Le Boat Canada Adventure: How to Take the Helm and Cruise Like a Pro

Are you planning a Le Boat trip and want all the inside tips and behind-the-scenes hints?

First of all, I need to be honest with you. The idea of being a Captain of a 44-foot houseboat was daunting, so much so that I procrastinated for a whole year! I was nervous about being in charge of such a large boat, worried about my navigational skills (or lack thereof), and had to learn all the systems to keep our trip running smoothly. 

But I had an all-girls crew who were keen to head to Smith Falls, Ontario, for an adventure, so we booked the trip and have no regrets! I’m here to not only tell you, you CAN do it, but also to share all of my behind-the-scenes tips, tricks, and lessons from my first time aboard Le Boat. 

Spoiler Alert: Operating the Le Boat houseboat was way easier to use than I ever could have imagined. After my “Captain Training”, I realized that not only was the boat easy to maneuver, but our training was thorough, and I felt very confident heading out on the water with my crew. And the best part, I was about to experience one of Canada’s most unique adventures, with my BFF’s by my side! 

So I’m excited to share everything I learned on my Le Boat luxury houseboat adventure with you so that you can set sail next year and be the captain of your own adventure!

What is “Le Boat”?

Le Boat is a premier luxury houseboat rental company inviting travellers to explore scenic waterways and swoonworthy destinations, without requiring a boating license. Le Boats come fully equipped (ours had a kitchen with a full fridge!) and are easy to operate, serving as both your transportation and accommodation. You get to become captain of your own ship, with professional staff training you on how to operate the boats, manage the systems on board, and how to navigate the waterways and lock systems. 

The first time I drove the boat through the Smith Falls lock was one of the most empowering experiences of my life! (We celebrated with a dance party!). 

With Le Boat vacations, trip itineraries are as packed as you want them, taking you cruising through canals, rivers, and lakes while stopping at charming towns, historic sites, and natural attractions along the way. With 17 destinations (2 in Canada and 15 in Europe), Le Boat offers you the ability to pack as much or as little into each day, making your trip 100% customizable to your own interests and skills.

Do You Need A Boat License To Rent a Le Boat?

No! The best part about these boats is that they have significantly simplified maneuvering systems, with controls that allow you to not only move forward and backward, but also thrusters that move you side to side. Plus, with your one-on-one captain’s training, you get hands-on experience with your trainer before you head out so that you and your fellow captain are confident on the water and know what to do if you need additional support.

Planning Basics: What to Know Before You Go

When To Go

Le Boat’s expert team was able to help us determine the best time for our cruise (we chose September), and their vacation planners can help you as well. Based on your particular needs (such as seeing the spring tulips in Amsterdam or the fall foliage over Ottawa’s Parliament Hill), as well as your ideal cruising time and budget, you can self-plan your vacation on their website or call one of their amazing staff to help you make the most out of your trip. 

Overall, the cruising season typically spans from mid-spring to mid-fall in Europe and from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving in Canada. Because let’s be honest, boating is more fun under the sun!

Where to Go

The biggest challenge of booking a Le Boat rental is deciding where to go! In Canada, there are two destinations: The Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Europe has boats in Ireland, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France. 

On our inaugural girls’ cruise, we stayed in Canada and opted to sail the Rideau Canal, heading south towards Kingston from Smith Falls. I’ll provide a detailed route guide of our 3-day tour as well as our insights below. But I will say, we’re hooked, and as soon as we got on our flight home, we were all researching destinations for our next trip, and can’t wait to hit the waterways again!

About Rideau Canal Locks

From 1826 to 1832, portions of an Indigenous canoe route along the Rideau, Gananoque, and Cataraqui rivers were developed into a systematic waterway through a series of locks and connecting lakes and rivers. This was done to help better defend Canada after the War of 1812, and after it was constructed, it helped Canada relocate their Capital from Kingston to where it currently is in Ottawa. 

