Your Palapa cruise starts from one of two docks, and you pick which one when you book. Here’s where to park, how to get there without a car, and a few tips so you’re on the dock with time to spare.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. That gives you time to park, walk down to the water and check in.
Ottawa Locks
The Ottawa Locks dock is at 1 Canal Lane, at the foot of the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier. From Wellington St, take the path down to the water beside the locks.
Where to park
- ByWard Market Garage, 70 Clarence St (City of Ottawa): about $4/hour in the day and $3/hour in the evening and on Sundays.
- CF Rideau Centre garages (Impark): the Red Garage at 5 Daly Ave, entered from Colonel By Dr, is the closest to the canal. The Blue Garage is at 80 Nicholas St. Expect about $6/hour, or $22 for 4 to 12 hours.
Without a car
- O-Train Line 1: get off at Rideau or Parliament station and walk to the locks.
- Taxi or rideshare: ask to be dropped on Wellington St at the Rideau Canal locks, beside the Château Laurier.
Canadian Museum of History docks
The museum docks are in Gatineau, right across the river from Parliament, behind the Canadian Museum of History at 100 Laurier St.
Where to park
- Museum underground garage (Indigo), 100 Laurier St: about $2 per 30 minutes, or about $18 for the day. The height limit is 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in), and accessible spaces are on level P1.
- Street parking: metered spots and public lots nearby, when available.
Drop-off
Cars, taxis and rideshares can stop in front of the museum’s main entrance on Ceremonial Drive to drop off or pick up. There’s no parking there.
Leave the car if you’re drinking
There’s a fully licensed bar on board. If you plan to enjoy it, take transit, a taxi or a rideshare, or pick a designated driver.
Tips for groups
- Carpool or share a ride: downtown parking adds up fast for a big group.
- Pick the dock that suits your group: the Ottawa Locks are easiest from downtown hotels and the ByWard Market; the museum docks are easiest from Gatineau.
- Public tours may stop at both docks. That can add up to 15 minutes, but you still get your full 90 minutes on the water.
Parking rates are as posted by each operator in October 2026 and can change. Check before you go.
