LaSalle Causeway boater access

The LaSalle Causeway which provides marine access to the southern end of the Rideau Canal and the inner harbour of Kingston is under construction. Learn about possible changes to boater access to help plan your visit this navigation season.

LaSalle Causeway Bridge Construction (PSPC)

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has implemented a temporary modular bridge at the LaSalle Causeway during construction of the permanent bridge. The main navigation channel under the modular bridge will now open on a fixed schedule for larger and taller vessels. During these openings, the temporary modular bridge will be removed in the morning and reinstalled later the same day to accommodate marine traffic during daylight hours. Outside of these periods, the temporary bridge would remain in place.

Learn more about the LaSalle Causeway

Navigation via East Fixed Bridge

Boaters with vessels under approximately 14 to 16 feet (4.27 metres to 4.9 metres) vertical clearance may continue to navigate through the East Fixed Bridge at all times, subject to current water levels.

A physical water level gauge that displays the current height clearance will soon be in place on both sides of the bridge. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is also working on a water gauge to make current clearance information available online for public access.

Questions and Answers

• When does the Rideau Canal open for navigation? What are the hours of operation?

  The Rideau Canal will be open for navigation on May 15. Please note that station opening and closing times, as well as first and last lockage times, are not guaranteed and may be affected by water management duties, maintenance activities, or other navigation interruptions. For example, during the May 15 – June 18 period, lockstation hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday to Sunday (and on Victoria Day, May 18). We recommend boaters plan accordingly and arrive early—30 minutes before closing at lockstations with a single lock, and even earlier at stations with multiple locks or swing bridges—to maximize their chances of being locked through at the end of the day.

• Will the temporary modular bridge still need to be removed for marine navigation?

  Yes, the temporary modular bridge will be removed at specific times to allow for marine navigation access for taller vessels. Access for vessels with approximately 16’ in height and under is available at all times under the east fixed portion of the bridge.

• What is the clearance under the navigable portion of the east fixed bridge?

  Boaters with vessels under approximately 14 to 16 feet (4.27 metres to 4.9 metres) vertical clearance may continue to navigate through the East Fixed Bridge at all times, subject to current water levels. Two options will soon be available to determine if a vessel meets clearance requirements under the east fixed portion of the LaSalle Causeway bridge, which is not experiencing any planned closures this season. The first is a physical water level gauge that displays the current height clearance once you arrive at the bridge, and the second is an electronic gauge that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is working on to make current clearance information available online for public access.

• If I purchase a permit but cannot travel due to the LaSalle Causeway, can I get a refund?

  Yes, refunds will be available for lockage and mooring permits that have not been used. Refund requests must be made in writing to the Manager of Operations. Requests can be submitted via email to rideau@pc.gc.ca or by mail to 34 Beckwith Street South, Smiths Falls, ON K7A2A8.

• Who can I contact for more information?

  For the most accurate and up-to-date details on the construction or bridge removals, please contact PSPC directly using their online form. For media inquiries, contact media@pwgsc.gc.ca.

  For any questions related to the schedule, please contact Transport Canada at NPPONT-PPNONT@tc.gc.ca.

  Parks Canada will assist with sharing information relevant to navigation schedules. For trip planning advice, please contact rideau@pc.gc.ca.

PSPC Key Links

• December 5, 2025 - Update on proposed marine navigation schedule for 2026
• PSPC on Facebook
• PSPC on X
• PSPC on Instagram