Explore more: discover what a Emerald Star holiday offers 

For couples: historical towns, local markets, and café stops 

For couples, afternoons unfold slowly, led by curiosity. Leave the boat behind and wander cobbled lanes where history-filled towns and striking old fortresses rise along the way. Then maybe cycle to the next village for a wine tasting, with bikes hired as holiday extra, or follow trails with no real destination in mind. Local markets draw you in with regional produce, while small shops and the scent drifting from nearby kitchens catch your attention as you go. Then it’s time to pause, maybe at a café table or on a bench by the canal, sipping a good coffee or sharing a treat, with nowhere else you need to be.

For families: easy adventures and everyday discoveries 

When travelling with your family, skip the fixed plans and let the day take its course! Wander through parks, along gentle paths and through villages, or hop on a bike to reach wider stretches of open nature, where pausing often is part of the fun. There’s always something to spark a child’s curiosity: a castle to explore, a bridge to cross, wildlife to spot. And every so often, why not add an extra stop for an ice cream, a picnic, or a swim on warmer days? There’s no racing the clock, just the simple pleasure of spending the afternoon doing what you enjoy, together. 

For friends: hiking, cycling, and lively villages 

With friends, afternoons carry a different kind of energy. There’s no set schedule, just the pull of cycling a little further (even with e-bikes!), following a towpath into nature, or heading towards a lively village filled with voices and music. Some feel like hiking, others love exploring, and others simply like finding a good spot and staying a while. And when the ride stretches on and plans start to shift, a casual outing can turn into a long, leisurely lunch. The afternoon flows naturally, and that’s what makes it special. 

When evenings slow down… or stay out longer 

As the day wanes, light softens and evening takes over, bringing new smells, glowing signs, and a gentler rhythm. Some nights lead back on board, where the boat becomes a quiet base to cook, chat, read, or watch the stars from the deck. Other evenings continue ashore: a last-minute table, live music spilling into a square, with no need to rush back. That’s one of the real pleasures of a boating holiday. The best part? You never have to choose between doing more or slowing down. Follow the mood, stay out a little longer, or head back early: your evening is yours to shape. 

Spring in Europe: flowers, markets, and festivals 

Spring is when the canal boating season begins and the time of year that brings waterways to life with colour, culture, and celebration. Whether you’re drifting along the canals or wandering the streets ashore, spring truly offers something extra to wake up to on a boating holiday, whatever your interest. 

• Keukenhof Tulip Festival (mid-March to mid-May, Netherlands)
  Step into a sea of blooms at one of the world’s most famous gardens a perfect spring reason to explore the legendary Dutch waterways.
• St. Patrick’s Day (17 March, Ireland) 
  Experience Ireland at its liveliest, with towns filled with parades, music, and plenty of green! A memorable way to discover local culture. 
• Easter Break (3-6 April, Europe) 
  Markets, fairs, and seasonal events across Europe bring cities, villages, and towns to life during this family-friendly long weekend. 
• King’s Day (27 April, Netherlands) 
  Streets and canals turn into vibrant celebrations with music, markets, and flotillas, a joyful national tradition to experience from your boat. 
• Chelsea Flower Show (late May, UK) 
  A must for garden lovers, showcasing Britain’s finest floral displays and inspiring ideas for spring. 

Canada from May to October: the best events along the water 

Our enchanting boating destinations in Canada – the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway –  offer a rich calendar of vibrant festivals and seasonal experiences, perfect for stretching your holiday a little longer and joining in the local buzz. 

• Ottawa Tulip Festival (mid-May) 
  Explore colourful gardens and riverside walks while the city celebrates its iconic blooms. 
• Concerts in the Park @ Lock 32 – Bobcaygeon (summer) 
  Live music among the trees, a relaxed way to enjoy a summer afternoon. 
• Music at the Locks @ Lock 31 – Buckhorn (summer)  
  Local artists perform while you moor nearby, making the perfect soundtrack for your day on (and off) the water. 
• Italian Week Ottawa (early June) 
  There’s no better way to celebrate Italian culture than with great food, music, and street entertainment in the heart of the city. 
• Ottawa Jazz Festival (late June)  
  Jazz music enthusiast? Then get ready for outdoor stages and lively venues for an incredible experience, with waterside cafés perfect for pausing between performances. 
• Ottawa Ribfest (late May/June) 
  Smoky aromas, music, and a lively festival atmosphere along the riverbank create a feast for the senses. 
• Lock & Paddle – Canada’s Parks Day (mid-July) 
  Family-friendly activities, paddling adventures, and games await along the waterways, promising a day full of fun. 
• Capital Pride (mid-August)  
  A vibrant celebration of diversity, parades, and community, adding a colourful highlight to any summer boating itinerary.