Floating tiki bar · Ottawa River
Ottawa Palapa Tours
Take a relaxing cruise up and down the Ottawa River on a Hawaiian-style floating tiki bar. 90-minute cruises for up to 12 guests, with a licensed bar and your own playlist. Single tickets or the whole boat.
12Guests per boat
90Minute cruises
4.9★230+ Google reviews
2020Sailing since
Ottawa River
Check out our cruises!
Grab single seats and mingle, take the whole boat for your crew, or hop on the Kontiki Lounge for a quick scenic loop.
Public cruise
Palapa Cruise: Individual Tickets
Grab seats and mix and mingle with other guests. You’ll sail on Moana or Lilo, our twin floating tiki bars, whichever boat has room at your time.
Private charter
Palapa Cruise: Private Charter
The whole boat for your crew, for the price of 10 tickets. We’ll put you on Moana or Lilo, whichever is free. Birthdays, bachelorettes, corporate events, team building and weddings (yes, we have a minister).
Scenic & evening
Kontiki Lounge
Our hybrid vessel downtown. Daytime loops every day, 11 AM–7 PM ($30 per adult + $3 fuel fee); each loop is 25 minutes. 90-minute evening cruises at 7 PM and 9 PM ($60 Sunday–Thursday, $70 Friday–Saturday). Non-alcoholic drinks only, and no washroom on board. All ages welcome on every sailing.
Prices
Pricing by day and time
Palapa Tours is a floating tiki bar with music, great vibes and a private-group feel. With a 12-guest maximum, every sail feels personal, social and unforgettable. Your price depends on the day and time, and on whether you book individual tickets or the whole tiki boat. The boat seats 12, but a charter costs the same as 10 tickets.
| When | Per person | Whole boat (up to 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Best value11 AM & 1 PM · Sunday–Thursday | $55 | $550 |
| Standard3 PM & 5 PM · Sunday–Thursday | $65 | $650 |
| Evening7 PM & 9 PM · Sunday–Thursday | $70 | $700 |
| WeekendFriday from 5 PM and all day Saturday · flat pricing | $80 | $800 |
| Late night11 PM · Friday & Saturday in summer · private charters only | — | Call to book |
| Fireworks eveningsCanada Day (July 1), Bastille Day (July 14) and the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy | $100 | $1,000 |
| Kontiki Lounge daytime loop25 minutes · every day, 11 AM–7 PM | $30 per adult + $3 fuel fee | — |
| Kontiki Lounge evening cruise90 minutes · 7 PM and 9 PM | $60 Sunday–Thursday, $70 Friday–Saturday | — |
All prices in CAD. Schedules vary by season; live times show when you book.
Why book direct?
Our best-rate guarantee: book on our site, and if you find the same cruise cheaper elsewhere within 24 hours, we refund the difference. Booking direct also supports the local crew.
How it works
Booking your Palapa
Pick your style
Single seats to mix and mingle, or charter the whole boat for your crew.
Pick your date
Choose a time online.
Invite your friends
Up to 12 guests per boat: birthdays, bachelorettes, team building.
Meet up
Arrive 15 minutes early. Your captain and first mate get everyone settled.
Do some Palapa-ing
Music on, drink in hand, skyline all around.
Gift cards
Give the gift of Palapa
Birthdays, holidays, thank-yous: give someone a cruise on Ottawa’s floating tiki bar. Buy it online in a couple of minutes.
Know before you go
Every experience, in detail
Price, times, meeting point, washroom, bar, age, weather and cancellation for each experience. Tap one to open it.
Public 90-min cruise (Moana / Lilo)
- Price
- Priced by day and time (see the price grid). From: $55
- Included
- The 90 minutes cruise, the music and the views. Drinks are for purchase from the licensed bar; alcohol is never included. Bring your own food; chips on board. Every guest takes home a souvenir cup.
- Duration & times
- 90 minutes. Departures 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM and 9 PM, mid-May to mid-October. Schedules vary by season — live times at booking.
