Georgetown’s Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal boat tours have returned for a second season!
The Georgetown Heritage nonprofit debuted its new canal boat last year after tours had ceased for more than a decade while the canal underwent renovations. The new 80-foot-long boat dubbed the Georgetown Heritage was purchased to replace the previous boat, which was in poor condition.
Beginning May 5, guided one-hour historical boat rides are available four times a day (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.) Wednesday through Sunday. Each tour cruises a mile down the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
According to Georgetown Heritage, visitors will be able to experience and learn more about “the fascinating history, technology, and culture of the Canal, and the surprising stories of the people who lived, worked, and played here over the past two centuries.”
“Every boat tour is a singular look into the past,” S. Rex Carnegie, director of Education & Partnerships for Georgetown Heritage, said in a press release. “So much of our diverse history in Georgetown, and the years of work by Georgetown Heritage and our partners, have made this a unique experience for visitors, and an exciting way to engage with one of the nation’s most visited national parks. We are glad to build on last year’s success and offer new ways to connect people with this important milestone of American history.”
The Georgetown Heritage has been updated with modern amenities, including a restroom, electric motors, and a fiberglass hull.
Visitors will board the boat next to the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Georgetown Visitor Center, between Thomas Jefferson Street and 30th Street NW. The canal tour offers discounts for active military, children, seniors, and educators, as well as accommodations for those with visual and hearing impairments. The boat is also available for private event rentals!
For more information or to purchase tickets for the Georgetown Heritage C&O Canal boat tours, visit the Georgetown Heritage website.