Simply put, the lock system enables boats to be raised or lowered from one water level to another, allowing them to pass seamlessly through the canals (think of it as a boat elevator). A lock by definition: “A watertight chamber with gates at either end used for raising or lowering boats between different water levels by means of sluices and valves that let water in and out of the chamber.” – Friends of the Rideau.

Sailing into a lock is a straightforward process where you, as the Captain, dock on the blue line outside the lock, signalling to the Lockmaster that you are ready to enter the lock. The Lockmaster prepares the lock for your arrival, often manually turning hand winches (known as crabs) to open and close the gates. Upon their welcome, you enter the lock, where they close the gates behind you, fill up the lock (or remove the water from the lock), and set you sailing out through the opposite gates. Sound complicated? It’s honestly very simple. Le Boat sets you up with an easy-to-view 9-minute safety video and then trains the captains on site before your departure.

Parks Canada Lock Staff

Huge shoutout to all of the Parks Canada staff who operate the locks that we went through on our trip. Not only were they friendly, but they were so incredibly helpful. Answering questions we had about the history of the locks, guiding us in and out of the locks safely, offering tips and tricks about the places we planned to stop at, as well as putting up with our crazy shenanigans as we came floating in with our dance party music going. Thank you, Parks Canada Rideau Canal lock staff, for adding to the enjoyment of our Le Boat trip!

How to Pick Your Crew

Whether you’re going with family, friends, or opting to leave the kids at home and have a well-deserved girls’ weekend, picking your crew is an important part of planning a successful trip!

• Pick travellers who like adventure and seeking out new destinations from a different perspective. 
• Be comfortable on and around the water, and who will wear a lifejacket should they want the extra safety (Le Boat recommends children wear lifejackets while cruising, life jackets are supplied, and safety rings are attached to every boat).
• Worried about motion sickness? One of my friends gets motion sickness in cars, but felt STEADY and stable on the Le Boat! Due to the size of the vessels and the fact that they operate on lakes and rivers rather than the ocean, they are very stable. 
• Make sure everyone knows that it is shared and confined quarters (such as bathrooms and double beds/bunks). Sailors should feel comfortable taking turns and maintaining a clean and tidy space. 
• Assign roles to your crew; it makes it more fun and lays out clear expectations for when something needs to happen quickly (I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “Oh wow, we’re at the locks already!). We had 2 Captains, 2 First Mates (ropes crew for going through the locks and docking), and one lookout/camera woman. You could also have a chef, a DJ (boats come equipped with a Bluetooth speaker system), and other fun roles.
• A minimum of 2 adults is required on board (aged 21+ in Canada, and 18+ in the UK & Europe), but the more the merrier (depending on how many your boat sleeps)!

Captain’s Training – What’s included

Arrival and Orientation

Wearing our blue and white nautical attire and captain’s hats (not required, but way more fun!), we loaded up our carry-on luggage into the wheelbarrow and made our way to the Smith Falls Le Boat base (inside a historic lockmaster’s house).

A warm welcome from Danielle, and we got right down to business, captains’ training! Tip: While two of your crew are doing the captain’s training, the rest can head into town to stock up on supplies. Captains’ training takes 1.5-2 hours before you hit the water, so they have time. The grocery store is a 15-minute walk and a quick taxi back, or you can taxi both directions.

Rideau Canal Navigation 101

With our pre-planned itinerary, Danielle from Le Boat was able to show us how to use the marine maps and our exact route that we’d be following. I especially appreciated her tips, including what to watch out for and where the sharp turns were (so we knew where to blow our horns), as well as estimated times in between each city. After learning about navigation, we got our boat keys and were invited to head down to our beautiful vessel.

Tour of Le Boat — From Bow to Stern

Before we started our training on board, we were given 5 minutes just to look around the boat and familiarize ourselves with our floating home for the next few days. Both my fellow captain and I had a slew of “OMG” and “Would you look at this!” while we explored all the boat’s amenities. There’s too much to write, and they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s give you a detailed bow-to-stern tour of our Horizon IV Yacht:

And if you want a full video tour, check out my fun 30-second reel: “Le Boat – You’ve Never Toured a Boat Like This!”

