Great Falls Canal Boat Rides

2023 Season

The 2023 boat program season is delayed due to canal dredging. A schedule will be available once the program season begins following completion of the dredging project. 

Check the park's events calendar for upcoming programs and events. 

 

Enjoy a Boat Ride

Join us for a unique experience along the C&O Canal! Enjoy a ride aboard the replica Charles F. Mercer canal excursion boat and learn more about the people who lived and worked along the canal. Park staff will operate the canal locks and boat just as they would have in the 1870's when the canal was bustling with boat traffic from Georgetown to Cumberland.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

11710 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
301-767-3714

 

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:

Ride times:
11:00 a.m. (tickets become available at 10:00 a.m.)
2:00 pm (tickets become available at 1:00 p.m.)

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

Program Length and Capacity

• Program lasts approximately 45 minutes
• There is a maximum of 50 people 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

Seasonal Schedule

The boat ride program has concluded for the 2022 season. See the park's events calendar for a complete schedule of upcoming events and programs.

School Group Information

Visit Field Trips for programs both on and off the canal boat.