Le Boat to launch a new satellite base in Ottawa this spring
Written by Chloë Hayes, January 25, 2023
Beginning May 19, Le Boat will launch one-way cruises on the Rideau Canal starting at its brand-new Ottawa base at Dows Lake Pavilion.
The luxury houseboat rental company has long included Ottawa in its boating itineraries since its launch on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in 2018. The Dows Lake Pavilion satellite base meets the need for more convenient one-way trips to Ottawa. The new base is expected to bring more international travellers to Ottawa’s downtown.
The Dows Lake base will create new full-time and part-time jobs. At the same time, Le Boat’s local and international guests will benefit from six new itineraries, including convenient one-way trips to Ottawa from its main base in Smiths Falls, Ontario, or vice versa. Ottawa is a favourite destination for boaters of all ages due to its world-class museums, unique attractions, festivals, events, shopping, and dining experiences.
Le Boat is working in partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Parks Canada, who operate the locks system on the Rideau Canal, the National Capital Commission, and the local marina operator to have four dedicated slips and a dedicated Le Boat reception booth at the Dows Lake Pavilion to welcome their guests to Ottawa.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Le Boat to Ottawa for the 2023 season,” says Catherine Callary, Vice President, Destination Development at Ottawa Tourism. “Working with this global company means additional exposure for our destination in several European markets. As international visitation starts after the pandemic, the popular activity will be an additional draw for visitors to Ottawa. Boaters arriving and departing from Dows Lake will have all of Ottawa’s tourism attractions and dining options available to them, benefiting those visitor experiences and Ottawa’s visitor economy.”
For the 2023 season, Le Boat will accept delivery of two new Horizon Plus Cruisers from Delphia Yachts, bringing their fleet on the Rideau to 32 boats. Boating season on the Rideau Canal starts on May 19, 2023, and ends on Oct 9, 2023. Boaters can cruise on from the new Ottawa base and choose from a variety of trip options such as a 3-6 night getaway or one of Le Boat’s 7-10 night one-way and round-trip cruises on the 202-kilometre-long engineering marvel that is the Rideau Canal.
A proud Rainbow Registered company, Le Boat, a leader in boat rental vacations in Europe, has more than 50 years of experience in the industry. With 950 boats stationed at a network of over 33 different departure bases across eight European countries, a Le Boat staycation on the historic Rideau Canal is an adventure everyone can take part in. Whether you are from Ottawa or visiting from out of town, no previous boating experience or boat license is required; Le Boat shows you how to captain your boat at your own pace on a flexible itinerary.
Le Boat’s luxury boat rentals come with bow and stern thrusters, fully equipped kitchens, fresh linens and bedding, a top sun deck, and a BBQ hot plate — just add family and friends. Boats range in size from 1-5 cabins (sleeping up to 12 people), and travellers can choose a 3 – 6-night short break or 7-10+ night vacation.
Boat rental pricing starts at just $1682 CAD for a four-night cruise or from $3093 CAD for a seven-night cruise.
Le Boat is offering a special promotion until the end of the month. Book before Jan 31, 2023, and save up to 15% on your 2023 Le Boat cruise!
Visit www.leboat.ca/en for more information or to book your next staycation.
