Self-drive canal cruising is extremely popular in Europe and this summer it is coming to Canada thanks to Le Boat - Europe’s #1 boating company. Le Boat is launching a fleet of brand new, comfortable cruisers from their base at Smiths Falls Ontario on the Rideau Canal. These luxury cruisers are going to be a fabulous addition to the Rideau Canal, and a great way to explore the beautiful lakes and waterways of this gorgeous part of Ontario. Boating is a very different kind of vacation! It’s fun, relaxing and suitable for couples, families and groups of friends alike.
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It’s exciting to be the Captain of your very own boat– setting your own agenda and stopping off at a whim. Slow down, set your own pace, and explore scenic waterways as you call in at at unique villages, wineries, local breweries and restaurants along the way. The beauty of life aboard a boat is that you're not on a set vacation itinerary, and there's no rushing to the next destination. Plus Le Boat takes care of every little detail for you – from the quality of your well-equipped boat to the background support they supply.
Enjoy your own private cruiser with no packing and unpacking, and a gentle pace that gives you lots of quality time with family and friends. You can even bring the family pet - dogs love boating too! Le Boat cruisers sleep 2-12 people and there is a wide choice of types of cruiser and configurations. Rental costs are charge per boat – so boating can be very affordable when the costs are split across a larger group. On Premier Class cruisers expect a fully equipped kitchen, cabins with en suite bathrooms, air cooling inside plus a sundeck with BBQ hotplate and comfortable seating outside.
This is a carefree vacation because you are travelling at less than 10kms per hour and you really can’t get lost on a canal or a river! Le Boat provides helpful suggested itineraries and a waterways map on board tells you where to go with approximate timings. If you are new to boating – don’t worry. No experience is necessary, and a boating license is not required for most of Le Boat’s suggested itineraries, including all vacations on the Rideau Canal.
Driving you private cruiser is like driving a car, and it is easy with a steering wheel with controls for forward and reverse. If you cruiser has bow and stern thrusters then there are simple joy stick controls. And Le Boat ensures that you are well prepared with an in-depth demonstration on how to navigate and how to drive - they even take you through your first locks.
Le Boat has over 40 years of experience, so no wonder it everything is seamless as you plan your boating vacation. It’s as easy as 1,2,3.
- First choose the boat that best fits your budget, size of group and travel style – Le Boat own and operate the largest and most stylish fleet of self-drive cruisers on Europe’s waterways and have over 900 cruisers across Europe.
- Second - choose a destination. Le Boat offers boating vacations in 17 unique destinations in 8 countries around Europe, as well as their brand new destination of the Rideau Canal in Canada! European destinations include France, England, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium and Holland.
- Choose Travel Dates. You can rent your private cruiser for 3 to 21 days or even longer. In Canada rentals are round trips from Le Boat’s base in Smiths Falls, Ontario. In Europe you can often plan a one-way rental from one Le Boat base to another. Le Boat has 17,000 departures every year with 35 bases across Europe.
For more information visit their website at www.leboat.ca or call 1-844-568-0159 to speak directly to representatives who can explain everything about boating vacations on the Rideau and in Europe. You can also speak with your travel agent.
Le Boat, Europe’s top canal cruising company, offers boat rental in 8 countries in Europe - and this summer they are launching their new program in Canada on the Rideau Canal. You can rent boats in Europe between March and December. In Canada the Rideau Canal is open for boating traffic between May and October.
A Le Boat vacation is truly a different way to explore European. Enjoy visiting ancient castles, playing golf, cooling off in an outdoor swimming pool, or biking to pick up your morning baguette. These vacations are perfect for families, wine connoisseurs and foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, couples or groups of friends.
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There are 207 suggested itineraries from Le Boat this summer spanning 17 unique destinations in France, England, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Holland and Canada. Here are just three suggested destinations for 2018.
Canada
Imagine the best cottage country that Canada has to offer, without being tied to one spot! Instead, enjoy it from your own personal cruiser. Le Boat is a great alternative to a cottage rental. You have a prime lake front view and you can even rent cottage toys like bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards! You’ll never get bored – your experience is ever-changing as you tour the waterways, locks and villages along the way.
The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Opened in 1832, it is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. The plan to construct the Rideau Canal between Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River was conceived after the War of 1812. It was designed to provide a secure supply route from Montréal to Kingston, avoiding the vulnerable St. Lawrence River route.
The canal was an amazing achievement and owes much to the determination and engineering prowess of its creator, Colonel By. 19th century working conditions were grueling and the work was done by hand. An estimated 1,000 men died during the six years of construction. Today, the Rideau Canal is one of North America’s most beautiful navigable waterways, with exquisite stone-masonry admired to this day.
The hand operated locks are still in use, pretty much as they were in Colonel By’s time. There are 24 Lock stations and 47 Locks on the Rideau, managed and maintained by Parks Canada.
There are 8 different itineraries available in the Rideau Canal with Le Boat, all using brand new, Premier category, Horizon cruisers.
France
Canal Midi in the South of France is one of Le Boat’s top cruising destinations and, like the Rideau Canal, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 360-km network of navigable waterways links the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.). It is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Built between 1667 and 1694, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.
Passing through historic water locks you will discover charming medieval villages and ancient fortress cities. Sightseeing, wine tasting, and sun-kissed cycle rides await, all the way from bustling Toulouse to the golden sands of the Mediterranean Sea.
There are 37 sample itineraries to choose from with Le Boat, and every one of those itineraries promises the most wonderful food and wine! The best-known specialties of the region are liver pâtés and goose or duck confits, respounjous (a kind of asparagus), cassoulet, beef filet with sauce périgueux, piperade, poule au pot, braised goose, and Toulouse sausages. You will also travel past lush vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region.
Britain
The Thames River is perhaps one of the world's most historic waterways. That becomes obvious as you travel to Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Cliveden House. But history and heritage is everywhere - often you'll dine in a pub that was built over 500 years ago and the historic University City of Oxford is rich in culture.You cannot navigate your cruiser into central London, but it is easily accessible by train.
The Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take place on May 19, 2018. What a great idea for Royal Wedding Watchers to join the celebrations from their own private Le Boat cruiser! You can be away from the crowds outside Windsor Castle and maybe even catch a glimpse of the happy couple or other royalty! What a great year to travel to the Royal sites as well as to enjoy the quaint English villages along the River Thames.
A Thames Cruise is also a great adventure for kids or grandkids. You can cruise up to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort with its fun rides and live shows! Families also enjoy visiting Hampton Court Palace near Kingston-upon-Thames, and Chessington World of Adventures is perfect for kids under age 12.
There are 9 suggested itineraries from Le Boat on the River Thames in England.