Tours and Tickets to Experience Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal stretches for 60 miles (97 kilometers) across the Scottish Highlands. It connects the town of Corpach, near Fort William in the southwest, with Inverness in the northeast. Along the way, the canal features 29 locks and connects Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy, and Loch Linnhe.

Yes, boat tours and cruises along the Caledonian Canal are some of the most popular ways to experience the canal. Cruise excursions from different sections of the canal can last from a few hours to a few days. You can also rent boats to explore the canal on your own.

Yes, there are towpaths alongside the canal where you can walk or ride a bike. Sections of the towpath form part of the 75-mile (120-kilometer) Great Glen Way, one of Scotland’s great trails, which stretches from Fort William to Inverness. A popular section to walk is between Inverness and Dochgarroch.

Yes, fishing is allowed in the Caledonian Canal. Anglers can fish for brown trout and other non-migratory freshwater fish along the man-made sections of the canal, and no permit is required. However, a permit is required to fish in the lochs, ideal locations for catching salmon and sea trout.

Yes, there are 29 locks along the length of the Caledonian Canal, and you can watch boats passing through them. The most spectacular section is Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie, just outside of Fort William. With a series of eight locks, it’s the longest staircase lock in the UK.

Yes, the Caledonian Canal Centre is located in Fort Augustus, which is around halfway between the two ends of the canal. The visitor center is open year-round and offers information, a gift shop with locally sourced items, and a café selling Scottish produce, coffee, and artisan ice cream.