Caledonian Canal Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Caledonian Canal. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour From Inverness

• Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour From Edinburgh

• Fort William Seal Island Cruise

• Cycle to Loch Ness - Self Guided Cycling Tour

• Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Highlands Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour

The Caledonian Canal is free to visit, but many travelers pass by on a guided tour or choose to explore the canal by boat cruise. E-bike tours from Inverness start at US$57 per person, while cruises around Loch Linnhe in Fort William start at US$52—both pass by the canal.

Yes, the Caledonian Canal is the longest inland waterway in Scotland, running all the way from Inverness to Fort William. The most exciting ways to explore are by boat or by bike—following the scenic canalside cycling trails—but many tours of the Highlands also pass by and a local guide typically will show you all the best photo spots.

Per one customer who booked the Cycle to Loch Ness - Self Guided Cycling Tour, "Staff was incredibly helpful with trip recommendations of where to bicycle to for the best views, etc. Bike ride was great; helmet and water bottle provided. Beautiful, tranquil views along the Caledonia Canal. Definitely one of the coolest things I did in Scotland! Would recommend to anyone who wants to set their own pace and route of exploring!"

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.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Caledonian Canal. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Inverness:

• Corrieshalloch Gorge

• Isle of Skye

• Culloden Battlefield

• Fort George

• Chanonry Point

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Inverness.