Ottawa continues to live up to its “most sustainable city in Canada” reputation this summer with the introduction of a new, emission-free electric tour boat. The Queen Elizabeth Dr. will wind through the Rideau Canal from Chateau Laurier to Dow’s Lake, passing more than 30 Ottawa landmarks.
At 75-feet, The Queen Elizabeth Dr. can accommodate up to 100 passengers. The boat will run on two 80-hp Deep Blue Torqeedo electric motors. For the duration of the trip the boat runs on one motor, using the second instead of executing full turns on the narrow canal.
“Our organization is always happy to see new opportunities for people to connect with the river in a sustainable way,” says Meredith Brown, Ottawa’s riverkeeper. “There is nothing like a quiet electric motor to help everyone enjoy the natural sounds of the river.”
Cruises on The Queen Elizabeth last approximately 1.5 hours, and run four times a day. Organizers say a second emissions-free tour boat, The Colonel By, will join The Queen Elizabeth Dr. on the canal waters in spring 2017.
For more information, visit rideaucanalcruises.ca or torqeedo.com.