Kitchen Galley and Eating Area

This was the biggest surprise for us. After seeing photos, we couldn’t believe how much bigger the space was in person.

There was ample space to seat everyone, lots of cooking room and counter space, and not one but two fridges (one being full-sized)!

Front Bedrooms

My room was one of the two front V-berths, with sleeping space for 2 people (double bed), a small closet, and an ensuite bathroom. Each room had its own bathroom, which gave everyone space and privacy!

Shared Bedrooms

We had the back two bedrooms set up for the crew to share space, as the rooms were set up with two single beds (however, they can be set up as 1 double bed). Again, these rooms also had their own bathrooms and a small closet.

Upstairs Decks

Upstairs offered four different seating areas: a dining table surrounded by bench seating (including a BBQ and a bimini sun shade cover), two sun loungers (great for stargazing in the evenings), two side-by-side benches (one of which is an outside cockpit for driving), as well as a large sunbathing area at the bow of the boat (including a bench seat). There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out while cruising or while docked. I loved having two different places to eat, all of the extra seating, and the ability to drive from an outside cockpit!

Captain’s Training

Wondering what the captain’s training is like? So was I. My biggest concern was whether I would feel comfortable being the responsible captain and would know everything I needed after the training.

Hands down, I was 150% capable and confident after the training (thanks, Igor!), which took all the stress out of the process and allowed me to sit back and enjoy the journey. Here’s a high-level summary of what they covered: 

Internal Boat Systems: heat, water, hot water, toilets, propane, cooking and BBQ, fridge, and stereo. 

External Systems: hooking up for power when moored overnight, refilling water, and dumping black and grey water tanks.

Driving: boat handling, navigation system, maneuvers with hands-on lessons, as well as practices with a staff member to make sure we were confident and capable before setting off on our own.

What To Do If…: From technical challenges to questions, there was an extensive how-to manual on board that we could reference. However, if we were really stumped, there was an assistance phone number posted on the fridge that we could call, and a Le Boat team member would offer us support.

Sample 4-Day Girls’ Trip Itinerary on Le Boat

We travelled to Smith Falls, Ontario, from Vancouver, British Columbia, so we opted for a shorter 4-day, 3-night cruise as we had 2 days of travel and could only be away from work/kids for a few days. So this itinerary is based on our experience, but most people book a Le Boat for a minimum of 5 nights, with lots booking 7-14 days.

Day 1: Time to Set Sail – Smith Falls → Narrows Lock

After our extensive (and I use that word in all the right ways, as we left feeling well prepared) captain’s training, it was time to say goodbye to our Le Boat team and hit the open waters on our own! Our first day would take us from Smith Falls, through Poonamalie and Rideau Ferry, taking us to Narrows for our first overnight on the boat.

Going Through our First Lock

Navigating the first lock at Smith Falls was both exciting and empowering. Not only was I the captain of a 44-foot boat, but I had an all-female crew, equally strong and working together as a team to hook up the ropes and guide us through the locks. After waving goodbye to the Parks Canada Lockmaster and the Le Boat team, we set out into a winding estuary of rivers, flanked by tall grasses and scenic farmlike landscapes. As we snaked through the red and green buoys, it was the perfect place to practice our boat steering (I oversteered a bit at first, not giving the boat enough time to maneuver). 

But the sun was shining, the music was cranked, and there was no doubt about one thing: we were at the beginning of what would be an INCREDIBLE adventure! 

After going through our second lock at Poonamalie and sailing south towards Narrows, we reached Narrows Lock. We met some very friendly boating neighbours whom we apologized to for our big energy, only to find them coming on board for our shenanigans later that night (thanks, Steve and Teena and doggo Ranger!). We plugged in the boat, practiced our knots, tied up to the dock, and had an hour to spruce up and swap out our sailing suits for something a bit more vineyard appropriate, as our day wasn’t over yet. We were heading out for a girls’ dinner at a local vineyard!

