House Boat Holiday – 7 Days sailing South | House Boat Holidays | DMCi

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Tour Code: DM-LBHOL5DS

Duration: 7D/6N

Availability: 21 Apr to 31 Oct 2022

Places Visited: Rideau Canal

per person sharing Quad

CA $ 1132

Per person sharing Quad Request for Quote

Highlights

Download Itinerary PDF View Route Map

Looking to get away from the crowds? Consider a staycation on Ontario's UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. Houseboat vacations are an excellent way to spend quality time with your family and create lasting memories.

The Canadian boating vacations are the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal. Traveling along this attractive waterway, you will be able to unwind and take in the amazing nature, picturesque towns and lively cities of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

Discover the unique charm of the Rideau Canal and the towns and villages that dot its shores as you sail your own fully fitted Premier Horizon boat. You can plan your own itinerary from 4 to 7 days or longer.

Why should your client choose a Boating Holiday?

A boating holiday allows cruisers to explore beautiful lakes, rivers, canals and discover the surrounding towns, villages, and countryside – all from the unique perspective of a private sundeck.

Highlights

Modern Houseboat Experience.
No boating license or experience needed!
COVID Friendly Travel Option.
Perfect Staycataion.
Kid Friendly.
In-depth Boat Training is given to ensure Client’s confidence.
Clients set their own agenda. Sleep in, stop for lunch, and decide to how far they want to travel each day!
This offer is based on four persons sharing a two cabin boat for four nights.

Who is the typical Boating Holiday Customer?

A boating holiday is a perfect getaway, short break or vacation for couples, multi-generation families or a group of friends.
Affluent, experienced travelers. 50% of the clients have little or no boating experience.
Want an independent vacation, enjoy “off the beaten path” travel, and have the ability to set your own agenda. Stay, shop, and explore local.
Discover quaint towns & city life mixed with beautiful landscapes & nature.
Look forward to a relaxing holiday with mix of soft adventure such as cruising, biking, stand up paddle boards or kayaking.
De-stress & relaxing –enjoy time with family & friends.
“Brag Worthy” and unique holiday for all ages.

Boats can accommodate between 2 to 12 people. Clients can charter one or more boats depending on the size of their family or group of friends, for more information please visit Our Boats.

Important Note:

A minimum of two able adults are required per boat to book a Houseboat Holiday.
The offer ehre is based on a minimum of four persons sharing a boat with two cabins for four nights.
Minimum Boat charter is for a period of 3 nights or more.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary PDF

Day 1 – Arrive in Ottawa, ON.

Arrive in Ottawa. Transferred on arrival from YOW Airport or VIA Rail station to hotel in downtown Ottawa. Rest of the day free to explore Ottawa.

Overnight in Ottawa, ON.

Day 2: Day free to Ottawa on your own.

Day free to explore Ottawa on your own. We offer a number of optional day tours and admissions to attractions and museums in Ottawa. Please check with us for more details.

Overnight in Ottawa, ON.

Day 3: Pick-up your houseboat and start your 5 days Houseboat Holiday.

This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel in downtown Ottawa to the Pier at Smiths Falls, ON

Smiths Falls is in the heart of Eastern Ontario on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal. The area offers a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and today offers museums, theaters, art galleries and outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, and fishing.

If you are arriving a day before your boat rental starts and needs overnight accommodation, we recommend staying overnight at Beverages Lock Station.

2-hour cruise from Le Boat base.

Beveridge's Locks: When the Rideau Canal was built, there was no water connection to Perth, so the residents constructed the Tay Canal. This area is known as "Haggart's Ditch" and features some of the best wildlife viewing on the Rideau on the way to Perth.
Great place to hike, bike, kayak, evening campfire and meet other boaters along the canal.

Overnight in Smith Falls, ON.

Day 4 - Cruise Rideau Ferry to Westport.

Rideau Ferry: Straddling a thin strip of water between the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes, Rideau Ferry is the spectacular scenic gateway to the southern Rideau. A hub for live music and festivals throughout the summer, stop here for the biannual Vintage Boat Regatta first held here in 1897.
Stop at CC’s for lunch: A great spot to stop for lunch will be CC’s on the Rideau. Clients must call ahead for reservations. Live music and events on the weekends
Public Dock in Rideau Ferry (included) and docks at CC’s on the Rideau if you are stopping for lunch or Dinner.
Westport: Westport is a charming village located lies at the west end of Upper Rideau Lake, at head of the navigable Rideau Canal system. Public docking facilities are available at Westport. The village offers shopping and restaurants, ice cream shops & bakeries, hardware store, unique vendors, sports, grocery store and much more. The village also features a variety of activities including swimming on the beaches, arts, and culture. And then there is always more to explore. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a hike in Foley Mountain Conservation Area which has spectacular views of the area,
Meal or Wine Tasting at the popular Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery. The Winery is famous for wine tasting and the best steak and wood-oven pizza. Reservations are recommended as it gets quite busy during mealtimes.
Westport Brewery located at the Harbour and only short walk from the dock. Please call ahead as the bakery closes early.
Nightly Entertainment at the Cove Restaurant. Looking for some music to spice up your time in Westport? The Cove is the place to go to. Cove brings you a variety of music including Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Soul and Funk. In the warmer months, larger performances with full band shows take place in the Lounge while solos, duos and small groups play to the patio crowds. When it gets cooler, all shows happen in the Lounge. Reservations are recommended.

