Perth's Tay River Basin is the start of the Tay Canal, which was built in 1831-34 as Perth's transportation link to the Rideau Canal. The Tay Basin/Canal served as the focal point for commerce in Perth and the surrounding area.
Today, downtown Perth can be reached from the Rideau Canal system via the Tay Canal; teminating at the Tay Basin. Large boats will find they cannot get any further than the Last Duel Park (where they can dock) because of very low bridges near the Tay Basin.
Tay Basin Docking Area
The Crystal Palace is located at the Tay Basin with Public Washrooms Open 8:00am to 7:00pm daily, seasonally, from May 15th. to October 15th.
Last Duel Park Docking Area
Public Washrooms at Last Duel Park are Open 8:00am to 7:00pm daily, seasonally, from May 15th. to October 15th.
From the Rideau Canal, the Tay Canal winds up the Tay River, through the Tay Marsh, and into the Tay River Basin in Perth. It is accessible from the Rideau Canal is by locking through the Beveridges Locks into the Tay Canal.
Check with Parks Canada before navigating up the Tay Canal for current draught: even though the draught in the Tay Canal should be maintained the same as for the rest of the Rideau system.