Houseboating and houseboat rentals in Ontario
Le Boat, Rideau Canal | South Eastern Ontario
Ontario’s waterways once served as thoroughfares for Indigenous people, voyageurs, trappers and explorers. Today, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and recreational boaters enjoy the same routes and waterways.
Renting a houseboat is a great way to appreciate Ontario’s nautical highways. Combine the creature comforts of home with the thrill of exploring the province from a different perspective—on the water. Various vessel sizes, activities, locations and routes mean there’s a houseboating adventure perfect for your crew.
You’ll receive full instructions on operating the houseboat before departure. In some cases, no boating licence is required, or a captain can assist you.
Find great houseboat rentals and learn where to go houseboating in Ontario. Use this handy tipsheet to help plan your houseboating adventure.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Over 250 connected bodies of water make up the Kawartha Lakes, including the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, which was included in the New York Times' top 50 places to visit in 2025.
This 386-kilometre system of natural and human-created lakes, rivers and canals connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay with incredibly engineered lift locks along the way.
Coined the "houseboat capital of Ontario", Kawartha Lakes provides boundless cruising routes, linking small towns and waterfront communities just north of Peterborough with marinas, family-friendly attractions and water-based adventures, including safe swimming and secluded fishing spots.
Houseboat rentals include:
Egan Houseboat Vacations
Choose from a fleet of fully equipped, compact-style houseboats designed to easily maneuver canals, marinas and locks near Emily Park. Accommodations include two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a three-piece bathroom and a BBQ for up to six adults.
Location: 23 Lila Crescent, Omemee
R&R Houseboat Rentals
Tri-pontoon design makes these vessels super stable and easy to handle, even for the larger 16-person size. The fleet includes a 44-foot unit that is wheelchair accessible with widened gates, doorways, hallways and a pilot area.
Location: 188 Mill Line Road, Trent Lakes
H20 Getaways
These beautiful boutique houseboats offer an upscale interior and breathtaking views of the Trent-Severn waterway from large windows and a rooftop sun pad. Vessels are equipped with bow and stern thrusters, so they’re easy to maneuver when entering and exiting the locks.
Location: Boats depart from Lock 1, 155 Trenton-Frankford Road, Quinte West, Trenton
Southeastern Ontario
Designated a national historic site, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. The impressive architectural achievement was built to provide a safe passage between Kingston and Montreal after the War of 1812. It connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River via the Rideau and Cataraqui Rivers, several lakes and a series of man-made locks and stations.
Today, the 202-kilometre waterway is an ideal cruising route through small communities like Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Westport.
Another terrific houseboating destination, the Thousand Islands are a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, along the border of the U.S. and Canada. It’s home to sprawling island mansions such as the German-style Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island, with Gothic windows and secret passageways.
Once a popular retreat for the wealthy in the late 19th century, the area is now a hub for outdoor adventures for nautical travellers.
Houseboating rentals in this region include:
Le Boat
Having operated luxurious self-guided sailing holidays throughout Europe for years, Le Boat has crossed the pond with a premium Horizon fleet of houseboats cruising the Rideau.
Boats are designed for ultimate comfort, ease and accessibility and have cool features like oversized windows, a sunbathing area and a “fun deck”.
Location: 1 Jasper Avenue, Smiths Falls
Houseboat Holidays
Your houseboat rental includes a pass to the 1000 Islands National Park, allowing for docking privileges to the 23 park islands in this famous region. Boats are powered entirely by propane and electricity supplied by batteries, so there is no need for a generator. This means quiet nights and no noise pollution.
Location: 11 Clark Drive, Gananoque
Northwest Ontario
Top houseboating destinations in Northwest Ontario include Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul and Dog Lake.
Lake of the Woods in Sunset Country is surrounded by mighty forests and contains almost 15,000 islands with secluded beaches and coves. It’s a legendary location for houseboating adventures. And with proximity to Kenora, Morson, Nestor Falls and Sioux Narrows, it’s easy to get all the supplies you’ll need for your trip.
Combine a houseboating adventure with epic freshwater sport fishing on Lac Seul. Located north of Dryden in the northwest, the lake is home to walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The majestic wilderness, wildlife sightings and postcard sunsets are spectacular too.
Located in Northwest Ontario, Dog Lake is surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches, pristine forests. Over 800 kilometres of shoreline consists of countless bays, islands and reefs to explore.
