Canada Calling: Emerald Star Announces Expansion in Canada’s Capital, Ottawa

PRESS RELEASE

SMITHS FALLS, ON, February 2023 – Emerald Star has revealed plans to expand into Ottawa, Canada, for its 2023 season. From May, Europe’s largest self-drive boating company will be offering 32 state-of-the-art Horizon cruisers in Canada which can access the new base on Ontario’s historic Rideau Canal. Emerald Star has included Ottawa in its self-drive itineraries since its launch on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in 2018. The new location is expected to attract more customers from the UK and Ireland, with the addition of Ottawa’s *Dows Lake Pavilion as a new satellite base. The new base is in response to demand generated by Le Boat’s guests to include more convenient one-way trips to Ottawa, and allows guests to visit Canada’s capital with a charm that extends beyond its ornate Victorian buildings. The country’s capital also features world-class museums, beautiful scenery, and a variety of unique neighbourhoods to explore.

(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)

Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s managing director; says: “Today’s announcement reinforces Le Boat’s commitment to the Canadian market and the returning demand for international travel. Demand is flooding back and so it is best for clients to book now to secure bookings for the popular dates, the size of boat and the chosen base from where guests connect to the Rideau Canal more easily. We expect our new Emerald Star base on the Rideau Canal to bring important economic benefits to Ontario. The new Ottawa base provides the opportunity to extend stays in Ontario from visitors ‘bookending’ their Rideau Canal excursion to enjoy the wonderfully diverse offerings of Ontario”.  

The additional base will help Emerald Star grow, and create new full-time and part-time jobs as it prepares customers to return. Le Boat’s guests will benefit from six new itineraries, including convenient one-way trips to Ottawa from its main base in Smiths Falls, Ontario, or vice versa. Ottawa continues to be a favourite destination for clients of all ages due to its world-class museums, fascinating attractions, festivals and events, and eclectic shopping and dining experiences.   

(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)

Emerald Star is working in partnership with the Ottawa Tourism, Parks Canada, the National Capital Commission, and the local marina operator to have four dedicated slips and a dedicated Emerald Star reception booth at the Dows Lake Pavilion.  

“We could not be more thrilled to be welcoming Emerald Star to Ottawa for the 2023 season,” says Catherine Callary, Vice President, Destination Development at Ottawa Tourism. “Working with this global company means additional exposure for our destination in several European markets. As international visitation starts after the pandemic, the popular activity will be an additional draw for visitors to Ottawa. Boaters arriving and departing from Dows Lake will have all of Ottawa’s tourism attractions and dining options available to them, benefiting those visitor experiences and Ottawa’s visitor economy.” 

(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)

About Dow’s Lake Pavilion

Dows Lake is a small, manufactured lake on the Rideau Canal, located two kilometres north of Hog’s Back Falls, located in the heart of Ottawa.  It is an ideal location for people looking to enjoy the UNESCO Word Heritage Rideau Canal and Ottawa’s downtown attractions. Situated at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive in Ottawa, the Pavilion is home to an abundance of recreational activities and restaurants with water views and is a busy hub for outdoor enthusiasts. In the spring, it is a focal point for tulip displays during the Canadian Tulip Festival. It hosts both transient and seasonal boaters throughout the summer and early fall due to its large marina that offers fuel, pump outs, laundry, full private washroom facilities and serviced docking facilities.  In the winter months, the Pavilion is best known as the gateway to the world’s longest skating rink and the site of events during the Winterlude Festival.  

(Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism)