Ottawa Set to Welcome Le Boat
Ottawa Tourism is getting set to officially welcome Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating vacations, to the Rideau Canal in 2018 as the company’s first destination outside of Europe.
Ottawa is seen as an ideal spot to begin or end a Le Boat vacation, with museums, family friendly attractions, shopping and a thriving dining and craft beer scene.
“The addition of Le Boat to Ottawa’s tourism scene is exciting,” says Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “It is the perfect way to explore Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal, and will in turn expose Ottawa’s charms to a new clientele from a new vantage point.”
He noted that Ottawa benefits from easy road, train and air access from all major Canadian cities; it is also easily accessible from most major eastern US cities and has direct air access to and from Frankfurt (summers) and London Heathrow (year-round).
“We are beyond thrilled to introduce our new route – Le Boat’s first destination in North America – to our customers,” said Cheryl Brown, managing director at Le Boat. “Ottawa and the Rideau Canal have so much to offer and there is no better way to experience the new course than by exploring the stunning capital itself. The abundance of exciting activities, scenic landscapes and rich culture will attract our customers seeking for a new vacation destination.”
Part of the charm of the Rideau Canal system is its variety of experiences – from quiet and rugged rural landscapes to the hustle and bustle of Canada’s capital. The Rideau Canal system even forms part of the Ottawa city limits. The beautifully historic small town of Manotick (now part of Ottawa) is worth a stop for its still-functioning flour mill (Watson’s Mill) and variety of special tours and events.
