Canadian River Cruise Aboard Kawartha Voyageur

Picture it: calm, interconnected lakes and rivers, heritage lock stations, small towns, other boats passing by and long stretches where the shoreline does all the talking. Along the World Heritage Rideau Canal and the historic Trent–Severn Waterway, the Kawartha Voyageur delivers a genuinely Canadian version of river cruising—easy, unhurried, and surprisingly addictive.

This isn’t the kind of trip where you “do” a destination. It’s the kind where you sink into it.

A river cruise that feels close, in every way

The Kawartha Voyageur is a 45-passenger riverboat—small enough to feel friendly, big enough to be comfortable. Onboard, there’s a dining room and lounge for lingering over meals and swapping stories, plus cozy cabins that make it easy to settle in and actually exhale. The atmosphere is uniquely friendly and casual, where you chat with someone over breakfast and end up laughing with them again at dinner.

The ship cruises during the day, then docks for the night at a lock station, village, or town.  You’re not sleeping through the scenery. You’re living in it.

Routes that feel like a moving postcard

There are several five-day cruise routes to choose from, each one with its own regional identity—but holding the similarity of beautiful scenery, classic locks, friendly  shoreline towns, or that “late season glow” when the leaves turn. Some travellers stitch two or three routes together for a longer voyage while others take several  five day cruises over the course of the cruising season.

It’s also thoughtfully easy to do: cruises are one-way by ship and one-way by coach bus, with parking and transfers included—so you get the adventure without the logistical headache.

Why people keep coming back

Ask returning passengers what brings them back year after year and you’ll hear the same themes: the casual, friendly atmosphere, the comfort of a well-run ship, and the simple pleasure of being cared for. Delicious meals are part of the experience—individually plated by the servers right at your table.  Seating is not assigned.

There’s something charmingly straightforward about it all: Wi-Fi is included, and there’s no tipping, which adds to the “just relax” feeling from the moment you step onboard.

Who it’s best for

Most guests are 65+ and come from Ontario, and the cruise is best suited to travellers who are in good health and comfortable with a slower, more classic style of touring. This is not a high-adrenaline itinerary—it’s a beautiful, restorative reset.

If you’re thinking 2026… don’t wait

These sailings book up early—Ontario Waterway Cruises is already over 90% booked for 2026.

Once a particular cruise date is fully booked, an “active” wait list for that specific date is formed since there are normally 2 or 3 cancellations received per cruise.  You can put your name on multiple wait lists for as many cruise dates as you like with no obligation.