Visitor nautical safety

Non-motorized boats
Do you feel like paddling? Non-motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks are welcome on the canal. This section gives you tricks before launching your boat on the water.

Locking through safely
Consult the technical data, how to communicate with the lock keepers and the procedures to take when locking through.

Regulations

Historic Canals Regulations, Small Vessels Regulations and Collision Regulations are in force in all historic canals.

It is the responsibility of pleasure boat operators to be informed of and familiar with the regulations in effect in historic canals. Certain activities are prohibited in a canal. Users must demonstrate judgment and civic-mindedness on Parks Canada sites at all times.

The following list of regulations is not exhaustive:

• The nautical speed limit on canals is 10 km/h and the boat operator must control its wake;
• Domestic animals must be kept on a leash at all times;
• Excessive noise is prohibited on historic canals between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
• It is prohibited to fish less than 10 m from a lock or from an approach wharf, or on a bridge over the canal;
• It is prohibited to jump, dive, or swim in the canal and in the approach wharfs.

Visitors who contravene the regulations risk a fine, revocation of their permit, or legal action.