NOTE: Westport Harbor has shore power, internet, and water. First two Le Boats that arrive there will be FREE. 3rd, 4th 5th boat will have to pay. Free dockage is for one night only and based on first-come basis. Be sure to fill your water tanks in Westport (potable water).

Overnight in Westport Harbor, ON.

Day 5 – Cruise from Westport to Portland or Colonel By Island.

Cruise today from Westport to Portland or Colonel By Island.
Portland: Portland is a small village located on Big Rideau Lake. There are many things for the landlubber to see and do in the Portland area. The village showcases several unique stores, restaurants, and ice cream shop etc.
Overnight Mooring & Shore Power: Portland Public Harbour, shore power and water available
Colonel by Island: At Colonel by Island, you can use the Parks Canada dockage. This is the largest island in a set of islands collectively known as “Long Island”. It was formerly known as "Livingston Island" and may be marked that way on older charts. The flat roofed building on the Island is “Wag’s Lodge,” built by Danny Arnstein (co-owner of Yellow Cab in New York and Chicago) in 1949-50. The cottage features two massive “peanut rock” fireplaces and “driftwood plywood” walls. Please note - the building is deteriorating, and Parks Canada has restricted access in and around the building. Colonel by Island is a good place to go for swims, kayaking, etc. The island also features hiking trails and tennis courts. Overnight Mooring: Public docks and mooring balls available. There is no shore power.

Overnight in Portland or Colonel by Island, ON.

Day 6 - Cruise back to Smiths Fall to Le Boat Base

Enjoy your final day on the boat and cruise back to Smiths Falls.

This is an approximate 3 to 4 hours sailing from Portland.

Arrive back in Smtihs Falls.

Explore this town, go shopping, visit the Eastern Ontario Railway Museum, Heritage house, beach front or splash pad with the kids. Smiths Fall is also a great place to kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, biking and so on.

Plan your final dinner on the top deck or at local restaurant.

Overnight in Smith Falls, ON.

Day 7 – End of your Houseboat Holiday.

Breakfast onboard.
Tidy up and pack your belongings!
Time to check out and say goodbye to your boat.
Check-out 9:00 AM.
Transferred from Pier at Smith’s falls to YOW Airport or downtown Ottawa.

End of your houseboat holiday.

Please check with us for the below itineraries and quotes

3 Days Boat Charter & Itinerary
4 Days Boat Charter & Itinerary
8 Days Boat Charter & Itinerary

We feature

2 Cabin boats - sleeps up to 5 persons
3 Cabin boats - sleeps u to 7 persons
5 Cabin boats - sleeps up to 12 persons

Contact our Canada Destination Specialist

Inclusions

2-night’s hotel accommodations in downtown Ottawa based on Quad occupancy.
5-days charter of Horizon Class Houseboat with 2 cabins and ensuite washroom & shower for the exclusive use of the clients.
A fully equipped kitchen including fridge, burners and gas oven, kitchen utensils, cutlery, pots and pans.
Bed linen, duvets and pillows.
Small bathroom towels and tea towels. Clients must bring own beach towels.
Full tank of fuel, and water (used in kitchen and bathrooms).
Heat exchanger to provide heated water in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Empty Grey and Black water tanks.
Blue Tooth, USB Ports, etc.
Guidebooks, Maps, Binoculars.
Daily weather reports.
A boat handling demonstration prior to departure.
Technical support.
On-board maps and visitor information.
Passage through locks.
Compulsory moorings fee has been included in the price quoted. See compulsory costs for more details.
Arrival transfer from YOW Airport or VIA Rail station to hotel in downtown Ottawa.
Transfer from hotel in downtown Ottawa to Pier at Smiths Falls to board your houseboat.
Transfer from Pier at Smiths Falls to YTOW Airport or downtown Ottawa at the end of your boat charter.
Taxes & GST.

Exclusions

Airfare.
Meals including breakfast.
Collision Damage Waiver to cover damage to the boat.
Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour.
Optional holiday extras.
Waterside services if you use them (i.e., moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc.).
Food and drink.
Boat Cleaning Fee.
Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance.
Travel Insurance - recommended. We require Travel Agent to secure a signed Waiver in the event client declines your offer to sell Travel Insurance. DMCi will require Travel Agent to provide us the signed waiver when required as a part of the Terms & Conditions of Contract. DMCi sells Manulife Travel Insurance. Please check with us for rates.
Bottled Water.
Early Check-in and Late Check-out charges. Charges will apply.

Accommodations Featured

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Tariffs

Room Configuration	Beds	Occupancy
TWIN	or
SINGLE	or
TRIPLE
QUAD
TWIN + 1 YOUTH + 1 CHILD
TWIN + 2 CHILD

For more information on Rooming and how rates apply, please refer to Important Notes

Optional Tour

These optional tours can be booked with our package. Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for rates.

Notes about this Tour

Operation Info

The Houseboat Tours operate:

Season	Dates
Low Season	21 Apr to 14 May 2022
Mid Season	19 May to 29 Jun 2022
High Season	30 Jun to 17 Aug 2022
Mid Season	18 Aug to 14 Sep 2022
Low Season	15 Sep to 31 Oct 2022