On my recent trip to Ottawa we decided to take an Ottawa boat cruise on our first day in the city to give us an overview of the city and its history along with getting the “lay of the land”. Paul’s Boat Lines Ottawa River Cruise offers a 1.5 hr tour that includes magnificent views of the Parliament Buildings, Museum of Civilization, Rideau Falls, glimpses of Sussex Dr and much more.
Paul’s Boat Lines Review
The staff on Paul’s Boat Lines were extremely friendly and helpful From the ticket office to the captain everyone went the extra mile to make sure we had an enjoyable boat cruise with the kids. Monkey even had a chance to drive the boat! I would suggest ditching the stroller and opting for a baby carrier or walking. The boat has 2 levels, and if you are spending most of your time on the upper deck (where the best views are) you will not be able to get your stroller up there easily.
Enjoying the City from the water
The Ottawa boat cruise was divided up into approximately 45 minutes of sight seeing with commentary from your guide and 45 minutes of time to relax, walk around on the boat to enjoy the sights and ask any questions you have about the city. The perfect length of time to enjoy some time on the water without the kids getting bored. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, she had no problem answers our questions about the city and some of the landmarks along the skyline.
Ottawa Boat Cruise
The boat was spacious and comfortable, and there was plenty of shade even on a hot day. As an added bonus you could buy snacks on board including drinks and ice cream. There was a class trip on board with us, and even with all of the students it never felt crowded. If your interested in seeing the Chateau Laurier up close you can check out Afternoon Tea at the Chateau Laurier.
When planning your cruise with Paul’s Boat Cruises I would give them a quick call to confirm departure times and locations. Depending on water levels or other factors the times/locations may change. A quick call to their helpful office staff will have you all set for an enjoyable cruise.
Paul’s Boat lines offers tours on the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal at affordable rates. If you are visiting Ottawa I would highly recommend taking an Ottawa Boat Cruise with Paul’s Boat Lines during your stay as it is a beautiful way to experience the city.
Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary passes. All opinions are strictly my own.
Your little guy is so cute. He looks so happy with his ice cream. It sounds like a wonderful way to see the city and having a good tour guide like that makes it so easy when you go back on your own; he/she will have given you a good start.
oh how i’d love to go on a cruise right now!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Whenever we ravel I always like to take advantage of tours like this, whether by land or sea. It looks like you had a relaxing day sightseeing!
Adorable pictures!! I have never been to Canada. It’s been a long time since my little boy traveled by boat, though, I bet he’d love it.
Wow that place is gorgeous
I love doing water tours! It’s always a treat to see buildings and homes from a different angle, and boat tour guides always seem to be full of the most interesting, unique facts about the area.
Your little ones are precious! 🙂
that looks amazing! I have never take a water tour before but have always dreamed about one day taking my family!
For starters, there’s nothing quite like a boat ride. So much fun…so exhilarating…but when you add in the sights you got to see, holy moly. What an experience! I’m jealous!
I would love to take my son on a boat. Anyway it looks like you all had fun. Have a nice weekend.
What an amazing experience! I would love to have a chance to go on a boat ride like that. Ok…so I got a moonlight river ride in Paris and saw the Eiffel tower twinkle at midnight…but still. It was awesome. I would love to have another boat ride…and one that I could take my kids on so they could enjoy it too.
Boat rides are fun on good days! Your little guy looks so happy!
Oh the pictures of your little guy just blog me away! He’s so so cute!
how stinkin cute is your little one at the wheel! looks like it was a fun boat cruise!
That looks amazing! The view is breathtaking
I’ve been to Ottawa twice before and it really is a beautiful city. The boat cruise looks like fun!
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your Ottawa boat cruise. I too have brought my own children on these boat tours (we live here in Ottawa)when they were quite young, as well several times over the years. They have enjoyed the boat cruises and have enjoyed bringing our extended family along when they arrive in Ottawa for holidays. As children they could educate everyone about our wonderful city and tell them which land marks they were soon arriving at. Their grandparents used to love to take them when they were younger. Now, they return that favor and take take their grandparents. It is a lovely way to view the Parliament buildings and other scenic landmarks.
I too would recommend anyone who has never been to take your families on this lovely little voyage along the river, it is quite beautiful.
Jackie
Thanks for the review, we are going to Ottawa for the week and love new ideas.
I didn’t know you could take a cruise, I’d have loved to have done that when I was there. What a beautiful way to enjoy the city.