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Ontario Boat Ramps › Ottawa Boat Ramps

Ottawa Boat Ramps — Ottawa River & Rideau River Launches 2026

Public boat launches in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park, Rideau River at Mooney's Bay, and Rideau Canal lock launches from Ottawa to Kingston.

PCL Numbers Required

All motorized pleasure craft on the Ottawa River, Rideau River, and Rideau Canal must display the Pleasure Craft Licence number on both sides of the bow, minimum 75 mm (3") tall, contrasting colour — Transport Canada SOR/2010-91. Order compliant marine decals →

Ottawa River Boat Launches

The Ottawa River is a large, navigable waterway with significant current and excellent fishing. Launches are spread along the Ontario shore from downtown Ottawa west to Arnprior.

Andrew Haydon Park Boat Launch

Ottawa West · Ottawa River
Fee:Free City of Ottawa — no launch fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Andrew Haydon Park on the Ottawa River
Parking:Andrew Haydon Park lot — good trailer space
Access:Year-round when ice-free. One of Ottawa's most popular free launches
Address:Andrew Haydon Park, Carling Ave at Ottawa River Pkwy, Ottawa
Notes:Excellent walleye, pike, and muskie fishing on the Ottawa River. Current can be strong — check NCC/Parks Canada advisories.

Ottawa River — Champlain Bridge Launch

Ottawa · Ottawa River (Gatineau side access)
Fee:Free NCC parkway access
Ramp:Small ramp near Ottawa River Pkwy — best for smaller motorboats and paddle craft
Parking:NCC parkway parking — trailer access limited
Notes:Strong current near Champlain Bridge during high water. Check NCC water conditions report before launching.

Britannia Yacht Club (Guest Ramp)

Ottawa · Lac Deschênes (Ottawa River broadening)
Fee:Fee Guest launch fee applies
Ramp:Protected marina ramp on Lac Deschênes — calmer conditions than open Ottawa River
Parking:Marina lot — trailer parking available
Access:Seasonal. One of Ottawa's premier sailing and powerboat bases
Address:3777 Richmond Rd, Ottawa (Britannia area)

Rideau River Launches

The Rideau River flows through Ottawa into the Ottawa River. Calmer than the Ottawa River — good for families and paddlers.

Mooney's Bay Park Boat Launch

Ottawa South · Rideau River
Fee:Free City of Ottawa — no fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Mooney's Bay Park — popular family waterfront
Parking:Mooney's Bay Park lot — good trailer access
Access:Year-round. Rideau River is calmer and safer for smaller boats than the Ottawa River
Address:Mooney's Bay Park, Riverside Dr, Ottawa
Notes:Good perch, bass, and pike fishing. Family-friendly area with beach adjacent. Connects to Rideau Canal system.

Rideau Canal — Ottawa (Hartwell's Locks)

Ottawa · Rideau Canal · Parks Canada
Fee:Parks Canada Lock fee for through-cruising
Ramp:Hand-launch at Hartwell's Locks; trailer launch from nearby Mooney's Bay or Long Island
Access:Seasonal (mid-May to mid-October). UNESCO World Heritage waterway — 202 km to Kingston
Address:Hartwell's Locks, Rideau Canal, Ottawa (near Carleton University)
Notes:The Rideau Canal is one of the world's great cruising waterways. Buy a seasonal lock permit for unlimited lockage Ottawa to Kingston.

Long Island Lock Launch (Manotick)

Manotick · Rideau River / Canal · Parks Canada
Fee:Parks Canada Site managed by Parks Canada
Ramp:Parks Canada managed ramp at Manotick, Rideau Canal
Access:Seasonal. Manotick is a popular base for Rideau cruising, midway between Ottawa and Kingston
Address:Long Island Rd, Manotick (near Watson's Mill)
Notes:Watson's Mill in Manotick is a National Historic Site right on the river. Good picnic stop on a Rideau cruise.

Ottawa River & Rideau Canal — PCL Decals Required

Every motorized pleasure craft on the Ottawa River, Rideau River, and Rideau Canal must display its Pleasure Craft Licence number on both sides of the bow — minimum 75 mm (3") tall, contrasting colour. Premium marine vinyl decals cut to your PCL number. Ships Canada-wide from Niagara, Ontario.

Transport Canada SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified March 2026
Order Compliant
Decals →

Frequently Asked Questions — Ottawa Boating

Is the Ottawa River safe for recreational boating?
The Ottawa River can have significant current and hazards, especially during spring high water and near hydroelectric dams. Always check NCC (ncc-ccn.gc.ca) and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority water conditions before launching. The western sections (Lac Deschênes broadening near Britannia) are calmer. The Gatineau River confluence area can have dangerous currents during spring runoff.
Can I cruise the Rideau Canal from Ottawa to Kingston?
Yes — the Rideau Canal is 202 km long with 45 locks. It's navigable from mid-May to mid-October. A seasonal lock permit covers unlimited use of all locks. The waterway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of North America's finest inland cruising routes. Parks Canada operates the locks and provides lockmaster assistance.
What fish can I catch from Ottawa boat launches?
The Ottawa River is famous for walleye (pickerel), muskellunge (muskie), northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The Rideau River and Canal offer excellent largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. A valid Ontario Outdoors Card with fishing licence is required for Ontario residents and visitors.