Boating season on the Rideau Canal begins this weekend

A boat docked along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. (Brad Quinn/CTV News Ottawa)

The 2026 navigation season on the historic Rideau Canal begins this weekend.

Parks Canada says the season starts Friday and will last until Thanksgiving weekend in October.

This year, the Canada Strong Pass will give visitors free lockage and 25 per cent off camping and roofed accommodation from June 19 to Sept. 7. Fees will still apply for mooring, shore power, third-party services, nautical charts, and parking.

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connects Kingston and the National Capital Region in Ottawa. Parks Canada says more than a million visitors experience the canal every year.

Lasalle Causeway

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) installed a temporary modular bridge at the LaSalle Causeway after the former bridge was damaged in 2024. Parks Canada says the modular bridge will be removed on a fixed schedule for large vessel crossings.

PSPC has identified 20 days between May 17 and Oct. 13 during which the main navigation channel will be open to marine traffic. Additional openings will continue into November.

Parks Canada says boaters with vessels requiring under 14 to 16 feet (4.27 to 4.9 metres) of vertical clearance may be able to navigate through the East Fixed Bridge at any time.

For vessels requiring greater clearance, transit through the main navigation channel will be available during scheduled openings.

Hours of operation:

May 15 – June 18: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Fri-Sun and Victoria Day (May 18) 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

June 19 – Sept 7: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Fri-Sun and holidays 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sept 8 – Oct 12: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sat-Sun and Thanksgiving (Oct 12) 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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