- Meeting point
- Choose your dock when you book: the Canal Locks (1 Canal Lane, our main dock — walk down from Wellington toward the water), the Canadian Museum of History, or The Wharf. On Lac-Leamy fireworks days, all departures move to The Wharf. Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Parking & directions
- Group fit
- Mixed public group, 12 guests max. Your seats, shared with other guests.
- Washroom
- Yes: a marine toilet on board Moana and Lilo.
- Bar
- AGCO-licensed bar with a bartender on board. Outside drinks are not permitted.
- Age
- Daytime: all ages welcome. 7 PM: no children under 12. 9 PM: 19+ only. Infants count toward the 12 passengers.
- Weather
- We cruise rain or shine; the Palapa boats are covered. If the captain cancels for wind, chop or storms, you get a reschedule or a credit, with no rebooking fee.
- Cancellation
- With Trip Protection (10%): cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund, less the Trip Protection cost and booking fees. Without it: reschedule only. Inside 48 hours: $20 per person rebooking fee.
- Sailing minimum
- 4 passengers. Bookings of 1–3 are welcome but unconfirmed until more seats fill.
- Accessibility
- Guests with limited mobility are welcome; the crew brings out a boarding step. There is no wheelchair ramp, so full wheelchair access isn’t possible. Call (819) 272-4977 before booking if you’re unsure.
- Pets
- Welcome, with a life vest that fits. If another passenger is scared of animals, they get priority on public sailings.
- Smoking & vaping
- Not allowed on board.
Private charter (full boat)
- Price
- A charter is priced at 10 tickets. $550
- Included
- The whole boat for your group, the music and the views. Drinks are for purchase from the licensed bar. Bring your own food and cake. Decorations welcome (about 15 minutes of setup; no balloons). Swimming allowed when the schedule permits.
- Duration & times
- 90 minutes; can extend when timing works — call (819) 272-4977. Same departure times as public cruises, plus an 11 PM private sailing on summer Fridays and Saturdays. Schedules vary by season — live times at booking.
- Meeting point
- Choose your dock when you book: the Canal Locks (1 Canal Lane, our main dock — walk down from Wellington toward the water), the Canadian Museum of History, or The Wharf. On Lac-Leamy fireworks days, all departures move to The Wharf. Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Parking & directions
- Group fit
- Your group only, up to 12 guests (24 across both boats).
- Washroom
- Yes: a marine toilet on board Moana and Lilo.
- Bar
- AGCO-licensed bar with a bartender on board. Outside drinks are not permitted.
- Age
- Daytime: all ages welcome. 7 PM: no children under 12. 9 PM: 19+ only. Infants count toward the 12 passengers. 11 PM: 19+ only.
- Weather
- We cruise rain or shine; the Palapa boats are covered. If the captain cancels for wind, chop or storms, you get a reschedule or a credit, with no rebooking fee.
- Cancellation
- With Trip Protection (10%): cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund, less the Trip Protection cost and booking fees. Without it: reschedule only. Inside 48 hours: $200 per charter rebooking fee.
- Sailing minimum
- None. Private charters always run.
- Accessibility
- Guests with limited mobility are welcome; the crew brings out a boarding step. There is no wheelchair ramp, so full wheelchair access isn’t possible. Call (819) 272-4977 before booking if you’re unsure.
- Pets
- Welcome, with a life vest that fits. A private charter is the ideal way to bring yours.
- Charter vs public
- Your group only, flexible timing, decorations allowed, and the boat runs even with a small group.
- Smoking & vaping
- Not allowed on board.
Kontiki Lounge daytime loop
- Price
- $30 per adult + $3 fuel fee. Children pay the same as adults.
- Included
- The loop cruise. No bar on board: bring food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Duration & times
- 25 minutes per loop, every day, 11 AM–7 PM. Schedules vary by season — live times at booking.
