Le Boat expands in Ottawa, adds Dows Lake Pavilion as satellite base

Luxury houseboat rental company Le Boat has announced that it will expand further into Ottawa for its 2023 season, beginning May 19, 2023. 

The 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, according to a press release. 

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's Marketing Manager on Jan. 17.  

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. 

6 new itineraries

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, ON, or vice versa. 

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.

READ MORE: PAX finds a "private paradise" in ON's Rideau Canal with Le Boat

"We could not be more thrilled to be welcoming Le Boat to Ottawa for the 2023 season," said 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 $1,682 CAD for a four-night cruise or from $3,093 CAD for a seven-night cruise.      

With Le Boat, no previous boating experience or boat license required. 

Click here for more information. Book before Jan. 31, 2023, and save up to 15 per cent on a 2023 Le Boat cruise. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.