Parks Canada welcomes boaters back to Rideau Canal for 2026 season

Parks Canada is welcoming visitors back to the Rideau Canal for the 2026 navigation season.

The Rideau Canal, which stretches between Kingston and Ottawa, is recognized as a Canadian Heritage River, a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parks Canada notes in a Wednesday, May 13 media release that more than one million visitors experience the canal annually.

The Canada Strong program will return this year, offering free lockage and 25 per cent off camping and roofed accommodations from June 19 to Sept. 7. Mooring fees will still apply.

The Lock & Paddle event will also return on Aug. 15, offering a free mass paddling event open to all skill levels.

Hours of operation

May 15 to June 18

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday to Sunday and Victoria Day (May 18): 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

June 19 to Sept. 7 (Canada Strong period)

• Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday to Sunday and holidays, including Canada Day (July 1), Civic Holiday (Aug. 3) and Labour Day (Sept. 7): 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 to Oct. 12

• Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday to Sunday and Thanksgiving (Oct. 12): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last lockage information

Parks Canada notes boaters must arrive at the designated blue line at least 30 minutes before closing time at single-lock stations.

For stations with multiple lock chambers, visitors should allow 30 minutes per lock. At swing bridges, including Brass Point Swing Bridge, vessels must arrive at least 20 minutes before closing.

Camping and accommodations

Reservable campsites are available at:

• Kilmarnock Lockstation
• Newboro Lockstation
• Beveridges Lockstation

oTENTik accommodations are available at:

• Upper Nicholsons Lockstation
• Upper Beveridges Lockstation
• Upper Brewers Lockstation

Historic accommodations operated through Rideau Lakes Cottages are available at:

• Beveridges Lockstation
• Newboro Lockstation
• Davis Lockstation

Parks Canada explains that the 25 per cent accommodation discount applies only to Parks Canada-administered camping and roofed accommodations.

LaSalle Causeway notice

Public Services and Procurement Canada has installed a temporary modular bridge at the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston.

Boaters with vessels requiring less than 14 to 16 feet (4.27 to 4.9 metres) of vertical clearance may be able to pass through the East Fixed Bridge at any time, depending on water levels.

Vessels requiring greater clearance will need to use scheduled openings through the main navigation channel.

More information about the Rideau Canal and the 2026 navigation schedule is available through Parks Canada Rideau Canal information page.