- Meeting point
- Canal Locks dock, 1 Canal Lane, below Parliament Hill. Parking & directions
- Group fit
- 12 guests max
- Washroom
- No washroom on board. Please use facilities before boarding.
- Bar
- Non-alcoholic drinks only; the Kontiki Lounge has no liquor licence.
- Age
- All ages welcome.
- Weather
- If the captain cancels for wind, chop or storms, you get a reschedule or a credit, with no rebooking fee.
- Cancellation
- With Trip Protection (10%): cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund, less the Trip Protection cost and booking fees. Without it: reschedule only. Inside 48 hours: $20 per person rebooking fee.
- Sailing minimum
- 4 passengers. If the minimum isn’t reached, we offer you an alternative sailing.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible, with step-free boarding.
- Pets
- Pets are welcome on a leash.
- Smoking & vaping
- Not allowed on board.
Kontiki Lounge evening cruise
- Price
- $60 Sunday–Thursday, $70 Friday–Saturday
- Included
- The 90-minute evening cruise. No bar on board: bring food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Duration & times
- 90 minutes. Departures at 7 PM and 9 PM. Schedules vary by season — live times at booking.
- Meeting point
- Canal Locks dock, 1 Canal Lane, below Parliament Hill. Parking & directions
- Group fit
- 12 guests max
- Washroom
- No washroom on board. Please use facilities before boarding.
- Bar
- Non-alcoholic drinks only; the Kontiki Lounge has no liquor licence.
- Age
- All ages welcome at 7 PM and 9 PM.
- Weather
- If the captain cancels for wind, chop or storms, you get a reschedule or a credit, with no rebooking fee.
- Cancellation
- With Trip Protection (10%): cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund, less the Trip Protection cost and booking fees. Without it: reschedule only. Inside 48 hours: $20 per person rebooking fee.
- Sailing minimum
- 4 passengers. If the minimum isn’t reached, we offer you an alternative sailing.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible, with step-free boarding.
- Pets
- Pets are welcome on a leash.
- Smoking & vaping
- Not allowed on board.
AquaTaxi.Solar is a separate brand: water taxis on a hop-on hop-off loop between the Ottawa Locks, the Museum of History and Richmond Landing. watertaxieh.ca
About Palapa boats
Host your crew on a floating tiki bar
- Seats for up to 12 guests, plus your captain and first mate
- Fully licensed bar on board, cashless tap payments
- Music on board, so bring your playlist
- Thatched palapa roof for shade
- Safety equipment and lifejackets for every guest
Palapa Passport
Wear your Palapa shirt on board at any Palapa Tours location and your signature cocktail is on us.
About Ottawa Palapa Tours
Life is too short for normal
Palapa Tours started right here on the Ottawa River in 2020. Moana and Lilo were our original two boats, and they’re still the heart of the fleet.
Cruise past Parliament Hill, the locks and the Gatineau shoreline with your crew, a cold drink and your own music. Popular for birthdays, bachelorettes, corporate events, school groups, weddings (yes, we have a minister) and evening date nights.
Cruising since 2020
Every Palapa is custom-built for the water and the party.
Guest favourite
Palapa travellers’ choice
4.9 stars on Google · 230+ reviews
See what guests say about cruising with Palapa in Ottawa.
Find us
Ottawa location
You choose your departure point when you book. Our two main docks are the Ottawa Locks (1 Canal Lane, at the foot of the Rideau Canal locks beside Parliament; from Wellington St, take the path down to the water) and the Canadian Museum of History docks in Gatineau, right across the river. Look for the AquaTaxi.Solar / Ottawa Palapa Tours signs.
Public tours: because guests on the same boat can board at different docks, we may pick up at both. That can mean a delay of up to 15 minutes, but rest assured you always get your full 90 minutes on the water.
Private charters: we pick you up at the exact time you booked, whichever dock you choose.
On select dates we also board at the Wharf (Lac Leamy fireworks), Rockcliffe Marina and Oziles Marina.
Questions? Call 819-272-4977 or email ottawa@palapa.tours.
