OTTAWA YACHT
PRIVATE CHARTERS & PUBLIC TOURS
FAQ.
OTTAWA YACHT
PRIVATE CHARTERS
& PUBLIC TOURS
FAQ
📅 Booking & Pricing
❓ How do I book a tour?
Easy! Just head to OttawaYacht.ca and book online. We use FareHarbor to securely process all bookings.
❓ Difference between Private Charters and Shared Cruises?
Private Charters are reserved exclusively for your group. Shared Cruises are public, so you may be sharing the yacht with other guests. Same stunning river. Same polished service.
❓ What’s the cost?
Private Charters start at $549/hr. Shared Cruises are $79.50/person depending on the day and vibe. Fireworks Nights are $149/person. Taxes extra.
❓ How many guests can I bring?
Each yacht can accommodate up to 12 passengers. For larger groups, both yachts may be chartered together to accommodate up to 24 passengers.
❓ Do you offer discounts for kids or seniors?
No. Every passenger counts toward our Transport Canada-certified passenger limit, regardless of age.
❓ Can I cancel or reschedule?
Most charters cancelled 48 hours or more before departure receive a full refund. We also offer optional Trip Protection for unforeseen circumstances. Food, beverages, and special-order items are subject to separate cancellation terms once costs have been incurred on your behalf. Full cancellation details are provided during booking and in your confirmation email.
🍽️ Food & Drink
❓ Can we bring our own food or drinks?
No. Ottawa Yacht Tours operates a licensed bar and offers curated food and beverage options for our guests. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
❓ What kind of food do you serve?
We offer gourmet charcuterie and cheese platters, sandwich platters, desserts, and other specialty items prepared by our catering partners. Food must generally be ordered in advance and availability may vary.
❓ When do I need to order food?
Food and catering orders should be placed at least 48 hours before departure. Some specialty items may require additional notice.
❓ Can we drink alcohol on board?
Yes. Ottawa Yacht Tours operates a licensed onboard bar. Guests may purchase alcoholic beverages onboard and must consume them responsibly in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
❓ Is there a bar on board?
Yes. We offer a selection of wine, beer, prosecco, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Some beverage packages and specialty orders may require advance notice.
❓ What happens if I cancel after ordering food or beverages?
Food, beverages, and special-order items are separate from your yacht charter. Once Ottawa Yacht Tours has incurred costs on your behalf, those costs remain payable even if the charter is cancelled. Where food has been prepared or cannot be cancelled, guests may arrange pickup of their food following cancellation. Full details are provided during booking and in your confirmation email.
🛥️ Tour Details
❓ How long is the cruise?
You choose! Private Charters are available in 1, 2, or 3-hour durations. Shared Cruises are 1 hour. Fireworks Nights are 2.5 hours.
❓ What’s the route?
We cruise past Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, Rideau Falls, Rockcliffe, and more. Routes may vary depending on tour type and duration.
❓ Can we swim?
Yes, for private charters only and only if you pre-select the swim option. Swimming opportunities depend on tour duration, river conditions, and captain approval.
❓ Can we bring a photographer or videographer?
Absolutely. Professional photographers and videographers are welcome aboard private charters. We simply ask that they work safely and follow any instructions from the captain and crew.
❓ Is it accessible?
Our boarding dock and yachts are not fully wheelchair-accessible. Please contact us before booking to discuss your specific needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
❓ Is gratuity included?
Gratuity is not included unless specifically stated in your booking. If you enjoyed your experience, gratuities for the captain and crew are always appreciated.
🌧️ Weather & Rescheduling
❓ What happens if it rains?
Most charters operate rain or shine. Our yachts feature covered cockpit areas and protective side enclosures to keep guests comfortable. Light rain, intermittent showers, cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, or forecasted weather conditions do not automatically result in cancellation.
❓ Who decides if the weather is safe?
Ottawa Yacht Tours assesses weather conditions at our marina and reserves the sole right to determine whether conditions are suitable and safe for operation. The captain's decision regarding safety and operation of the charter is final.
❓ Can I reschedule due to weather?
If Ottawa Yacht Tours determines that a charter can safely operate, a guest's decision not to attend will be treated as a guest cancellation. If we determine conditions are unsafe, we will offer a refund or a credit toward a future charter, at your option.
⛑️ Safety & Crew
❓ Is it safe?
Absolutely. Ottawa Yacht Tours operates commercially under Transport Canada regulations, carries commercial marine insurance, and is staffed by trained professional crew. We carry all required safety equipment, first aid supplies, and an AED (defibrillator) onboard.
❓ Do I need to wear a lifejacket?
Lifejackets are carried onboard for every passenger and are readily accessible. The captain may require lifejackets to be worn in certain areas of the yacht or under certain conditions.
🚤 Boarding & Logistics
❓ Where do we board?
At Pirate Marina, 1067 Jacques-Cartier Street, Gatineau, approximately 10 minutes from Ottawa's ByWard Market. Free parking is available nearby.
❓ What time should we arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. For the enjoyment of all guests and to maintain our schedule, charters depart on time and cannot be delayed for late arrivals.
❓ Can we bring music?
Absolutely. Our yachts feature premium Bluetooth sound systems. You're welcome to be the DJ or let us set the vibe for you.
❓ Is there a washroom on board?
Yes. Each yacht is equipped with a private onboard washroom for guest use.
❓ What should we wear?
Dress comfortably and for the weather. We recommend layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, and non-slip footwear. The river is often cooler than on land, especially in the evening.
❓ Are pets allowed?
Sorry, pets are not permitted onboard. If you require a service animal, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your needs.
❓ Can you decorate the yacht for a special occasion?
Absolutely. We offer yacht decorating services for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, retirements, and other celebrations. Our decorator supplies, installs, and removes all décor so you can simply arrive and enjoy the experience. Packages start at $75 plus taxes, with pricing varying based on the scope of décor requested. Contact us to discuss your ideas.
💬 Other
❓ Can we charter both yachts?
Yes. Chartering both yachts together allows us to accommodate up to 24 passengers with two captains and two crew members. It's a popular option for corporate events, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and larger celebrations.
❓ Can I customize my experience?
Absolutely. Many guests personalize their charter with catering, beverage packages, decorations, photography, videography, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, and other special touches. Contact us and we'll help create the perfect experience.
❓ Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Digital gift cards are available and make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, retirements, and other special occasions.
❓ Do you host special events or proposals?
Absolutely. We regularly host proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, engagement celebrations, photo shoots, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. Contact us to discuss your vision.
❓ Can we each pay separately?
Food and beverage purchases may be settled individually at the end of the cruise. Charter deposits and charter balances are handled through the booking process.
❓ How do we tip the crew?
Gratuities may be provided at the end of your cruise by cash, card, tap, Apple Pay, or other available payment methods.
❓ Where can I see pictures of the yachts?
Visit our Instagram account @OttawaYacht or browse the gallery on our website to see hundreds of photos and videos from real cruises, proposals, anniversaries, celebrations, and sunsets on the Ottawa River.
❓ Can we watch fireworks from the yacht?
Yes. We offer special fireworks cruises throughout the season, including Canada Day and Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks events. These cruises are among our most popular experiences and typically sell out in advance.
❓ Can you help me plan a proposal?
Absolutely. We've helped create unforgettable proposals on the Ottawa River. From décor and music to photography, champagne, and sunset timing, we can help create a truly memorable moment.

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