Scheuermann Vineyard – Wood Fired Pizza & Wine (Or Mocktails) Tasting

Strolling up the hill towards the entrance of Scheuermann Vineyard, a large geodesic dome was pointed out, a new addition to the winery this year. Inside the dome is a greenhouse full of lettuce, herbs, and vegetables, perfect for the chef to pick and serve at the on-site restaurant. It doesn’t get any more farm-to-table than this!

After a quick tour of their store and a scenic look out over the vineyard (that made for the perfect photo op), we were taken to a table on the grass where we had big decisions to make, what to drink and what food to graze on.

Not only did they feature their own wines, but they also had non-alcoholic homemade hibiscus lemonade, local apple cider and kombucha.

Wood-fired pizzas, salads with fresh homemade dressings, wood-grilled shrimp, and arctic char were just some of the delicious food offerings.

After dinner, we headed back to Narrows Lock and our awaiting Le Boat. After a long day, I was ready for a rest, but my crew wanted to stay on BC time, so we had a dance party, played games, and chatted until 1 am! (This is when our new friends came over to visit, too!). It was the perfect way to end our first day on the water.

Day 2: Narrows Lock → Westport → Newboro → Chaffey’s Lock

“You ready to go, Captain?” my Co-Captain called out. We had just woken up, but that was the beauty of this style of travel; no one really had to be “ready.” No packing up bags or making sure everyone is dressed and ready to go, once we were off the dock, everyone got to slowly transition into their day and get prepared on their own time! Destination: Westport!

Westport Village

A town that looks like it was painted in a storybook, Westport is as charming as it is beautiful.

The Westport Marina is located in the center of the community, meaning you can be up at Vanilla Bean’s Cafe & Creamery in about 3 minutes (they also have amazing pastries, including gluten-free options, and the best ice cream in town).

This is a great place to spend a few hours shopping at the local stores filled with locally made products (Lake + Main Skin Health was one of the crew’s favourites!). Westport also has a great grocery store in case you need to grab supplies.

Hike Foley Mountain Loop Trail

As an adventurous group of women, we all value exercise, which is why we decided to start our day early and head to Foley Mountain for a hike. All trails says it’s a 6.4 km / 2-hour hike… but to be honest, it took us way longer, and we didn’t even finish the loop as we spent a lot of time taking photos and funny videos (no regrets, we got to see the highlights and scenic lookout!).

After our hike, we stopped in at some local shops again and grabbed supplies for lunch. When we were reflecting on our girls’ trip, everyone said that they liked the ability to go à la carte for breakfasts and lunches, with each person being able to get exactly what they wanted. As a group of moms, we opted not to use the kitchen and instead went for easy meals and nice dinners out, but we know they would be incredible amenities should we be travelling with our families. 

With lunches in tow, it was ropes up, and we were cruising and eating while we headed to Newboro.

Village of Newboro

A quaint town of a few older-looking shops, I asked my friend before we entered Kilborn’s on the Rideau, “Do you know what you’re about to enter?” She admitted she hadn’t researched this part of the trip, and as soon as she was through the front doors, she was SHOCKED. “This place is HUGE!”. 

Little did we know, we could only see about 20% of the store! A connection of houses, shops, and hidden pathways, Kilborn’s is hands down the most unique and “yes, you need to visit” store I’ve ever been to!

From groceries to gifts, to luxury clothing, high fashion, horse apparel, and of course, furniture and cookware, I could hear my crew call from around every corner, “It’s STILL going!” I actually had to hurry along some shoppers as we were 45 minutes into our visit, and they had only visited half the store! 

So let’s just say, don’t judge this store by its cover! (but honestly, set a timer and watch the clock as if you need to get through a lock or be somewhere for dinner reservations, time flies by in this store!).

