Boat tour
accessibility information
Thanks for your interest in our C&O Canal boat tour! The accessibility information below will help you plan your visit. If a particular service or issue is not mentioned, please contact info@georgetownheritage.orgfor assistance.
Physical / Mobility Needs
We are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers on the boat at this time. However, we are working toward making this a possibility for the future. You may leave your wheelchair or walker with a Georgetown Heritage employee in the Visitors Center at the time of check-in.
The key experience of the boat excursion is the educational historic tour, which takes place west of Lock 4. The Canal towpath is a graded gravel path throughout the park. It can get muddy after it rains, making the trail uneven in places. Boarding takes place at either Lock 3 or Lock 4 just south of the towpath. Boat passengers should be able to walk up to 250’ (from check-in to the boat), including on steep ramps and up 1-2 stairs. There is some seating provided at Lock 3 near our check-in location.
There are three bathrooms nearby. One on the boat, which is accessible, and two in the Visitors Center at 1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, one of which is accessible.
The ceiling of the boat is low, and passengers must use caution with their heads when boarding. Visitors who need assistance with boarding may alert our crew, who will happily assist.
The Canal boat has wooden floor boards, with occasional warping or uneven joints. Changing wind and water conditions will cause the boat to rock and pitch during the tour. All guests are encouraged to use caution when moving about the cabin.
Deaf / Hearing Loss
A text narrative is available on the boat. You can also request a copy ahead of time by emailing info@georgetownheritage.org. The audio of the boat tour is amplified, and our interpreters are equipped with tablet devices that can be used for written or typed communication. Please ask one of the costumed interpreters for assistance with these resources.
Blind / Low Vision
The boat tour is narrated, and amplified via audio system.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted everywhere visitors are at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Only service animals are permitted on boat tours (according to definitions of service animals). No pets please. All animal waste must be picked up and removed from the park.