Riverfront Canal Cruises in Richmond

Richmond’s canal system first started in 1789 after George Washington lobbied the General Assembly to proceed with his vision of a canal and turnpike system that would connect the harbors of the east to trade and market opportunities west, all the way to the Rocky Mountains.

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The Riverfront Canal Cruises in downtown Richmond features historically-narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal designed by George Washington. Hear about centuries of Richmond’s history, from Chief Powhatan’s Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, while traveling in authentic, covered, flat-bottomed boats. See the unique railroad Triple Crossing, tobacco warehouses that have been converted into trendy lofts, the Virginia Capital Trail, the Low Line gardens and James River wildlife.

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The 40-minute boat tours travel along downtown Richmond's Canal Walk and depart every hour on the hour and accommodate up to 28 passengers. They operate seven days a week from May through September, with varying hours in April, October and November. Tours depart from the canal’s Turning Basin at 139 Virginia Street. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Turning Basin’s ticket kiosk or online 24 hours in advance. All boats are handicap accessible.

The 2019 Canal Cruise season begins Friday, April 5 and ends Sunday, November 10.

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April

• Season starts Friday, April 5 at 12:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

May – September

• Monday through Friday: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

October

• Thursday through Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

November

• Friday through Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Season closes on Sunday, November 10

*All tours are weather-dependent.

Historic tours leave every hour on the hour and run on the seasonal schedule listed above. All boats are handicap accessible.

• Adults: $10
• Children (5-12 years old): $6
• Seniors (65 years and older): $6
• Children 4 and younger: Free

Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Turning Basin’s ticket kiosk or online 24 hours in advance at the "Buy Tickets" link above.

Questions? Call 804-649-2800 or email canal@venturerichmond.com

Maps Address: 139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219

Google Maps Link

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From the south

Take I-95N to Richmond. Exit onto the Downtown Expressway (I-195). Take the Canal Street to Route 60 exit. Turn right onto 10th Street, then right on East Cary Street. Continue on East Cary Street to Virginia Street (just before 14th Street). Turn right onto Virginia Street. Continue straight over Canal Street and, in a half block, the Turning Basin will be on your left.

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From the north

Take I-95S to Richmond. Take Exit 74B (Franklin Street). Go straight through the light at the end of the ramp. At the next light, East Main Street, take a right. Then turn left at 14th Street (first light). At the second light, turn right onto Canal Street. Take an immediate left at Virginia Street (no street sign). The Turning Basin is just one block down under the bridge on Virginia Street.

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From the east

Take I-64W toward Richmond. Take Exit 190, 5th Street/Downtown. Follow 5th Street to East Cary Street and turn left. Continue on East Cary Street to Virginia Street (just before 14th Street). Turn right onto Virginia Street. Continue straight over Canal Street and, in a half block, the Turning Basin will be on your left.

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From the west

Take I-64E toward Richmond. Exit onto the Downtown Expressway (I-195). After the toll booth, take the 7th and 9th Street exit. Take a left onto 9th Street. Take a right on East Cary Street and continue to Virginia Street (just before 14th Street). Turn right onto Virginia Street and go straight. Continue straight over Canal Street and, in a half block, the Turning Basin will be on your left.

Riverfront Canal Cruise private charters are one-hour historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal along Richmond’s historic Canal Walk. Some customers choose to forgo the historic narration and take in the sights while listening to light music over a provided speaker or conversing with shipmates. The boats can be outfitted with tables of various sizes that can accommodate light refreshments or a more formal catered meal.

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Prices:

• $150 per boat / per hour
• $130 per boat / per hour for seniors and non-profit educational groups

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Your chartered boat(s) may be set up in one of three configurations:

• Dining style has tables and chairs, seating a maximum of 16-18 passengers.
• Cocktail style has chairs, benches and a small table, seating a maximum of 23 passengers.
• Excursion style has chairs and benches, seating a maximum of 28 passengers.

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Private charters are a favorite for family reunions, celebrating birthdays, weddings, and engagements, corporate retreats, business groups, schools, churches, clubs, and so many more group outings.

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The 32-foot long boats are covered with a canopy to protect riders from the weather, but we recommend that all passengers check the weather the day of and dress accordingly. The boats are handicapped accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs.

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Charters may be scheduled for any day and time you wish during the boat tour season (Apr.-Nov.), are dependent on weather conditions, and are scheduled on an individual basis, subject to boat and driver availability. Please book your charter at least two weeks in advance. Once scheduled, it can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

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To book your private charter now, click “Buy Tickets” above, or call 804-649-2800. Questions? Email canal@venturerichmond.com

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• East Cary and Virginia Street parking deck (fronting Virginia Street)
• 14th and East Cary Street surface parking lot
• 14th and East Cary Street parking deck
• 12th and Canal Street parking deck
• Omni/James Center parking deck (underground, limited space) at 12th and East Cary streets
• 15th and East Cary Street surface lots