Canada Strong Pass discounts on lockage, camping and accommodations

Parks Canada is offering free lockage and a 25% discount on fees for camping and roofed accommodations from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive.

Free lockage

Free lockage will be available from June 19 to September 7, 2026 on the Rideau Canal. All vessels must be registered, either through a previously purchased lockage permit or through a free lockage permit, which will be provided at the first lockstation you visit.

Business operators, licensed operators or third-party services on the waterways such as: marinas, private campgrounds, houseboat services, will not be offering discounts.

The Canada Strong Pass benefits all boaters and visitors — Canadian and international. Parks Canada is proud to welcome guests from across the country and around the world to experience our iconic waterways and cultural landscapes.

From June 19 to September 7, regular fees still apply for:

• mooring
• shore power
• services provided by third parties
• nautical charts
• parking (where applicable)
• accommodations managed by third parties

Permits and fees

During the Canada Strong period, from June 19 to September 7, 2026, boaters will be issued a free lockage sticker when they arrive at their first lockstation. No lockage fee is charged, while a permit for mooring is required.

Outside of this period (the shoulder season), boaters pay for lockage on-site upon arrival.

Lockage permits will not be sold online at any time during the 2026 season. Lock staff will be available on site to help you determine the permit option that offers the best value for your travel plans. A seasonal lockage permit will be issued if cumulative permit purchases equal the cost of a seasonal lockage permit.

Permit options include:

• 1-day permit
• Lock and return permit
• 6-day permit
• One-way transit permit
• Seasonal lockage permit

See a full list of fees for the Rideau Canal

25% off camping and roofed accommodations

From June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive, a discount of 25% will apply to all fees for thru-camping, reservable camping, and oTENTik on the Rideau Canal. The discount is automatically reflected in the reservation system at the time of booking.

What is included in the 25% discount

• Thru-camping
• Reservable camping: Kilmarnock, Newboro, and Upper Beveridges
• oTENTiks: Upper Nicholsons, Upper Beveridges, and Upper Brewers

Learn more about types of camping and overnight accommodations at the Rideau Canal

Reservation system administrative fees still apply.

Tips for making the most out of Canada Strong

• Check hours before you go

  Lockstations operate on daily schedules that can vary by season. Bookmark the Hours of Operation page or download a copy of our Hours of Operation graphic on your phone so it’s handy on the water.

  
  Download PDF Download PDF 2026 Hours of Operation (PDF - 171 KB)
• Check water levels before you travel

  Water levels can vary by location and season and may affect clearances, draft limits, and travel times. Review current conditions before setting out.

• Know the last lockage time

  To maximize your chances of being locked through at the end of the day:

  • At lockstations with one lock - Arrive at the designated blue line at least 30 minutes before closing.
  • At lockstations with multiple locks - Allow 30 minutes per lock chamber
    (example: three locks = arrive 90 minutes before closing).
  • At swing bridges (including Brass Point Bridge), arrive 20 minutes before closing.
  • Late arrivals may not be accommodated, so build buffer time into your itinerary.

First-time boater tips

These tips will help you feel confident and ready to enjoy your historic adventure on the Rideau Canal.

• Learn how to lock through

  Whether you’re in a powerboat, canoe, or kayak, knowing the basic steps makes locking through easy and stress-free.

• Carry nautical charts

  Charts help you navigate safely, understand depths and hazards, and plan your route in advance. Buy them online ahead of your trip, or pick them up at the lockstation.

• Pick up a cruising guide

  Cruising guides include maps, services, distances, marinas, and local tips. They’re available from local marine dealers and tourism offices.

  • PORTS Cruising Guides
  • Discover Waterways
  • Boating Ontario Directory 2026
• Go at your own pace

  Lock staff are there to help. Take your time, listen for instructions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Travel tips for returning boaters

You know the route, now make the most of the journey.

• Build in time off the boat

  Locks connect you to vibrant waterfront communities. Plan time to step ashore and explore local shops, dining, trails, museums, and events along the waterway.

  Tourism organizations along the Rideau Canal:

  • Rideau Heritage Routes
  • City of Ottawa
  • Ottawa Tourism
  • Explore Manotick Village
  • Merrickville Chamber of Commerce
  • Leeds and Grenville
  • Experience Smiths Falls
  • Town of Smiths Falls
  • Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
  • Perth Tourism
  • Perth County
  • Rideau Lakes
  • Kingston Tourism
  • City of Kingston
  • Regional Tourism Organization 9
  • Visit Rideau Canal
• Try a different pace or route

  Revisit favourite stretches or explore sections you may have bypassed in past seasons, including historic lockstations, side trips, or lesser-travelled communities.

• Travel during shoulder season

  Spring and fall offer quieter lockstations, cooler temperatures, and more flexibility with travel plans, ideal for experienced boaters looking to avoid peak-season congestion.

