Your Houseboat Vacation
What is a Houseboat Vacation?
A houseboat vacation is a unique getaway that allows you to live on a floating home, while navigating through waterways or staying anchored in a picturesque location.
It combines the comforts of home with adventure and travel, while also allowing you to enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing, and exploring nature. Houseboating is an amazing way to experience life on the water with the flexibility to enjoy both water and shore activities with friends and family in the summer months.
What are the Houseboat’s like?
Houseboats are large vessels that offer spacious accommodation. They are designed with an emphasis on communal areas for socializing, dining, and relaxation, they feature several cozy sleeping quarters. Should you need more information regarding the dimensions or layout, details of each houseboat are available upon request.
Calling All Captains
As the Captain of your Houseboating voyage, you shoulder an incredible responsibility. Every Houseboat excursion mandates the presence of at least one Captain and one Co-Captain. To qualify, Captains and Co-Captains must be aged 25 or above, possess a valid driver’s license, and have completed our comprehensive training and orientation program, available upon booking.
Essential Tips and Guidelines
Our houseboat kitchens come fully equipped with plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses, cookware, and a coffee pot with provided filters. Additionally, we supply biodegradable shampoo, soap safe for lake use, and toilet paper. However, you'll need to bring your own food, beverages, towels, bedding, and extra deck chairs for the beach. For a comprehensive list of suggested items to bring, please refer below.
Preparation is key before embarking on your journey. Arriving at the marina only to realize you've forgotten something essential can be a hassle. While we may have a limited concession offering basic items, specialty items like your favorite coffee or toothpaste may not be available. It's advisable to make a checklist of all your must-have items before packing. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to keep things simple and enjoyable. This ensures your houseboat vacation is memorable for all the right reasons, rather than fretting over forgotten beer.
Speaking of beverages, enjoying a drink onboard or on the beaches can enhance relaxation. However, please refrain from bringing glass bottles; only cans or plastic bottles are permitted for beach use. Let's all pitch in to keep the beaches pristine by disposing of cans and litter responsibly. Remember, drinking and driving, including operating a houseboat under the influence, is illegal. Captains must remain vigilant, watching out for other watercraft, swimmers, and obstacles. Sobriety and attentiveness ensure the safety of everyone on the lake.
What to bring?
Below is a suggested list of what you should bring along:
- Our mattresses are vinyl covered to help us ensure they’re kept clean and easy to maintain. You should bring along bedding, pillows, sleeping bags or other bedding options to keep yourself comfortable.
- You’re on the lake, you’re going to be swimming! You’ll need to bring along enough towels to ensure you have a dry one especially since you may be in the water multiple times each day.
- Bring along wash clothes to help keep clean.
- Chances are good you’re going to have a tan at the end of your trip! Make sure you have enough sunscreen to avoid any burns.
- Bring along a family first aid kit in case of any scrapes or cuts, bug bites, or other minor injuries. Don’t forget the bug spray just in case!
- Always a handy companion for the beach at night or to find your way to the bathroom.
- Having some camp chairs for the upper deck or the beach are going to help ensure you're as comfortable as can be!
- Extra storage for your food & beverages that won’t fit in the onboard fridge, or to keep handy when you’re up on deck or on the beach. Coolers filled with ice are a must!
- From Frisbees to ball and gloves, hacky sacks to beach balls, you’re going to have the time to play some beach & water games. Bring along Settlers of Catan or other favourite board games for evenings or in case of rainy days.
- Handy to have, especially for CPAP & personal oxygen machines.
- Good music equals good vibes. Bring msuic playing devices and AUX cables for personal music.
- There are many amazing hikes around Shuswap Lake. Ensure you bring proper footwear, sandals may not work.
- Plenty of fish to be caught around the lake. Make sure to purchase a fishing license online before you sail.
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Most of the marine beaches on Shuswap Lake are undeveloped. Restaurants and grocery stores are not accessible by boats along the shoreline, it is best to be prepared when you arrive at the marina. There is a Sea Store and Restaurant at Cinnemousun Narrows that is accessible by boat if you forgot something but the stock will be limited.
- A great way to organize and plan for a long voyage is to write out everything you and yours will need to keep you full and smiling
- Speak with your group and plan simple meals.
- Pre prepping your meals before your trip can save you a lot of time and food storage room once you set sail.
- All of your cookware, pots & pans, spatulas, spoons, baking sheets, etc. will be onboard when you arrive. Please bring any specialized cooking supplies with you if needed. Also, please bring any paper towel, tin foil, parchment paper and containers for any leftover food you may need
- You will need to bring your own spices, oils, sauces, drinks, snacks and any other ingredients or food you may need.