Houseboating rentals in Northwest Ontario include:
Ontario Wilderness Houseboat Rentals
Houseboating is a great way to reconnect with nature. Set out from the east end of the lake for full days of fishing, swimming in the pristine waters and stargazing at night. Enjoy the perfect vantage point to spot wildlife like deer, moose, eagles, loons, wolves and more.
Location: Morson Marina, Morson
Houseboat Adventures
With a variety of sizes, this well-maintained fleet can accommodate just about every group from a friend’s fishing getaway to a honeymoon couple. Vessels come with a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, deck chairs, tables and all of the safety features you need to rest easy on the water.
Location: 320 Main Street South, Kenora
Floating Lodges Houseboat Rental
With fish cleaning stations, aerated minnow tanks and hand fuel pumps for filling small boat tanks on board, this fleet is designed with the angler in mind. Upper-deck child-proof railings and special life jackets for kids keep families safe and comfortable too.
Location: 19 Miller Road, Sioux Narrows
Lake Life Houseboats
For the ultimate stress-free houseboating experience, let Captain Brock Bargen sail you to the location of your choice, show you the ropes and return when you are ready to come home. Perfect for first timers.
Location: 12e Kendall Inlet Road, Clearwater Bay
Tomahawk Houseboats
A 50-foot Tomahawk houseboat takes the "wild" out of a wilderness vacation, with all the comforts of home within reach. Surround yourself with stunning scenery, sparkling waters and secluded beaches and those who love to fish can cast a line from sunup to sundown.
Location: 111 Tomahawk Road, Sioux Narrows
Lac Seul Floating Lodges
With a fleet of 11 houseboats, Lac Seul Floating Lodges can accommodate groups of up to 12 guests. A small fishing boat is included along with your houseboat rental so you can get closer to the angling action.
Location: 5 Lakefront, Hudson
Lac Seul Whitewing Lodge
In addition to cabins, RV facilities and camping, Whitewing Lodge offers houseboat rentals. A guide will aid you in and out from their northwest location on the lake near Ear Falls. Find your fishing spot, cast a line and then cook your catch on the propane stove, barbecue or fish cooker included on all boats.
Location: 80 White Wing Road, Ear Falls
Sioux Lookout Floating Lodges
Enjoy an exceptional floating lodge experience in operation since 1984. Take in the incredible scenery as you glide along the water speckled with islands and marine life.
These fully equipped lodges are ideal for family vacations or that yearly walleye fishing trip with friends.
Location: 3 Lake Front, Sioux Lookout
Dog Lake Resort
Houseboat rentals feature a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ on the patio, four-piece bathrooms, a marine radio and a 16-foot motorboat. The deluxe Party Girl boat includes a rooftop patio and a water slide.
There is no extra charge for kids and pets.
Location: 1 Dog Lake Road, Thunder Bay
Northeastern Ontario
Meaning “deep water by the shore” in Ojibwe, Lake Temagami is a sprawling, island-studded water system 80 kilometres north of North Bay, in the Nipissing District of Northeastern Ontario.
There are over 3,200 kilometres of shoreline and hundreds of islands to discover, including Temagami Island. Hike its island trails to one of Ontario’s most spectacular old-growth forests.
Houseboat rentals on Lake Temagami include:
Three Buoys Houseboats
Cruise the mighty Temagami with up to nine of your favourite people on one of Three Buoys’ forty-foot Sportcruisers. Enjoy excellent swimming off the boat or on one of the lake’s beaches. Savour the unforgettable smell of fresh fish in a pan while you stop for lunch on the shore.
Location: 25 Lakeshore Drive, Temagami
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
Lake Temagami’s first and largest houseboat rental company has a fleet of pontoons specially designed for the rocky shores and shoals. Airy, well-equipped cabins feature both front and back decks to maximize your outdoor space.
Location: 115 Lake Shore Drive, Temagami
Tamar Vacations
Explore the lake’s many interesting islands and coves with an extremely maneuverable watercraft. Houseboats are equipped with marine band radios for weather updates and a direct line to assistance if needed. Sunbathe and fish with the rugged shoreline all around you and minimal traffic for maximum serenity.
Location: 60 Temagami Marine Road, Temagami
Last updated: June 3, 2025