Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Life buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.

PBS Travelscope visits the Rideau Canal

Joseph Rosendo's TravelScope on PBS travels down the Rideau Canal

WATCH LE BOAT ON "TRAVELSCOPE WITH JOSEPH ROSENDO” ON PBS THIS SEPTEMBER 

Emmy Award winning PBS TravelScope with Joseph Rosendo has returned for its 11th season.  Host Joseph Rosendo, his wife Julie, and their crew enjoy many different adventure around the world, including a cruise in Canada airing in late September. Check you local listings for the episode which will feature the captivating trip along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada, aboard one of Le Boat’s premier Horizon vessels. Check your local PBS station listings for air time in your region.

 TravelScope on the Rideau Canal Preview Video

Joseph's Itinerary

Views on the Rideau CanalCruise just like Joseph Rosendo and enjoy a 7-day cruise on the Rideau Canal 

Extend your stay and travel to Ottawa to explore Canada’s capital city  at the start or end of your trip!   

Here is a overview of the trip  Joseph and the Travelscope Team cruised, but  you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation7 Day Cruise on the Rideau Canal – Smiths Falls to Seeley’s Bay, with trip to Merrickville  (one way) 

  • Smiths Falls 
  • Merrickville – then back to Smiths Falls 
  • Smiths Falls to Beveridge's Locks
  • Option to cruise up the ay Canal to the town of Perth 
  • Day stop at Rideau Ferry 
  • Wesport 
  • Newboro 
  • Chaffey's Lockstation  
  • Jones Falls 
  • Seeley's Bay  

Download the Rideau Canal Regional Guide

View the Full Itinerary 

 

The Journey

TravelScope in Ottawa, Canada

For most Le Boat  travelers, the journey begins in Smiths Falls in the centre of the waterway, where they have the choice to Cruise North to Canada's captial city of Ottawa or South to Kingston, Ontario. For the show’s filming, Joseph and his wife Julie’s cruise adventure began in Ottawa Ontario, where they climbed aboard a Le Boat Horizon Cruiser and personally piloted the luxury vessel along the canal’s watery trail.

“Taking a chartered Le Boat vessel down the Rideau Canal from Ottawa or up from Kingston is a “glamping” experience — a glamorous camping experience," commented Joseph, "Everything’s supplied for you and you can leisurely experience the canal’s natural and cultural riches."

About the Episode

Joseph Rosendo's TravelScope on PBS travels the UNESCO Rideau Canal in Canada

The programme was filmed during Le Boat’s first fall season in Canada and is dedicated to exploring the highlights of the picturesque UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, Le Boat’s newest destination. Following Joseph’s cruise through idyllic surrounding, the episode explores fascinating cultural, natural and historic sites. 

"Renting a Le Boat is very much like renting a car," says Lisa McLean, Le Boats North American marketing manager, "except you don't need a license or even any past boating experience! We provide you with all of the instruction needed to help you captain your own voyage of discovery and enjoy Canada at your own pace.  We loved hosting Joseph and the team and we really encourage those interested in seeing what the luxury houseboat cruising experience on the Rideau Canal is like to tune in to watch this Travelscope episode."

About the Rideau Canal

Jones Falls in Autumn with a Horizon Cruiser

The Rideau Canal first opened in 1832 and stretching from the Canadian capital of Ottawa to Kingston, on Lake Ontario, the Rideau is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America. The 125-mile engineering marvel connects lakes and rivers, with 47 locks and 24 lock stations taking holidaymakers through the heart of some of Ontario’s most picturesque scenery.

Le Boat in Canada

Le Boat in Canada

Since filming, Le Boat has expanded the Canadian fleet of premier Horizon cruiser to 20 boats and has add a second base on the Rideau at Seeley’s Bay. The addition of this well-located base will give visitors the chance to discover even more of this spectacular waterway.

Travellers now have the choice to start their trip in Smiths Falls or Seeley’s Bay with the option of doing a one-way cruise or returning their boat rental to the base they started.  Suggested itineraries are provided, but travelers can adjust the schedule to match their interest and likes.

Interested in Learning More?

Sharing wine on the Rideau Canal on your Le Boat houseboat rental

If you are new to boating, don’t worry - no previous boating experience or license required. 

  • The Le Boat team teaches you all your need to know to captain the boat yourself!
  • If you can drive a car you can drive these boats (bow and stern thruster make going thru the locks and parking the boats a breeze!)  

Le Boat’s 2020 cruising season on the Rideau starts May 17, 2020 and ends Oct 8, 2020. Choose from a 3 – 4 night short break, 7-10+ night cruise.

Watch Le Boat on TravelScope

Parks Canada Staff with Joseph Rosendo on the Rideau Canal with Le Boat

Be sure to watch Joseph’s Le Boat Rideau Canal adventure from Ottawa to Seeley’s Bay, Ontario.

TravelScope airs on PBS stations nationwide (check your local listings) AND will be streaming on Amazon Prime after November 1, 2019.

For information:

Save on your Rideau Canal Cruise

Special offer—Save an extra 5%* on your 2020 Canada cruise if you saw the TravelScope Rideau Canal Episode

  • Save 5% extra (for a max of 15% savings) on your Rideau Canal cruise 7 days or longer
  • Travel anytime in 2019 or 2020
  • Canada cruises only, onboard the Horizon Cruiser
  • Offer valid until Nov. 30, 2019. New Bookings only. For residence of North America only.
  • Use Promo Code PBSTV

*Terms and Conditions apply. Contact our Boating Experts at 1-800-734-5491 for full details.