Try a different kind of vacation this summer – a cottage on the water perhaps?
No, we don’t mean a lakefront cottage rental, or even a water access cottage rental – but we have both – if you’re interested!
We’re talking about luxurious boating on the Rideau Canal with Le Boat!
Le Boat is not your typical houseboat. With options for families of 4-5 or larger groups of 12, Le Boat has something for everyone.
New to North America – Canada, specifically, in 2020, Le Boat first began in European countries and gained rapidly in popularity for over 50 years, meaning they’re a pioneer in self-catering family vacations.
LeBoat in Canada
Start your journey in Smiths Falls, ON on the Rideau Canal, and plan your trip either North, towards Ottawa, or South towards Kingston and Lake Ontario. Use one of Le Boat’s pre-planned itineraries or make your own as you go!
With plenty of popular towns to stop in, you won’t be bored. Or, like at a cottage, spend the days on the water – swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or whatever else your heart desires.
No Boaters License? No problem!
Don’t have a Boaters License? Have no fear, you’ll learn everything you need to know before departing on your voyage. Maneuvering a Le Boat, when sensible is easy, even through locks, as long as you follow all pre-departure instructions.
Visiting LeBoat
Kaitlyn, our Communications Manager here at CLRM stopped by LeBoat on their opening day in May 2022 while in the area visiting a cottage. Here is what she had to say:
I visited LeBoat Canada’s HQ on a rainy Friday in May. I was staying at Arykat Otter Lake, which is only 10-minute from Smiths Falls, so it made a rainy day trip into town a fun thing to do! I was in the area with my mom and son, so they got to join me.
As we walked towards the lock, we could see, across the canal, the fleet of almost all 30 of their boats. Once we crossed the canal and could see the boats more closely, it was quite easy to tell, even from the outside, as they were preparing them for the season, how luxurious they really are.
I ended up chatting with Mike, an employee at LeBoat who really knew his way around the watercraft. He’s one of the instructors who teach travelers how to maneuver the boats through the Rideau Canal before setting off.
But, between you and me, it’s so easy to learn, he had my 3 ½ year old showing me the ropes in no time!
While we interrupted their opening day, we weren’t able to tour one of the boats that was prepped and ready to depart on the voyage, however, we were still able to tour Horizon 4, one of the larger boats on their fleet. It can accommodate up to 8-9 guests.
Upclose & Personal with LeBoat
Check out some of the photos of our tour here:
Next Steps
All in all, I would absolutely recommend a LeBoat vacation in Ontario, or, even if you’re planning to travel abroad!
