A delegation from Le Boat offices around the world hopped aboard the company's new Canadian fleet this past week and toured the Rideau Canal.
In keeping with the phrase "experience is the best teacher," frontline representatives of the European self-guided tour boat company took in the historic canal and the communities along its shores. The company officially launched and christened the fleet on June 13 at its North American Base in Smiths Falls.
"My teams got to see everything that I have been talking passionately about for three years," says Le Boat Managing Director Cheryl Brown, who spearheaded the company's launch here. Team members came from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Africa and Australia, to name a few.
"The best of all our European cruising grounds all in one place - the breathtakingly beautiful Rideau Canal," adds Cheryl of how team members experienced the waterway first hand over five days. The Rideau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
"Although I've visited the region previously, this was my first time on the water and I was blown away by its beauty," says Andrew Le Duc of the UK. "The vast and open, but calm water was picture perfect. The sense of the great outdoors, the beautiful towns and villages we visited was everything I hoped it would be."
Line Abadie, of France and head of global sales teams, agrees. "I don't have enough words to describe my emotions while cruising and visiting this incredible area. I am in love with the Rideau."
The group visited many Leeds Grenville communities along the way, including Merrickville, Portland, Newboro, Westport, Seeley's Bay, Chaffeys Lock and Jones Falls. They toured historic sites, downtown shopping areas and businesses.
"I have never, ever thought that Canada would impress me more than Italy, which has been my favourite cruising ground so far," says Steffi Knoess, marketing manager for Northern Europe. "Canada made it to the top. I'm so impressed and thankful for all these wonderful experiences."
Tracey Suggett, from the UK, remarked on Canadian hospitality. "I've been lucky enough to live in many different countries in Europe but I've never felt quite so 'at home' as I did on the Rideau Canal."
Global Brand and Content Manager Colin Salt liked going into the communities along the way. "The shops brimmed with quirkiness and charm and everyone was so incredibly genuine and welcoming. I can't wait to come back."
Learn more about Le Boat tours and its Canadian operations by visiting the
website.
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