Getting here
Parking & directions
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to park and walk to the dock.
📍 Ottawa Locks
1 Canal Lane, beside Parliament and the Château Laurier
- ByWard Market Garage, 70 Clarence St (City of Ottawa): about $4/hour in the day, $3/hour evenings and Sundays.
- CF Rideau Centre garages (Impark): the Red Garage at 5 Daly Ave (enter from Colonel By Dr) is closest to the canal; the Blue Garage is at 80 Nicholas St. About $6/hour, $22 for 4–12 hours.
- O-Train Line 1: get off at Rideau or Parliament station and walk to the locks.
- From Wellington St, take the path down to the water beside the locks.
📍 Canadian Museum of History docks
100 Laurier St, Gatineau
- Museum underground garage (Indigo), 100 Laurier St: about $2 per 30 minutes, about $18 for the day. Height limit 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in); accessible spaces on level P1.
- Drop-off: in front of the museum’s main entrance on Ceremonial Drive (no parking there).
- Metered street parking and public lots nearby, when available.
Rates are as posted by each operator in October 2026 and can change. Check before you go.
Before you board
Frequently asked questions
How long is the cruise?
Our Palapa cruises (Moana and Lilo) are 90 minutes. The Kontiki Lounge offers scenic loops every day, 11 AM–7 PM, 25 minutes each, and 90-minute evening rides at 7 PM and 9 PM.
How many people fit on the boat?
Each vessel carries a maximum of 12 passengers. If your group is larger, you can book across both boats — call us at 819-272-4977 and we’ll coordinate it.
Where do we board?
When you book, you’ll choose your preferred departure point: the Canal Locks (1 Canal Lane — our main dock, walk down from Wellington toward the water and look for our signs), the Canadian Museum of History, or The Wharf. During Lac Leamy fireworks setup and show days, all departures move to The Wharf.
How early should I arrive?
10-15 minutes before departure is best. Boats leave on time and we can’t hold the cruise for late arrivals.
What’s included in my ticket?
Your ticket covers the 90-minute cruise — the boat, the music, the views, and the vibe. Alcohol is never required and never included: drinks are available for purchase from our licensed bar on board. You’re welcome to bring your own food.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
You’re welcome to bring your own food — snacks, picnic, cake, whatever. Outside drinks are not permitted: we’re an AGCO-licensed floating bar, and our bartender will take care of you on board. Note: the Kontiki Lounge has no liquor licence — you’re welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks only.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes — our Palapa boats (Moana and Lilo) have a marine toilet on board. The solar vessels do not have washrooms; please use facilities before boarding.
Are there lifejackets on board?
Yes. Every passenger has a Type 1 PFD, and each vessel carries all Transport Canada-required safety equipment including a first aid kit.
Can kids come?
Age rules depend on the sailing time. Daytime sailings: all ages welcome. 7 PM: no children under 12. 9 PM: 19+ only. 11 PM private sailing: 19+ only. Kontiki Lounge: all ages welcome on every sailing (daytime loops, 7 PM and 9 PM). Everyone aboard counts toward the 12-passenger capacity, including infants.
Is the boat accessible?
Guests with limited mobility are welcome — let the crew know and we’ll bring out the boarding step. Please note there’s no wheelchair ramp, so full wheelchair access isn’t possible. If you’re unsure, call us at 819-272-4977 before booking and we’ll give you an honest answer.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Refunds are available when you purchase Trip Protection — cancel or reschedule for any reason up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund of your ticket or charter amount (including HST), less the Trip Protection cost and booking fees. Each passenger needs their own Trip Protection. Without Trip Protection, bookings can be rescheduled to another date but not refunded.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We cruise rain or shine — the Palapa boats are covered. If the captain cancels due to conditions (wind, chop, storms), you’ll be offered a reschedule or a credit, with no rebooking fee. Weather calls are ours to make, for everyone’s safety.
More questions? Call us at 819-272-4977 or email ottawa@palapa.tours.
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