rideau Canal sightseeing cruises begin under this offering?
Rideau Canal Cruises began offering sightseeing cruises on the Rideau Canal in 2016.
Will staff be available to answer questions during the cruise?
Yes — the company’s experienced team will answer passenger questions and ensure safety during the trip.