Speaking of which, it was time to hit the waters again, and this time continue heading south to Chaffey’s Lockstation.

Chaffey’s Lockstation

This would be our most southern point of exploration on our Rideau Canal & Lakes Le Boat tour. A compact river bustling with visitors, boats, and floats on each side, we wound our way through the riverbends to our final destination for the night, Chaffey’s Lock. With an hour to primp and prep, we dolled ourselves up with hair and makeup as we prepared for the fanciest dinner of our itinerary, and a place that had been recommended over and over again, The Opinicon.

The Opinicon

A landmark dating back to the 1800s, The Opinicon is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beloved landmark with deep roots in Ontario’s cottage country (at one of our locks, we met a lady who was 76 and used to stay at the cottages at The Opinicon as an 8-year-old girl, over 67 years ago!). Time dials back a few centuries as you walk up to the entrance, surrounded by large trees and gorgeous gardens. This charming restored property seems to whisper stories of the past, drawing you in with a quiet charm that feels both timeless and welcoming.

We settled into the dining room, where we shared more mocktails and beverages as well as delicious meals from their diverse menu. 

While we enjoyed the savoury meal, we did make sure we were done by 7:45 pm, as we wanted to make it in time to head just around the corner to The Opinicon Ice Cream Shop & Cafe before they closed.

Tip: Be sure to make a reservation, in peak season, this restaurant fills up quickly!

The golden squirrel ice cream had been recommended to us time and time again, and while all of the girls ordered it, I opted for the dairy-free vegan chocolate that was absolutely divine! 

Munching on our ice creams, we walked the 100 meters back to our boat, stopping and giggling a few times, as we enjoyed each other’s company as much as the food and the picture-perfect scenery.  

I again was ready for my bed, but nope, the crew had other plans, which kept us up until 1 am again (10 pm BC time), which led to more long conversations and giggles late into the night.

Day 3: Chaffey’s Lock → Beveridges Locks

The sun was shining, and we woke up and put on our bathing suits right away. With four hours of cruising on the schedule, we were excited for long stretches of lying on the front deck, reading books, and chatting while we sailed across Big Rideau Lake and through the canals.

Day three took us from Chaffey’s Lock back up through Newboro Lock, through the Narrows Lock, past Rideau Ferry, and then to our final night on the boat in Beveridges Lock. However, that’s what was on the schedule; we had decided to leave early as we loved Westport so much that we wanted to go back for one more visit, adding this to our itinerary for the day. That’s what I love about Le Boat: you can adapt your schedule and route as your crew wishes!

Beveridges Lock

Our last night on board would be at Beveridges Lock, and the Le Boat team had a special surprise in store for us. They invited us up to the top of the ramp, where they had put together the most beautiful charcuterie dinner under a canopy of oak trees, looking out over the Beveridges Lock. We were overwhelmed with gratitude for this very special surprise and the moment that wrapped up our incredible stay in Ontario.

Upper Beveridges Lockstation – Rideau Canal National Historic Site

After dinner, we chose to go for a leisurely walk up to the Upper Beveridges lock, part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

We got to see some Parks Canada oTENTiks and a beautiful sunset as the sky settled in for the evening.

Campfires and S’mores

When we got back to the Le Boat, our hosts had one last treat for us, a waterside campfire complete with the traditional Canadian treat, s’mores!

Laughter ensured through the night as we relished in all the magical moments that made up our trip, and made a few more memories around the campfire, complete with the best set of giggles where you laugh until your cheeks hurt!

Another Surprise Under A Sky Full Of Stars

For our last night, we decided to put music on and lie on the top deck under a sky full of stars. We all changed into our warm layers, grabbed pillows and blankets, and made a huge cuddle puddle, going back to the 12-year-old versions of ourselves with a traditional girls’ sleepover. Looking up at the stars, our eyes took time to adjust, and more and more bright specks of white lights came into focus. We were fortunate enough to see a lot of shooting stars, some leaving long trails for us to “ohhhh” and “aweeeee” over.

