Le Boat announces expansion in Canada’s capital, Ottawa

Jan 23, 2023

Le Boat announces plans to expand further into Ottawa for its 2023 season beginning May 19, 2023. 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. It is now adding Ottawa’s Dows Lake Pavilion as a new satellite base. The new base is in response to demand generated by Le Boat’s guests to include more convenient one-way trips to Ottawa and is expected to bring more international travellers to Ottawa’s downtown.

“Today’s announcement reinforces Le Boat’s commitment to the Canadian market and the returning demand from our international guests to more easily connect to the Rideau Canal,” said Lisa McLean, Le Boat Marketing Manager.

The additional base helps position Le Boat for growth and will create new full-time and part-time jobs as it prepares for the return of international customers. Le Boat’s domestic 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 continues to be a favourite destination for boaters of all ages due to its world-class museums, unique attractions, festivals & events, and eclectic shopping & dining experiences.

Le Boat is working in partnership with the Ottawa Tourism, Parks Canada, 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 guest to Ottawa.

“We could not be more thrilled to be welcoming 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’s will be accepting delivery of two new Horizon Plus Cruisers (Horizon 1 Plus and Horizon 4 Plus) from Delphia Yachts, bringing their fleet on the Rideau to 32 boats. Boating season on the Rideau Canal starts on May 19, 2023 (Victoria Day long weekend) and ends on Oct 9, 2023 (Canadian Thanksgiving). Boaters will be able to cruise on the Horizon 1, Horizon 2 Plus, Horizon 3 Plus and Horizon 4 from Le Boat’s new base in Ottawa and will have the option of choosing 3–6-night short break or 7-10-night one-way or round-trip cruise options (starting in Ottawa or Smiths Falls). Boat rental pricing starts at just $1682 CAD for a four-night cruise or from $3093 CAD for a seven-night cruise.

Visit www.leboat.ca/en for more information or to book your boating vacation. Book before January 31, 2023, to save up to 15% on your 2023 Le Boat cruise!

About Dows Lake Pavilion
Dows Lake is a small, manufactured lake on the Rideau Canal, located two kilometres north of Hog’s Back Falls, located in the heart of Ottawa. It is an ideal location for people looking to enjoy the UNESCO Word Heritage Rideau Canal and Ottawa’s downtown attractions. Situated at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive in Ottawa, the Pavilion is home to an abundance of recreational activities and restaurants with water views and is a busy hub for outdoor enthusiasts. In the spring, it is a focal point for tulip displays during the Canadian Tulip Festival. It hosts both transient and seasonal boaters throughout the summer and early fall due to its large marina that offers fuel, pump outs, laundry, full private washroom facilities and serviced docking facilities. In the winter months, the Pavilion is best known as the gateway to the world’s longest skating rink and the site of events during the Winterlude Festival.

About Le Boat
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, Le Boat arrived in Canada in 2018 and now has a local fleet of 32 boats available for rental on Ontario’s UNESCO Rideau Canal. With no previous boating experience or boat license required, Le Boat shows you how to captain your boat at your own pace on a flexible itinerary. Boats range in size from one to five cabins (sleeping up to 12 people), and travellers can choose a 3-6 night short break or a 7-10+ night vacation. Le Boat’s luxury boat rentals come with bow and stern thrusters, fully equipped kitchens, fresh linens and bedding, a top sun deck, BBQ hot plate & much more! Le Boat is a proud Rainbow Registered company.