Houseboat Vacation

I started my houseboat vacation experience in 2003. Since that time I am doing this every year and in some years even twice … this is really something that you have to try before you can conclude whether you like it or not. You really have to like the concept itself in order to do it again. It is not the same as different hotels or resorts. You can go to all-inclusive resort in Dominican and like it but next year you will go to similar resort in Cuba and will regret….. houseboat is you like it or not…. regardless where are you going. The views can be different, fishing with more or less success, houseboat itself more comfortable or less….. but the concept of having house on the water, being able to sail and dock in different places…. This is something that is making this type of vacation amazing.

One more important item – if you want to do it in summer you have to book in winter…. Otherwise you will not have anything available.

My first place was on thousand islands. Really good place and good service. They have different types of houseboats for different number of people. First time we went with 3 families (12 people – 6 adults and 6 kids). We rented one big boat and spent entire week on the water. After that few years we were going to the same place and were renting few smaller boats for two families (8 people) each. On thousand islands you have very good infrastructure and while feeling as you are in the middle of nothing and close to nature you still feel the civilization - you can dock in Kingston or GANANOQUE and go for grocery shopping or visit LCBO if your liquor balance is not sufficient.

In 2009 we found another place to go and this time it was really wild place….. no civilization…. If you don’t have enough food or drinks – you don’t have any option to buy (just if you return back to marine).

This was on Temagami Lake. Very beautiful place - north from Toronto - around 8 hours drive.

We spent there two vacations already and planning to go again.

What you can do there…. Everything!!!! Sailing, swimming, diving, eating, drinking…. And nights around bonfire with guitar and glass of whiskey or brandy… you have to try this in order to understand…

Food – here is the most important point. You need to make sure that you bring all required food so you don’t need to waste time for an additional grocery shopping. It is important to understand that you are not going there to have variety of food and a lot of choice for each meal. You need to go day by day and prepare “menu” for every meal so you don’t bring too much (you have limited space in the fridge).

Also, if you are planning to fish and you eat fish you should be ready that some of your meat that you brought with you will be returned home.

There are many other items and points that might be interested and useful – if you have any questions or want some more tips – please, reply to this article. Also, if some of you have experience of house boating and want to share – please, go ahead – it will be good for everybody.

Some history about canadian house boating :

House boating began in England as canals that were built in the 1700's for shipping cargo throughout the country fell into disuse due to alternative shipping methods. People began to use the canals for recreation and the houseboat was born. With Canada being a commonwealth country, the novelty of Canadian house boating began to catch on as an exciting vacation...a home away from home…on the water!

The canals and waterways in Canada provided the perfect environment for house boating. In Canada, there are several waterways that are a perfect setting for Canadian boating including the Rideau Waterway, the Trent-Severn Waterway, the 1000 Islands, the St. Lawrence River, and Shuswap Lake. Canada is well-known for its quality manufacturing of houseboats for American and Canadian clients.