Le Boat, Europe's largest operator of self-drive boating vacations, will officially begin taking reservations for its first North American destination in Ontario, Canada's historic Rideau Canal, on May 15, 2017 for the 2018 boating season.
With no experience required, Le Boat makes it easy for vacationers to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lined with history and culture, the route takes travelers down a chain of lakes, rivers and canals between Ottawa and Kingston.
All cruises will start and finish at the Smith Falls base located mid-way between Ottawa and Kingston. Suggested routes are offered, however, travelers have complete flexibility with their itinerary and the freedom to cruise as much or as little as they want, ensuring the boats are returned at the agreed date and time.
The new base will launch with a fleet of 16 state-of-the-art Horizon cruisers offering a high level of comfort with large forward staterooms and an upper deck equipped with al fresco dining amenities. Each en-suite cabin has air conditioning and heating systems as well as plenty of USB ports for recharging personal devices.
Le Boat is looking to expand this fleet to at least 32 cruises in the next five years. A seven-day cruise on a two-cabin horizon boat, sleeping four, starts at $1,775 USD. This cost does not include fuel or marina fees to park the boat.
Things to Do on the Rideau Canal
- Canadian Tulip Festival in May
- Find North America's only remaining operating grist mills in Manotick, Ottawa
- Explore Merrickville, nicknamed the 'Jewel of the Rideau'
- Indulge in a lakeside wine tasting and lunch at the Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery in Westport
- Visit the Forfar Cheese Factory, the oldest in Ontario
- Visit Ridgeway Confections in Seely's Bay
- Fish in Newboro
- Climb at Kingston Crag at Kingston Mills or the indoor wall in Kingston
- Visit Baxter Conservation Area
Visit www.leboat.com