A houseboat docked next to a forested shoreline facing a calm lake.

Kawarthas | Fred Thornhill, Kawarthas and Northumberland

Houseboating and houseboat rentals in Ontario

A houseboat docked next to a forested shoreline facing a calm lake.

Kawarthas | Fred Thornhill, Kawarthas and Northumberland

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. Sometimes, no boating licence is required or a captain may assist you.

Find great houseboat rentals and learn where to go houseboating in Ontario. Use this handy tipsheet to help plan your houseboating adventure.

Kawartha Lakes

Over 250 connected bodies of water make up the Kawartha Lakes, including the Trent-Severn Waterway.

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

Houseboating operators on the Kawartha Lakes 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

Lake of the Woods

Known as Sunset County, this is a legendary location for houseboat adventures.

Renowned for trophy freshwater fishing, Lake of the Woods is a spectacular northwestern lake surrounded by mighty forests, containing almost 15,000 islands with secluded beaches and coves. With its proximity to Kenora, Morson, Nestor Falls and Sioux Narrows, it’s easy to get all the supplies you’ll need for your trip.

Houseboating operators on Lake of the Woods 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

Canada Houseboat Vacations

These houseboats are spacious, spotless and come with everything you need for an unforgettable vacation on the water. Most vessels include a swim platform, water slide and the latest GPS navigation systems to ensure that you navigate the lake with ease.

Location: Sabaskong Bay Road, Nestor Falls

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

The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

The impressive architectural achievement was built to provide 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.

The 202-kilometre waterway an ideal cruising route through small communities like Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Westport.

Houseboating operators along The Rideau Canal 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 and locks at Seeley’s Bay

Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals

Another great option for exploring this national historic waterway, Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals is a family-friendly operation that also offers Sea Doo rentals. These well-appointed houseboats come with lots of extras, including high-quality cookware, deck chairs and kayaks.

Location: 15 Water Street, Portland

Lake Temagami

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 operators 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

Lac Seul

Freshwater sport fishing doesn’t get much better than 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.

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

The Thousand Islands

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.

Houseboat Holidays

Your boat comes with a pass to the 1000 Island National Park, giving you docking privileges to the 23 park islands in this famous region. Boats are powered entirely from propane and electric supplied by batteries so there is no need for a generator. This means quiet nights and no noise pollution.

Location: 11 Clark Drive, Gananoque

Dog Lake

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.

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

Last updated: June 12, 2024

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