Ottawa Boat Cruise

Last reviewed: August 1, 2026. Business status: Active.

Couples comparing an Ottawa boat wedding venue can consider Ottawa Boat Cruise for a private celebration on the Ottawa River or Rideau Canal. Its official private-rentals page specifically identifies ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners as wedding uses. The company offers several vessels rather than one fixed event room, so capacity, cruise length, boarding point and available amenities depend on the ship selected.

The official website currently identifies Ottawa Boat Cruise as an operator of public tours and private event rentals in the National Capital Region. This profile focuses only on its documented wedding-related private rentals. Last reviewed: August 1, 2026.

Services and specialization

Ottawa Boat Cruise offers private vessel rentals for weddings and other events. For wedding cruises, the company says it provides the vessel and a professional crew that includes a licensed captain, staffed bar and security. It lists wedding ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners as possible formats.

Custom catering is available from a selected menu. Depending on the vessel, the site also documents full-service bars, professional sound and lighting, space for a DJ, a dance floor and access to a decorator. Couples should confirm which items are included in their rental rather than merely available at an additional cost.

• Private wedding cruises on the Ottawa River or Rideau Canal
• Ceremony, reception and rehearsal-dinner formats documented
• Catering, bar service and event enhancements vary by vessel

Vessels and guest capacities

The fleet provides materially different formats. The electric Rideau Canal ships have a stated passenger capacity of 95, although the recommended maximum for social events is 70 to 80. The Paula D is listed at 210 passengers, with 150 recommended for social events. The Ottawa River Queen is the largest option, with a stated capacity of 330.

Guest numbers should be discussed as seated or social-event capacity, not assumed from a vessel's passenger certificate. Layout, catering, dancing, equipment and accessibility needs may reduce the practical number for a wedding.

• Electric Rideau Canal ships: 70–80 guests recommended for social events
• Paula D: 150 guests recommended for social events
• Ottawa River Queen: stated capacity of 330 guests

Service area and who it may suit

Private events operate in the Ottawa–Gatineau area, using the Ottawa River or Rideau Canal. Documented boarding locations include downtown Ottawa near the National Arts Centre and Westin, the Ottawa Locks, Hull Marina and Quai des Artistes. The correct departure point depends on the vessel.

The service may suit couples seeking a moving waterfront setting and whose guest count fits one of the documented vessel formats. It may also work for a rehearsal dinner or reception separate from the ceremony. Couples should account for fixed boarding times and ensure guests can reach the assigned dock.

• Ottawa and Gatineau boarding options
• River and canal vessel choices
• Potential fit for weddings from smaller social events to larger receptions

Confirmed strengths and practical limitations

Documented features include multiple vessel sizes, professional crew, licensed bar service, catering availability and DJ-compatible options. The company says cruises operate rain or shine using enclosed, climate-controlled decks; in severe thunderstorms, however, a vessel may remain docked for the event.

The official page contains a capacity discrepancy: its wedding summary says up to 325 people, while the Ottawa River Queen description states 330. Parking is described as paid, and accessibility details are not clearly published on the pages reviewed. These points should be resolved for the selected vessel before signing.

• Enclosed, climate-controlled decks documented
• Staff, catering and entertainment options vary by ship
• Final capacity, accessibility and severe-weather procedure require confirmation

Pricing

Current private-rental pricing is explicitly published. The electric Rideau Canal ships are listed at $1,899 on weekdays and $2,399 on weekends for a two-hour cruise. The three-hour Paula D rental is listed at $2,999 on weekdays and $3,499 on weekends. The three-hour Ottawa River Queen rental is $3,999 on weekdays and $4,699 on weekends.

The site states that taxes and service fees are additional. These figures appear to be vessel-rental prices, not complete wedding totals. Catering, drinks, décor, DJ services, transportation, security requirements and other additions should be itemized in a written quote.

• Electric canal ship: $1,899 weekday or $2,399 weekend
• Paula D: $2,999 weekday or $3,499 weekend
• Ottawa River Queen: $3,999 weekday or $4,699 weekend

Contact and booking

The official contact page lists 2 Rideau Street as the place to visit and describes it as a summer ticket office. This should not be treated as the automatic wedding boarding address. The company lists 819-246-3855 and administration@ottawaboatcruise.com for general contact.

For private rentals, the website directs enquiries to julia@ottawaboatcruise.com and provides a form requesting the proposed date, event type, estimated attendance and preferred vessel. Private-event availability is advertised from early May through Thanksgiving weekend, but a specific date still requires confirmation.

• General phone: 819-246-3855
• Private-rental email: julia@ottawaboatcruise.com
• Provide date, guest estimate and preferred vessel when enquiring

What couples should confirm

Ask for a vessel-specific proposal showing the safe event capacity for the intended floor plan, cruise duration, boarding and return times, exact dock, accessibility arrangements and parking or transportation options. Confirm what happens if severe weather prevents sailing but the event can remain aboard at the dock.

The written proposal should also separate the rental fee from taxes, service fees, catering, beverages, staffing, security, décor, DJ or audio equipment and overtime. Couples should request current menus and clarify dietary accommodations, payment schedule, deposit terms, cancellation rules and the final guest-count deadline.

• Selected vessel and wedding-layout capacity
• Exact boarding point and guest arrival procedure
• Included staff, furniture and entertainment equipment
• Catering, bar and dietary arrangements
• Weather, cancellation and rescheduling terms
• Complete price with taxes, fees and optional services

Continue planning

• Canada wedding directory
• wedding banquet halls
• wedding and bridal guide

Frequently asked questions

Does Ottawa Boat Cruise host wedding ceremonies and receptions?

Yes. Its official private-rentals page specifically lists ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners as wedding-cruise formats.

How many wedding guests can Ottawa Boat Cruise accommodate?

The recommended social-event maximum is 70–80 on the electric canal ships and 150 on the Paula D. The River Queen is listed for 330, although the wedding summary elsewhere says 325, so its final wedding capacity should be confirmed.

How much does a private wedding cruise cost?

Published vessel rentals range from $1,899 for a weekday electric canal cruise to $4,699 for a weekend River Queen cruise. Taxes and service fees are extra, and food, drinks and optional services may increase the total.

Where do wedding guests board?

Boarding depends on the vessel. Officially documented options include downtown Ottawa near the National Arts Centre and Westin, the Ottawa Locks, Hull Marina and Quai des Artistes in Gatineau.

Can a wedding cruise operate in rain?

The company says its enclosed, climate-controlled decks allow cruises to operate rain or shine. Severe thunderstorms may cause the vessel to remain docked for the event.

Sources checked

• Private Rentals – Ottawa Boat Cruise – Croisiere Outaouais
• Ottawa Boat Cruise – Croisiere Outaouais
• Contact Us – Ottawa Boat Cruise – Croisiere Outaouais

Address: 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5

Phone: 819-246-3855

Website: https://ottawaboatcruise.com/