Great Falls Canal Boat Program

2025 Season

Park staff are monitoring water levels to determine the readiness of the canal for boat rides. Updates regarding the boat program will be shared on the park calendar when available. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause to those who are planning their visit to the park.

 

Take a ride along the canal at Great Falls.

NPS photo/C. Tongish

Join us for a unique experience along the C&O Canal!

This year's boat program will highlight the launch boats that traveled along the canal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Launch boats were typically 30-foot long boats that were used primarily for leisure and business. They were much smaller in comparison to the 90-foot mule-drawn boats that usually dominated the canal.

Tours are limited to 9 people, including children. Animals are not permitted on the launch boat with the exception of service animals. Tours may be altered or cancelled due to inclement weather, high winds, and extreme heat.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
11710 MacArthur Blvd.
Potomac, MD 20854

 

Cost

A ticket is required to attend a boat ride. Tickets are free of charge and available at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. Tickets will be available one hour prior to the start of each ride.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance.

Program Length and Capacity

• Program lasts approximately 30 minutes
• There is a maximum of 10 visitors per ride

Reservations

• Tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

• Tickets are available beginning 1 hour before each scheduled program on a first come, first served basis. Each member of your party must be present in order to receive a ticket.

Seasonal Schedule

The 2024 boat season at Great Falls Tavern will run August-October.

Trips run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday:

• 10:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 2:00 pm