• Stay flexible with timing

  Weather, wind, and water levels can affect travel. Allow buffer time in your itinerary to enjoy the journey rather than rush between destinations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Canada Strong Pass?

  The Canada Strong Pass is a national Government of Canada initiative that makes it easier for people to explore Canada by offering free or discounted access to participating sites and services from June 19 to September 7, 2026.

  At Parks Canada places, the Pass includes free admission and discounts on overnight accommodations.

  On the Rideau Canal, this means:

  • Free lockage during the Canada Strong period, and
  • A 25% discount on camping and eligible roofed accommodations during the same dates.

  Visitors do not need to register, sign up, or present anything in advance, they simply visit participating sites to receive the applicable benefits.

  Beyond Parks Canada, the Canada Strong Pass also includes benefits at national museums, some provincial and territorial museums and galleries, and VIA Rail, which are administered separately by those partners. Business operators, licensed operators or third-party services on the waterways such as: marinas, private campgrounds, houseboat services, will not be offering discounts.

• Why is Parks Canada waiving lockage fees this season?

  The Canada Strong Pass is part of a broader Government of Canada commitment to making Parks Canada places more accessible and affordable for all. It supports local tourism and economies, while encouraging Canadians and visitors alike to experience these treasured national historic canals.

• When is lockage free under Canada Strong?

  Canada Strong is back! Enjoy free lockage on the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Mooring fees still apply. Seasonal mooring passes can be purchased online.

  Visitors can plan their trip by visiting the Parks Canada website, downloading the Parks Canada mobile app for on-the-go navigation information, or following our social media channels for the latest updates.

• Is lockage free for the entire navigation season?

  No. Lockage is only free during the Canada Strong dates. Outside of this period (the shoulder season), boaters pay for lockage on-site when they arrive. 1-day, 6-day, one-way transit, and seasonal lockage permits will be available. Lock staff will help you determine what permit provides the best value for your travel plans.

• Is there an Early Bird Sale or discounted paddling this year?

  No. There is no Early Bird Sale and no 50% paddling discount offered during the 2026 season.

• Can boaters buy lockage permits online this season?

  No. Lockage will not be sold online at any time during the 2026 season. Permits can be purchased in person at any lockstation along the Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway.

• What happens when a boater arrives during the Canada Strong period?

  During Canada Strong dates, boaters will be issued a free lockage sticker when they arrive at their first lockstation. No lockage fee is charged.

• Are 1-day, 6-day, one-way transit, and seasonal lockage permits still available?

  Yes. Outside of the Canada Strong period from May 15 to June 18 and September 8 to October 12, 1-day, 6-day, and seasonal lockage permits are available at full price and can be purchased in-person at any lockstation along the Trent-Severn Waterway or Rideau Canal. Lock staff will help you determine what permit provides the best value for your travel plans.

• Can boaters upgrade their lockage permit to seasonal during the shoulder season?

  Yes. Boaters can upgrade their lockage permit to seasonal at any time during the shoulder season and only need to pay the difference between permits. Boaters are advised to keep their lockage receipts to be eligible for upgrading.

• Is mooring included or discounted under Canada Strong?

  No. Mooring is not discounted as part of the Canada Strong Pass.

• Are seasonal lockage permits discounted if lockage is free during the Canada Strong period?

  Lockage is only free during while the Canada Strong Pass is valid.

  The Canada Strong Pass, a Government of Canada initiative, provides free lockage from June 19 to September 7, 2026 on the Rideau Canal. The initiative ensures that all boaters navigating during this peak period benefit from free lockage, whether they hold a seasonal permit or not.

  Outside of this period, during the spring shoulder season (May 15 to June 18) and fall shoulder season (September 8 to October 12), regular fees are in effect and lockage permits are available for purchase on site. Permit options include 1-day, lock and return, 6-day, one-way transit, and seasonal lockage permits. Lock staff are available to help visitors determine the best value based on expected travel. If cumulative permit purchases reach the cost of a seasonal lockage permit, the permit will be upgraded upon request with verification of receipts.

• Are oTENTik and camping accommodations discounted?

  Yes, during Canada Strong dates from June 19 to September 7, the following accommodations are 25% off. The discount is automatically reflected in the reservation system at the time of booking. Reservations are available online or in-person while spaces remain.

  • oTENTik reservations
  • Reservable camping
  • Thru-camping

  The discount will not apply to third party accommodations such as the Rideau Canal Historic Accommodations, operated by Rideau Lakes Cottages.

  Reservations for oTENTiks and reservable camping can be made through the Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

  Thru-camping — overnight camping for boaters, paddlers, or human powered journeys travelling along the waterways — is available on a first come, first served basis. At staffed lockstations, discounted thru-camping can be arranged directly with the lock staff on duty. At unstaffed locations, please follow the instructions posted onsite for payment and registration.

Contact

If you have a question not answered above, contact the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

Enjoy Canada Strong across more Parks Canada places

The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive.