• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

Public Canal Boat Rides

Take a leisurely ride on a replica canal boat and experience history first hand. Great Falls offers mule-drawn rides on an 1870's packet boat. Williamsport provides rides on a 1920's electric launch boat.

 
Photo of canal boat at Great Falls.

NPS PHOTO

Don't just read about history, experience it!  Ride a replica canal barge boat at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides

Take a trip back in time to the 1870's! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience rising 8 feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. Enjoy life at a slower pace.

$8.00 for adults (ages 15-61), $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 and over), and $5.00 for children (ages 4-14). Children aged three and under ride free.

Ten or more people are required to make advance reservations on either boat. Otherwise, seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Charles F. Mercer boat capacity is 60 people.  The boat programs last approximately one hour.

Public Boat Tours: Offered April to October, Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Please call ahead as special circumstances may affect this schedule.

School Groups: Special times (9:45, 12:15, etc.) and rates of $5 per person are sometimes available for groups of students (includes chaperones). Please call 301-767-3714 for details.    

 
launch-boat-at-Cushwa-Basin

NPS Photo

New in 2012, canal launch boat programs in Williamsport!

Williamsport Launch Boat Rides

During the late 19th and early 20th century, 30 foot battery and steam powered launch boats traveled the canal for leisure and business. They contrasted with the 90 foot mule drawn canal cargo boats that were the dominant vessels on the C&O Canal.

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, visitors can enjoy life on the canal during a replica canal launch boat tour at Williamsport. Programs will include a short walk, boat ride, tour of Lock House 44, and a lock demonstration.

Public Boat Tours: Offered on weekends from Memorial Day to mid-August. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and there is a maximum of 12 visitors per program. No fee will be charged during the 2012 season. Please call ahead as special circumstances may affect this schedule.

For more information please contact the Williamsport Visitor Center at 301-582-0813.

  • Private canal boat rides. Private canal boat rides.

    Can I rent a canal boat for special events? Read More

Did You Know?

Photo Potowmack Company canal lock at Great Falls Virginia.

George Washington's dream of connecting the eastern states with the western frontier led to the creation of the Patowmack Company.  Canals were built around unnavigable parts of the Potomac River for improved commerce.  The C&O Canal inherited the right of way after the Patowmack Company's demise.