It's the Big Give Christmas Challenge and we're fundraising for All Aboard from 28 November to 5 December, with all donations doubled at no extra cost! Follow our journey along the Union Canal, as we unwrap our favourite memories on All Aboard from 2023.

All Aboard

I'm looking to book a trip

I'm looking to volunteer

I'm looking to donate

What is All Aboard?

All Aboard is a canal boat run by People Know How in collaboration with Polwarth Parish Church. The boat hosts unique trips on Edinburgh's Union Canal for community groups and organisations to improve wellbeing, socialise and discover new experiences while surrounded by nature in the heart of the city. Through All Aboard we also offer unique volunteering opportunities to join our crew or become a helmsperson on the boat.

Our partnership began in 2019 with a consultation and pilot that identified the Union Canal as the community’s collective cultural heritage. In 2021, we purchased and launched our own custom-built canal boat and opened it as a space available to communities in and around Edinburgh.

The space now hosts trips with a variety of themes, all of which are run by our team of All Aboard volunteers, offering a unique volunteering experience.

Our work has been commended by the parliamentarians as "inspiring", in an article featured by the Church of Scotland. We have also been featured by Allchurches Trust and made appearances on BBC Radio Scotland, STV News and BBC Songs of Praise.

The All Aboard canal boat at its mooring on the Union Canal

Read our All Aboard leaflet

“All Aboard has been amazing in providing us with a new and interesting way for us to work with people with long-term health conditions. The pace of life whilst aboard the boat offers a wonderful perspective on the world which is both calming and restorative. There have been many highlights working with All Aboard; from our Polish group dancing to traditional Scottish music to our men’s health group enjoying a hot brew and a blether.” – Health All Round

“I love learning something new every time I come on the boat, whether it’s about the boat, about the canal or about the passengers.” – All Aboard Volunteer

“It’s so relaxing, you’d never think we’re a few minutes from the centre of town.”

All Aboard trips

All Aboard trips start at the Polwarth Pontoon behind Polwarth Parish Church at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace. The boat then turns at the Slateford Aqueduct and the Lochrin Quay. Trips typically take 2 hours and can accommodate up to 12 passengers.

After you get in touch with us, we'll work with you to facilitate your trip and ensure the safety of all passengers.

We host trips of all kinds, whether you have a specific theme or objective in mind or simply want to take some time to enjoy the scenery of the canal. Some past trips have included music concerts, art exhibitions, fundraising events supporting refugees, learning to cook, cleaning up the canal, science clubs for children, and more.

To book a trip, get in touch using our email address below. Before booking, please read our terms and conditions.

Read our stories

Read our latest case studies and find out more about All Aboard in action.

Aug 2024

Digital support on the canal

Jul 2024

All hands on deck

Jan 2024

1,000 hours on the canal

Oct 2023

Canal clean up

A group of people queuing on the pontoon to get onto the All Aboard canal boat

Two people smiling to camera in front of All Aboard, with Ukrainian flags painted on their faces

A young person wearing the Lord Provost's chain on the All Aboard canal boat

An All Aboard volunteer holding a rope on the pontoon

Three musicians playing instruments on the All Aboard canal boat

The All Aboard canal boat being craned into the Union Canal

Four singers sitting beside one another on the All Aboard canal boat

A person trimming hedges along the canal from the All Aboard canal boat

Volunteer

Want to volunteer on our boat?

We offer unique volunteering experiences as a crew member or helmsperson on All Aboard. Volunteers support us in running and maintaining the boat, taking people of all ages on trips on the Union Canal.

Volunteer today to gain work experience, add to your CV, develop new skills, or simply enjoy some time on the canal!

See current opportunities

Donate

Help us continue to provide this community resource

We want to ensure there are no financial barriers to improving wellbeing through engagement with green and blue spaces and therefore do not charge for our trips. We are able to do this thanks to donations, with each trip costing upwards of £250.

To help us keep this service free and open to all, please consider donating what you can. Donations are welcomed in cash or through our PayPal below, BACS by request.

Our partners and funders

We are delighted to be working in partnership with Polwarth Parish Church. We would also like to thank all those who have funded the project through both partner organisations.