Up to -30% on return cruises and -55% on one-way cruises in March or April 2024- offer valid on a selection of boats for bookings before confirmed before April 2d.

THE CANADA

Rental of Self drive river boat in Canada on the Rideau Canal

rental houseboat without licence navigation map view Map

River cruise in Canada

In the heart of the Canadian forests, close to nature, experience a licence-free boat navigation. You will cross many lakes, with islands where wild mooring is allowed. To navigate the Rideau Canal, you'll start your river cruise at Smiths Falls. You can navigate between Ottawa and Kingston, this itinerary will give you a total change of scenery.

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The Canal du Rideau

Cruise in Canada

Rent your houseboat to navigate the Rideau Canal

A river cruise on the Rideau Canal is perfect for families! On your licence-free boat trip, you'll navigate through charming, unspoiled villages like Merrickville and bustling cities like Ottawa, with their warm Canadian welcome! The highlight of this houseboat cruise is the crossing of its many lakes!




The locks are manual and maneuvered by lock keepers. They are open from 9h to 19h, from Friday to Sunday and public holidays. The rest of the week, they are open from 9h to 18h (from 10h to 16 before June 21 and after September 5).

The season opens from May 17th to October 14th. Navigation is easy and the course of the regular channel

Additional mandatory fees will be added to your reservation to cover overnight moorings at Parks Canada, Portland Harbor, Seeleys Bay, Perth and Westport. For other moorings, the supplement will be paid locally.

All about licence-free boating in Canada

The Rideau Canal is 202 km long and links Ottawa and Kingston. The most beautiful part of the Rideau Canal to do by licence-free boat is from Merrickville to Jones Falls. You will navigate through the most beautiful village in Canada, you will discover the most beautiful lock station at Jones Falls and you will cross many lakes and forests. Ideal to discover Canada, its history and its typical villages. 

During your cruise on the Rideau Canal, you will pass through many typical towns and villages such as Ottawa, Manotick Merrickville, voted the most beautiful village in Canada, Smiths Falls, Portland, Seeley's Bay and Kingston. Navigating the Rideau Canal by licence-free boat, you will discover the Canadian nature. 

For an unforgettable experience on the Rideau Canal, you can take a river cruise from mid-May to mid-October. If you want to enjoy the Canadian sunshine, we recommend leaving during July. But beware, this is a very busy time on the canals. You may have to wait your turn at the locks and mooring may be a little more difficult in some villages. In June, August and September, you will enjoy milder navigation and the canals are less crowded. May and October are the ideal departure months to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful seasonal colours!

Travelling with Cris Boat

Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.

Who are we?
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Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
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Cris Boat Blog

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Our destinations in France

Canal du Midi / Camargue

Canal du Midi / Camargue

Houseboat and licence-free boat hire on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Burgundy Nivernais

Burgundy Nivernais

 

Ideal region for a licence-free boat cruise through vineyards, wild and isolated landscapes.

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Franche-Comté

Franche-Comté

 

Navigate by licence-free boat through vineyards, postcard landscapes and gastronomy!

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Mayenne and Anjou

Mayenne and Anjou

One of the most beautiful waterways in France to discover by licence-free boat

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Brittany

Brittany

 

Discover the folklore of Brittany, its traditions and the legend of King Arthur.

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Alsace

Alsace

 

A licence-free boat rental, with gastronomic stops and bike rides along the canals.

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Lot

Lot

 

With its fascinating valley carved into the rock the Lot is the most picturesque river

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Charente

Charente

 

Discover the river Francis I called the most beautiful in his kingdom.

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Aquitaine

Aquitaine

 

Go boating without a licence-free in Aquitaine and discover the land of gastronomy!

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Ardennes

Ardennes

 

Cruise down the river and admire the surrounding Vosges mountains

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Rideau Canal - Canada

Houseboat in Canada, navigate on a UNESCO World Heritage Canal

190 years ago, Colonel John By ordered the construction of the Canal to protect Canada against a possible American invasion. Today, the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows you to navigate by licence-free boat through spectacular rivers and lakes and between the bustling cities of Kingston and Ottawa. Nature lovers will enjoy navigating the Canal as it is a haven for wildlife.

 

Licence-free boating in Canada, discover Ottawa the capital

On your licence-free boat cruise in Canada, we recommend that you moor in Ottawa, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world! It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in Canadian culture. Take the time to discover its rich heritage and wander the streets of this dynamic city.