Times of the first and last lockages of the day, particularly at lockstations with multiple locks, are not guaranteed. They are often affected by heavy boat traffic, water management and other station opening and closing duties of the lock staff.
To maximize chances of being locked through late in the day during regular hours, arrive early enough to allow for complete lockages in both directions.
Last Lockage
At a lockstation with one lock chamber, boaters must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
At lockstations with two lock chambers, boaters must arrive at least one hour before closing.
At lockstations with three lock chambers, boaters must arrive at least 1.5 hours before closing.
At lockstations with four lock chambers, boaters must arrive at least two hours before closing.
At Ottawa Locks, boaters must arrive at least 3.5 hours before closing.
At swing bridges, boaters must arrive 10 minutes before closing.
Bridge Schedules
Most swing/lift bridges operate on an "on-demand" schedule. However, in some areas, a more rigid schedule is kept:
Ottawa: swing/lift bridges remain closed during rush hour traffic from Monday to Friday; 8:30-9:00 am, 12:30-1:15 pm, and 3:30-5:30 pm.
Smiths Falls Bridge, operated on-demand except from June 25 to August 15, when it opens at 8:45, 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, and 11:45 am. It operates on-demand after 1:00 pm.
Old Slys Bridge, remains closed during weekdays from 11:55 am to 12:15 pm and 12:45 to 1:00 pm.
Perth's Beckwith Street Bridge swings on demand (check with Beveridges lock staff)
Kingston's Bascule Bridge open from 6 am to 10 pm and swings hour on the hour except for 8, 12, 4, 5 o'clock on weekdays.
Brass Point: this is operated by Parks Canada on exactly the same schedule as the locks (see "Hours of Operation" above).
2012 Lockage, Mooring and Camping Fees (HST included) (2011 fees are in effect until March 31, 2012)
Note: all figures are in $Canadian. To convert to $US multiply by 1.00 (e.g. $5 CAN = $5 US).
Type of Permit
2011 Rates
2012 Rates
Single Lockage and Return
$0.90/ft
$0.90/ft
One Day Lockage
$1.60/ft
$1.60/ft
Six Day*
$5.05/ft
$5.05/ft
Transit (one way)
$4.65/ftt
$4.65/ft
Seasonal Lockage
$8.80/ft
$8.80/ft
Overnight Mooring
$0.90/ft
$0.90/ft
Seasonal Mooring
$9.80/ft
$9.80/ft
Power (per 24 hrs)**
$9.80 per night
$9.80 per night
Camping
$4.90 per person
$4.90 per person
* Allows passage through any number of locks on any six days.
Note: these fees apply to the Rideau Waterway, Trent-Severn Waterway and Sault Ste. Marie Canals. In addition, the six day permits and seasonal lockage and mooring permits are valid for all the canals run by Parks Canada in Ontario and Quebec (i.e. with a single season permit you could traverse all those canals).
A minimum 12 foot vessel length charge will be made for boats 12 feet and under.
Purchase of a mooring permit includes one free camping site.
Permits are valid only during the year of issue and are not transferable or
refundable.
Boaters are limited to 2 nights (48hrs) mooring at a lockstation - extensions are available at the discretion of the lockmaster. Vessels having reached the maximum stay cannot return to the same wharf or wall for 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by the lock staff.
Purchasing a Lock Pass (NEW as of 2012)
A Seasonal or 6-Day Lock Pass and/or a Seasonal Mooring Permit may be purchased:
By mail or telephone through the Parks Canada National Information Service (call 1-888-773-8888)
All types of lockpass (seasonal, 6-day, transit, one day, single lockage) and mooring permits may be purchased:
At any Rideau lockstation during the navigation season.
Payment at a lockstation can be made by VISA, Mastercard, Amex, personal cheque or cash.
Boat Launching and Parking
Boat Launching
Per Launch (includes parking where applicable)
$9.80
Season boat launching at Hogs Back, Poonamalie, Smiths Falls Detached, Edmunds and Beveridges Lockstations
$98.10
Parking (only fee parking is listed, other locks are free)
Lockstation
Hourly
Daily
Seasonal
Hogs Back
--
$4.00
--
Hartwells
$1.00
$4.00
$417 (winter)
Black Rapids
$1.00
$4.00
---
Long Island
$1.00
$4.00
---
Merrickville
$1.00
$4.00
---
Newboro
---
$3.00 (Township)
$132.40
Kingston Mills
$1.00
$3.00
---
For more information contact:
Rideau Canal Office
34 Beckwith St. South,
Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 2A8
Tel: 613-283-5170
Toll Free: 1-888-773-8888 (Parks Canada Call Centre - North America only)
Fax: 613-283-0677
email: RideauCanal-info@pc.gc.ca
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