NPS PHOTO
Don't just read about history, experience it! Ride a canal boat at Great Falls or Georgetown.
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.
One hour trip cost:
Georgetown: $5.00 per visitor. Children age three and under ride free.
Great Falls: $5.00 per visitor. Children age 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.
Boat visitor capacity is 70 people. The program lasts approximately one hour.
School Groups: Special times (9:45, 12:15, etc.) and rates of $4 per person may be available for groups of students (includes chaperones).
Notice: The canal boats will operate on a split schedule during part of the year. Rides are scheduled to start April 1, 2009 and run through October 31, 2009.
Canal Boat Schedule:
Georgetown: Public boat rides are offered during the spring, summer, and fall months. The boat season usually lasts from early April through the end of October. Canal boat rides run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the visitor center for specific dates and times as well as additional information. Georgetown Visitor Center 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., NW Washington, D.C. 202-653-5190. The Georgetown Visitor Center is closed Monday and Tuesday during the boat season.
Great Falls: Public boat rides are offered during the spring, summer, and fall months. The boat season usually lasts from early April through the end of October. Canal boat rides run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the visitor center for specific days and times, or refer to the Canaller for alternative programs. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 11710 MacArthur Blvd. Potomac, MD 301-767-3714.
2009 Boat Schedule
April 2009
Great Falls: Thursday and Friday; 11:00, 1:30 and 3:00. Saturday; 11:00, 1:30,and 3:00
Georgetown: Wednesday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00. Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
May 2009
Great Falls: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Georgetown: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
June 2009
Great Falls: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, 3:00.
Georgetown: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
July-August 2009
Great Falls: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Georgetown: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
September-October 2009
Great Falls: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Georgetown: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change without notice. Please contact the Georgetown Visitor Center (202-653-5190) or the Great Falls Visitor Center (301-767-3714) for the most up to date information.