Canada Calling: Le Boat Announces Expansion in Canada's Capital, Ottawa
PRESS RELEASE
SMITHS FALLS, ON, February 2023 – Le Boat has revealed plans to expand into Ottawa, Canada, for its 2023 season. From May, Europe’s largest self-drive boating company will be offering 32 state-of-the-art Horizon cruisers in Canada which can access the new base on Ontario’s historic Rideau Canal. Le Boat has included Ottawa in its self-drive itineraries since its launch on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in 2018. The new location is expected to attract more customers from the UK and Ireland, with the addition of 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 allows guests to visit Canada’s capital with a charm that extends beyond its ornate Victorian buildings. The country’s capital also features world-class museums, beautiful scenery, and a variety of unique neighbourhoods to explore.
(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)
Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s managing director; says: “Today’s announcement reinforces Le Boat’s commitment to the Canadian market and the returning demand for international travel. Demand is flooding back and so it is best for clients to book now to secure bookings for the popular dates, the size of boat and the chosen base from where guests connect to the Rideau Canal more easily. We expect our new Le Boat base on the Rideau Canal to bring important economic benefits to Ontario. The new Ottawa base provides the opportunity to extend stays in Ontario from visitors ‘bookending’ their Rideau Canal excursion to enjoy the wonderfully diverse offerings of Ontario”.
The additional base will help Le Boat grow, and create new full-time and part-time jobs as it prepares customers to return. Le Boat’s 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 clients of all ages due to its world-class museums, fascinating attractions, festivals and events, and eclectic shopping and dining experiences.
(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)
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.
"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."
(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)
What's New for 2023
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 19th May 2023 (Victoria Day long weekend) and ends on 9th October 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 €1207.00 for a four-night cruise or from €1851.00 for a seven-night cruise (quoted on 01 March 2023).
About Dow's 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.
(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)
About Le Boat
Le Boat, a leader in boat rental holidays 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 licence 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 boating break or a 7-10+ night holiday. Le Boat’s luxury boat rentals come with bow and stern thrusters, fully equipped kitchens, fresh linens and bedding, a top sun deck & much more! Le Boat is a proud Rainbow Registered company.
