Two vessels navigate locks along the Rideau Canal.

Rideau Canal | Destination Ontario

Houseboating in Ontario

Two vessels navigate locks along the Rideau Canal.

Rideau Canal | Destination Ontario

Ontario’s waterways once served as thoroughfares for Indigenous people, voyageurs, trappers and explorers. Today, the same routes and waterways are enjoyed by anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and recreational boaters from cottages, resorts or campsites.

Another unique way to appreciate Ontario’s nautical highways is by houseboat. 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 means there’s a bragworthy houseboating adventure perfect for your crew.

You’ll receive full instructions on operating and navigating the houseboat prior to departure. In some cases, no boating licence is required, or you’ll be assisted by a captain. Start planning with this tipsheet on how to prepare for a houseboat trip in Ontario.

Here are five different Ontario water systems with houseboat rentals.

Kawartha Lakes

Over 250 connected bodies of water make up the Kawartha Lakes, including the Trent-Severn Waterway. The 386 kilometre canal flows through Kawartha Lakes between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario and is designated a National Historic Site.

Coined the "houseboat capital of Ontario", Kawartha Lakes provides boundless cruising routes, linking small towns and waterfront communities just north of Peterborough with marinas, local family-friendly attractions and loads of water-based adventures from safe swimming spots to secluded fishing holes.

Houseboating operators include:

Egan Houseboat Rentals

Fully equipped, compact-style houseboats that are designed to easily maneuver canals, marinas and locks. Accommodations include two bedrooms, full kitchen, three-piece bathroom and BBQ for up to six adults.

Location23 Russell Dr, Omemee, near Emily Park

R&R Houseboats

Tri-pontoon design make these vessels super stable and easy to handle, even for the larger 16 person size. The fleet includes a 44 foot unit that wheelchair accessible with widened gates, doorways, hallways and pilot area.

Location: 1601 Mill Line Rd, Bobcaygeon

Lake of the Woods

Known as Sunset County, this is a legendary location for a houseboating vacation. Renowned for trophy freshwater fishing, Lake of the Woods is a spectacular northwestern lake surrounded by mighty forest and containing almost 15,000 islands with secluded beaches and coves. And 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.

Lake of the Woods Houseboats

Chart your course and set your schedule to chill on one of three models that sleep up to ten people.

Location: Laughing Water Road, Sioux Narrows

Ontario Wilderness Houseboat Rentals

Set out from the east end of the lake for full days of fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing, while nighttime is for stargazing.

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 honeymooning couple.

Location: 320 Main Street South, Kenora

Canada Houseboat Vacations

Navigating your floating cottage getaway is a breeze with the onboard lake system GPS.

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

Rideau Canal 

A magnificent architectural achievement, construction of the Rideau Canal was completed in 1852, making it the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

This 202 kilometre waterway connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River via the Rideau and the Cataraqui rivers, a number of lakes and a series of man-made locks and stations, thus providing alternative post war passage between Kingston and Montreal. The canal remains an ideal cruising route through small communities like Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Westport.

Le Boat

Having operated luxurious, high end self-guided sailing holidays throughout Europe for years, Le Boat has crossed the pond with a premium Horizon fleet of houseboats cruising the Rideau.

Groups of two to ten can be accommodated in boats designed for ultimate comfort, ease of handling, accessibility and with cool features like the oversized windows, sunbathing area and fundeck. Read more on what you can expect from Le Boat.

Location: 1 Jasper Ave, Smith Falls and locks at Seeley’s Bay

Rideau Lake Houseboat Rentals

Another great option for exploring this national historic waterway, Rideau Lake Houseboat Rentals is a family-friendly operation that also offers Sea Doo rentals.

Location: 15 Water Street, Portland

Lake Temagami

Meaning ‘deep water by the shore’ in Ojibwa, 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.

Three Buoys Houseboat Vacation

Cruise the mighty Lake Temagami with up to nine of your favourite people on one of Three Buoys’ forty-foot Sportcruisers.

Location: 25 Lakeshore Drive, Temagami

Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals

Temagami’s first and largest houseboat rental company have a fleet of pontoons specially designed for the rocky shores and shoals with front and back decks to maximize your outdoor space.

Location: 115 Lake Shore Drive, 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 not too shabby either. Learn more fun facts about Lac Seul.

Lac Seul Floating Lodges

A small fishing boat is included along with your houseboat rental from Lac Seul Floating Lodges so you can get closer to the angling action.

Location: 5 Lakefront, Hudson

White Wing Resort

In addition to cabins, RV facilities and camping, White Wing Resort offers houseboat rentals. A guide will aid you in and out from their northwest location on the lake near Ear Falls.

Location: 80 White Wing Road, Ear Falls

Last updated: October 16, 2023

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