But the moment that transformed our rooftop party into a moment we will never forget was when the Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights) came out…my Co-Captain and I spotted them first on the horizon. We jumped up from under our blankets and squealed, pointing to the light display. For one of the members of our crew, it was the first time she had ever seen them… tears flowing quickly upon the dancing skies’ arrival.

On a recent trip to Yellowknife I learned from an Indigenous guide that they believe the Aurora are our ancestors in the sky, who come back to check on us.  “One of the lessons he said that Aurora teaches us is that when we lose someone, we are often angry, and we clench our fists and hold that anger. Aurora tells us to open our hands and carry the weight of all of the amazing memories, lessons, and laughter that that person gave us. To live with the joy that they left behind, and that the Aurora is their way of showcasing this to us.” 

Many of us on that crew have faced loss, some recently. The aurora waved down at us, sharing its pride for our willingness to seek out an adventure, for doing so with an all-girls crew, and for the gratitude we showed to our environment, each other, and our hosts along the way. 

“Journeys end, but unforgettable moments echo forever.”

Day 4: Beveridges Locks → Smiths Falls → Ottawa

Our final morning was met with mixed emotions… we were beyond grateful, as our trip had exceeded all our expectations. Thankful for the unplanned elements, including the beautiful and hot weather, the surprises, and the laughs… oh, the laughs. We didn’t want it to be over! 

But the reality is that, like all good things, our cruise too had to come to an end, whether we were ready or not. We opted to leave Beveridges early so that we could spend time on the water and also return to Smith Falls earlier, ensuring some time at the dock to sneak in the last rays of sunlight before we had to pack up and start the journey home.

Packing Up Le Boat

As reality set in, it was time to pack up our personal belongings and tidy up our Le Boat, as we had reached the Smith Falls Le Boat base, where we started our journey. For our departure, we: 

• Packed up our personal belongings and loaded them into the wheelbarrow on the deck
• Took out all of the garbage and recycling 
• Put all of the linens and towels into the linen bags, and left them on board 

With 5 of us on board, it took us just under an hour to clean up and pack up the whole boat. Once we were ready, Igor came back and walked through the boat, checked the engine hours, and signed off on our trip. We headed back to Basecamp for our final goodbyes.

To & From Smith Falls and Ottawa

Smith Falls is about an hour south of Ottawa, and the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is the closest airport to the Smith Falls Le Boat base. Our shuttle driver, Lexziss, picked us up from the Le Boat in a beautiful luxury Jeep Wagoneer SUV. Lexziss was the most incredible driver I’ve ever had, with an immaculate car, a bumping playlist, and a beautiful ride that took us door to door, not only in Ottawa but also back to the airport. I highly recommend him and their company, Ground Air Limo.

Tip: Should you want to drive a vehicle to the Smith Falls Le Boat base and leave it there while on your boat trip, they offer parking for a nominal fee.

Packing & Style Tips

Nautical Themed Outfits

If you want to add some fun and take your photos to the next level, dressing up in nautical clothing will make all the difference. Think navy blue, stripes, captain’s hats (available for sale at the Smith Falls Le Boat base).

Practical Clothing

Think layers! The temperature changes a lot throughout the day, out on the water, in the wind, and at night when you’re at shore, so have layers and use them. I recommend:

• Base layer – long pants and long shirt
• T-shirt/shorts for warmer days
• Outer layer – puffy coat 
• Windproof/waterproof layer – in case it rains. This was also perfect for the last night at 1am, when we were under the stars, as it kept me warm!

