Houseboating is a popular summer activity throughout Canada. Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation – or a good mix of both – houseboating has something to offer everyone.

With just a bit of preparation and know-how, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great time out on the lake. If you’re new to houseboating and eager to plan an enjoyable first trip, then we’ve got some tips that can help you out.

How to Prepare

Before you start packing, take a look over the items that your rental houseboat will already have on board. You might not need to bring along towels or beddings, or kitchen supplies such as pots and pans. However, you likely will need to supply your own household items such as trash bags and laundry detergent. You’ll also have to take care of providing your own food, so make sure you bring enough for three meals a day plus some extra snacks. Don’t forget about drinks as well!

When houseboating, you can never bring enough clothing. You might want to change a few times a day depending on the activities you have planned, so bring a variety of potential outfits. Don’t forget bathing suits and comfortable clothing for when you want to lounge around in the sun.

Consider as well, that as much as you might love the summer sun, you’re not going to want to be in it all day, every day. Bring along some games and movies for when the sun sets, when the weather is bad, or when you just want to spend some time indoors.

Who to Invite

Houseboating is often done in groups of friends or of two or more families. As much as you might love all of your friends, you should give some careful thought to who you want to invite. The close quarters of a houseboat can create some tension if you and your boat mates don’t see eye-to-eye on important points, such as how late you want to stay up at night. Whoever you choose to go with, setting some ground rules beforehand is a good idea.

How to Safely Operate a Houseboat

Piloting a houseboat can seem intimidating at first, but your rental company will provide you with proper instruction. Make sure you pay attention so that you know how to start, steer, and anchor your boat, as well as how to use the radio and operate the boat’s amenities. It is a good idea for at least two or three of the adults in your group to listen to the instructions.

Try to refrain from eating while piloting the houseboat, and never, under any circumstances, drink alcohol when behind the wheel. If you’re feeling too tired to pilot properly, then have someone switch places with you. If no one is available, then dock your houseboat and get some rest.

Where to Go

In a houseboat you’re free to explore the lake to your heart’s content, stopping to fish, swim, or just bask in the sun. Make sure that you’re also making stops along the lakeshore and spending some time stretching your legs in the beautiful surroundings. Plan your excursions so that you drive less and dock or drop the anchor more. Not only will you save money on fuel, but you’ll get to maximize the time you spend relaxing and having fun.

Houseboating is ideal for everything from short weekend trips to week-long adventures. As long as you come properly prepared, take care navigating, make a lot of fun stops, and bring a lot of fun people, you’re sure to have a great time.