Spring is in the air, the ice is off the Rivers and the Sightseeing Cruises are back on the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River.  Seeing the city from the water adds a whole other dimension... Ottawa's history is built upon the river and a tour is a great way to get a feel for that and an understanding of how water still plays a significant role in the city's life.

Here then is a list of the tours available for the 2009 Season:

RIDEAU CANAL CRUISES (in-town portion)

Paul's Boat Lines  Rideau Canal Dock (beside the Government Conference Centre, just off Colonel By Drive near the Westin Hotel). Canal cruises run from mid-May (Victoria Day Weekend) thru to mid-October (Thanksgiving Weekend). Tours are 1-1/4 hours in duration.

OTTAWA RIVER CRUISES

Capital Cruises Ottawa  Ottawa Locks Dock on the Ottawa River (just below the BIG locks beside The Chateau Laurier Hotel). Cruises run spring to fall. Tours are 1-1/2 hours in duration.

Capital Cruises Ottawa  Jacques Cartier Park Wharf (near the Museum of Civilization next to the Interprovincial Bridge ). Cruises run spring to fall. Tours are 2 hours in duration.

Paul's Boat Lines  Ottawa Locks Dock on the Ottawa River (just below the BIG locks beside The Chateau Laurier Hotel). Cruises run from mid-May (Victoria Day weekend) thru to mid-October (Thanksgiving weekend). Tours are 1-1/2 hours in duration.

Paul's Boat Lines  Jacques Cartier Park Wharf (near the Museum of Civilization next to the Interprovincial Bridge ). Cruises run spring to fall. Tours are 2 hours in duration.

DINNER CRUISES

Capital Cruises Ottawa  Jacques Cartier Park Wharf (near the Museum of Civilization next to the Interprovincial Bridge ). Dinner cruises run Wednesday and Friday evenings from May thru August (September if there is enough demand). Cruises are 2-1/2 hours in duration. Dinner is buffet style.