Jami’s Detailed Packing List

Here’s the actual packing list that I sent our crew, along with our personal notes on what to pack and why:

• Soft-sided carry-on (backpack, duffel bag, etc.- not a rolling suitcase), something that can be shoved in a small compartment on a boat once you’ve unpacked, as storage in the bedrooms is limited.
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. (It’s not like a hotel that provides these things). 
• LAYERS in, of course, bright colours (looks better in photos). It will be cooler when we are cruising as well as at night, so thermal, sweater, and outer layer (rain jacket). 
• Running shoes for being on board (not flip flops, as they get caught on things). 
• Hiking clothes and shoes. 
• Summer dress with sweater or jacket and shoes (flip-flops) for our winery tour as well as our dinner at The Opinicon.
• Bathing suit(s) / Deck loungewear. 
• 1 – “Boating outfit” think blue and white… that could be blue and white stripes, any shades of blues, things with anchors.
• Beach towel (Le Boat provides shower towels, but compact microfiber bath towels are great for up on deck and swimming). 
• Book/downtime activity.
• Games (cards, travel board games, etc.).
• Earplugs (if you’re sensitive to sounds). 
• Sunscreen & bug spray (have one crew member bring it and share). 
• Refillable water bottle (will allow us to buy 4-litre jugs of water from the grocery store and refill our bottles). Tip: while the water in the boat is drinkable, it tastes metallic, so we opted to buy water to drink. 
• Chargers (camera, phone, etc.). 

Le Boat’s Detailed Packing List

Le Boat offers a fabulous packing list in addition to some very helpful “Getting Ready” information on their website. I invite you to take a look at what they suggest bringing with you! Check it out here.

Extra Tips for a Seamless Trip

1. During the busy season, reserve dockage and restaurants ahead of time.

If you’re travelling during peak season, you may want to make reservations at popular marinas as well as at restaurants (like The Opinicon). It does put pressure to make sure you arrive at your destination by a specific time, but we enjoyed having a plan and being able to visit places like the Scheuermann Vineyard.

2. Grocery planning (split the shopping list).

Unlike normal boats, Le Boat has a ton of room in their full-size fridge (and accompanying drink fridge) as well as in their cabinets, allowing you to load them up with all of your favourites. I recommend getting the essentials from your Le Boat Basecamp town (like we did in Smith Falls), and then you can add to it with locally sourced items from smaller artisans and farmers’ markets as you find them on your travels. 

3. Best times for photos.

Anytime is a good time for photos, so my real tip is to make sure that you take them! I stopped in locks when we met other Le Boat guests and took group photos of them, one group had been out for 14 days and had no pictures of them all together! So here are my tips to make sure you get the best photos: 

• Before you leave, get the staff to take a group photo of you on the back of the boat. That way, you’ll have the “Le Boat” in the background of your photo and a great shot, before you’ve even left! 
• When you get to a lock, if it’s not too busy, ask another boat or someone on shore to take a photo of you in the lock. Make sure you get your camera back before you sail off! 
• The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are known as the golden hour, and the best time of day to take photos.

Le Boat FAQs

What boat is best for me?

Check out Le Boat’s website to help determine what boat is best for you. You can sort via destination, number of people, cabins needed, and cruising style (from budget to luxury). Their search function makes it easy and they have excellent virtual tours of their boats!

Our Le Boat – Horizon 4

We booked a Horizon 4 Le Boat for our adventure, part of their premier boat line. We had initially planned on having six crew members (one had to cancel), so we had more than enough room for the 5 of us. With 4 separate bedrooms, 3 people had their own private room and bathroom, while two people shared. I’ve never seen a boat with 4 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom! What a game changer and what they really mean when they say luxury experience!

The Horizon 4 accommodates 9 guests, and we believe you can comfortably fit everyone there, provided everyone is agreeable to sharing and one person is willing to sleep on the convertible table in the kitchen area. Otherwise, I’d recommend adjusting your group according to people’s personal needs and everyone’s budgets (more people = lower costs).

What if something goes wrong on Le Boat? Is there someone I can contact?

Yes! Technical support is available from 9 am to 9 pm every day. On your fridge and inside your captain’s bag, there’s a phone number you can call, and a Le Boat technician will be on the other end to answer your questions. They can “log in” to your boat remotely and check things like battery life and assess any challenges you’re having, and help you get back on track quickly.

