Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.

Staycations in Ontario - Discover the Rideau Canal and Ottawa

Enjoy the perfect home away from home with our staycation ideas for unforgettable houseboat holidays on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal.

A luxury houseboat rental on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal is the perfect home away from home. You get that holiday feeling, while relaxing on your very own private Horizon cruiser, traveling from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario. So if you don’t fancy leaving the country for your next holiday, a Rideau Canal staycation can be just what you need to get away from it all. Choose a 3-5 night short break or a 7+ night boating holiday. No boat licence required!

 

If you are driving to our base in Smiths Falls, Ontario, here are the estimated drive times: 

Ottawa to Smiths Falls - 80km (50min) 

Kingston to Smiths Falls - 95km (1 hr) 

Montreal to Smiths Falls - 245km (2.5 hrs)

Toronto to Smiths Falls - 350km (4 hrs) 

No previous boating experience needed

Staycation_Socially-Distanced_Training

Not many of our new customers have driven a boat before. However, they quickly realize how easy it is.

Our base teams will demonstrate everything you need to know and will even accompany you for a short distance to make sure you are completely happy with the controls. It doesn't take long to become confident navigating the waterways.

 

New to boating

Explore this world-famous UNESCO waterway

Cruising through the locks on the Rideau Canal with Le Boat

You’ll be surprised how much you'll enjoy an Ontario houseboat rental on the UNESCO Rideau Canal. The waterway provides you with an ever-changing playground and you'll discover a new location to explore every day. Whatever your expectations of a staycation, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much fun can be had right here on your doorstep. You'll have happy days on your houseboat rental staycation. 

Learn More about the Rideau

Take each day as it comes

Friends drinking wine on the Le Boat in Canada

The beauty of a staycation in Ontario is that you can take every day as it comes.

Either plan a full itinerary or wake up each morning and discuss what to do that day. A boatcation is the perfect way to enjoy a slower pace of life and take in all the sights along the way. You'll be spoilt for choice when choosing what to do each day. 

 

Sample Itineraries

Cruise 3-5 nights or 7+ nights

Houseboat rental in Ottawa, Ontario

All of our Canadian cruises start and end in beautiful Smiths Falls, in the heart of the Rideau waterway. Choose from either a short break 3-5 night getaway or a 7-10+ night holiday adventure.

3, 4 or 5nt breaks are perfect for a holiday long weekend or a romantic getaway.

If you have more time, cruise for a week or longer - perfect for an extended family vacation or an excursion with friends to have some fun and unwind from the pressures of everyday life. 

Whichever you choose, you'll find this staycation offers memories you'll never forget. 

 

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Seeley's Bay

The season officially opens on the Victoria Day long weekend in May! 

Travel from Le Boat’s North American headquarters in Smiths Falls to Beveridge’s Locks and spend a short break on a relaxed holiday featuring some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau between Smiths Falls and Perth.

Don’t miss visiting 4 Degrees Brewing in Smiths Falls and sample craft brews with a historic twist. Plan to visit the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre before or after your trip and find out all about Canada’s history and the construction of one of the greatest engineering feats in Canadian history.

Canada Day or Labour Day Getaways

Canada and Labour Day long weekends are known for their historically perfect weather in Canada and the Rideau Canal will be filled with boaters during this long break. Extend your long weekend by a day or two and make the most of the holiday!

Enjoy five nights on the Rideau Canal traveling up through many scenic lockstations to Chaffey's lock where you can enjoy an icecream at the Opinicon Resort and then turn around to explore boutique shops, restaurants, or a winery right in the heart of Westport, a village that’s often considered one of the cutest in Canada.  

The Premier Horizon Fleet - Sleep from 2 to 12 passengers

Houseboat rental in Kingston, Ontario


Enjoy the waterway in true style and comfort. With five models to choose from to suit any party size up to 12 people, all Horizon models enjoy the same spacious sundeck, with a barbeque and sunbathing area. The light and airy saloon and fully equipped kitchen has oversized windows and opens up to a rear seating area through large sliding glass doors. With ensuite bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen, your Horizon is more like your home away from home on the water. 


Key Features: Front & Rear Thrusters, Air cooling, Heating, Bimini sunshade, Fun deck with table, sink, BBQ & sunbathing area, Two steering positions, interior and exterior, MP3/USB connectivity, USB ports throughout 

Find out more about our Premier Horizon Fleet

 

Cruising between Ottawa and Kingston- so much to discover.

Houseboat rental in Kingston, Ontario

 

Of course, if you have more time you can also book a longer break with Le Boat, and enjoy seven, ten, or fourteen-day holidays on the Rideau to see all the sights in one fantastic water-based adventure. Travel from Smiths Falls to the historic fort town of Kingston, or cruise in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, at your leisure. Moor your boat along the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa and experience the city from a brand-new perspective.

 

Whether you’re looking for a three-day, four-day, or longer getaway, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from with Le Boat. Spend some time touring world-famous cities, and spend your days and nights on the water, relaxing from the privacy of your own private yacht