Belgium canals

[Mamasusan]

Are the canals open to the north of Eeklo? We're planning a trip to Belgium this summer to cruise on self driven canal boats. Our map has canals heading to the north of Eeklo, where we can head north and then west but the map indicates that these canals are either closed or being worked on. However, our map is from 2007, so maybe these canals are open???? ANyone know?

 

[segaerta]

Mamasusan,

I suppose you mean the canal going from Eeklo north towards the Zeebrugge harbour. Unfortunately this canal is not open.

You can hire a boat in Eeklo (Riveryachts) but the area for boating is first going south to the Schipdonk lock and then you can choose either Brugge - Oostende or Gent or even further depending on how long you can extend your trip.

A useful website (in English) with details on all canals (in Dutch) can be found here : http://www.waterrecreatie.be/htmlEN/waterwegen.php

Should you have more questions, I'm from Gent and have done this area many times.

Cheers,
Alain

 

[gravygraham]

Are the canals open to the north of Eeklo? We're planning a trip to Belgium this summer to cruise on self driven canal boats. Our map has canals heading to the north of Eeklo, where we can head north and then west but the map indicates that these canals are either closed or being worked on. However, our map is from 2007, so maybe these canals are open???? ANyone know?

Pedant Alert! Are inland waterways maps called maps or charts?

 

[Mamasusan]

Alain - Thank you so much for your information! We're trying to decide whether to go with France Passion Plaisance boat rental, which has a base in Eeklo or Le Boat rental, which has bases in Gent and Nieuepoort. We really want to visit both Brugge and Gent during our boat trip, which will only be one week. Any other suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!