What’s included?

The cost you pay includes the boat and its equipment (kitchen cookware, and utensils), towels and linens for all passengers, captain’s training, technical phone support, navigational maps & GPS and lock fees. Please note that expenses such as fuel, electricity (when docked overnight), damage deposit, and moorage are not included, as they vary based on your consumption and length of stay.

How much does a Le Boat cost?

This is a hard one to answer as the cost varies based on location, cruising hours, consumable costs (including fuel), as well as things like lock fees and overnight moorage. Some people use the planning tool online and say, “Wow, that’s expensive,” but when you consider the cost of a hotel, transportation, and the savings from being able to make your own food, the price is quite comparable, if not more affordable.

To give you some specific insight and not just theory, our cruise worked out to $1400 / night for 9 people, or $150 per person per night (or $600 per night per family of four, which is comparable to a hotel stay and car rental for the region). Based on my research, I believe that Canadian rentals are more expensive than those in Europe, so I feel like you could get even better value overseas.

How to save money booking a Le Boat?

We all like a deal, especially when it comes to travel, so here are some tangible ways to save money on your Le Boat vacation: 

• Sign up for their newsletter, as they will share discounts and deals.
• Book early. At the time of this writing, there are a lot of deals for people who book 2026 cruises now. 
• Fill the boat! The more people you are cruising with, the cheaper it is per person! The boats are built to accommodate the guests they say, with extra space to maneuver, so you can book with confidence knowing everyone will fit easily.

Are Le Boat tours safe for kids?

Absolutely, Le Boats are PERFECT for kids, and they strongly encourage even the littlest boaters to come along for the adventure. At the base camps, they have kids’ life jackets. They also have a games station where you can borrow board games for your vacation!

What is available at each lock?

Some of the locks are adjacent to towns, so you can easily moor the Le Boat houseboat and walk into town for shops, restaurants or groceries. Some locks are in the middle of nature, and there are no amenities around. Some locks offer electricity and are a great place to moor overnight, but because electrical plug-ins are first-come, first-served, you can’t always guarantee there will be a place for you to plug in for the night (especially in the busy season).

Are the towns walkable from moorage points?

The towns we stopped in (Westport, Newboro, and Chaffey’s Lock) were all an easy walkable distance (3-10 minutes) to where we moored our Le Boat houseboat. However, should you like to explore further, you might want to consider adding a bike rental to your Le Boat reservation (highly recommend adding them at your time of booking to ensure you get one). Le Boat not only has bikes and e-bikes for rent, but the boats also come equipped with a bike holder.

How do I know where to go? Are there pre-planned route itineraries?

Navigation was something I was initially unsure about until we were given our map book, shown the on-board GPS and were shown how to use both. When we checked in, we were shown the route we were going to take (based on the number of days we had), approximately how long it would take between each overnight stop and the hours that each lock was in operation every day. The staff at Le Boat are incredible and help you plan your route, ensuring you have a successful trip and get to where you want to visit.

Anchoring Our Adventure: Final Thoughts on the Voyage

Was a Le Boat the fastest way to explore the region? No. By a long shot, actually. What took us two hours on water could easily be driven in 15 minutes on land. But “the experience on water and getting to slow down had a sense of freedom, it was just us and the open water. The feeling of not being in a rush and enjoying the slow pace was epic,” – my fellow crew member.

Reflecting on our trip at the airport on our way home, our first mate said, “I’ve been visiting Ontario my whole life and I’ve never experienced it like this. I’m hooked” (pun intended). Another said, “Just what the Doctor ordered. Finished happier and healthier. No rat race, just a slow pace.” (Extra funny, as she’s a doctor) 

So, as someone hesitant about booking a Le Boat trip, I hope I’ve given you enough insight to have the confidence to book your own adventure. It was easier than I ever could have imagined, and our trip exceeded all of our expectations… every single one of them. And if you have any questions, I invite you to email me, and I can share my first-hand experience or follow my social on Instagram.