Experience an incredible houseboat vacation in crystal clear waters of British Columbia. A BC house boat vacation puts you in charge of your own wilderness tour amongst snowcapped peaks, cascading waterfalls and secluded beaches.
Depending on the rental company, you can choose from a variety of boats to accommodate small groups of 3 or 4 to 20 people. You decide on the length of time, from a one day outing to a week long holiday.
Today's modern house boats offer many of the amenities of a luxury yaght, including hot tubs, full kitchens, dvd/cd playing capabilities and more.
Climate
The Southern Interior of British Columbia boasts some of the warmest summer climates in Canada. Daytime temperatures can reach over 38C (100F). With the heat, summer house boat holidays are extremely popular. What better way to spend a summer day than cruising the BC wilderness in a house boat on your favorite lake?
However, if you want a little more quiet and seclusion, the house boating season in BC is not limited to just the summer. Spring and Autumn vacations offer all the benefits and less of the crowds.
May and June bring you more snow capped mountains melting to produce cascading waterfalls that can be seen while cruising the shores. Wildlife is very active at this time of year and the fishing is good too.
Autumn is absolutely my favorite season. Warm, sunny, calm days dominate the forcast through September and into October. Spawning salmon runs are available for viewing at the mouths of most incoming streams and the fall colours of the neverending forests are gorgeous. This is also be the best opportunity for wildlife viewing, particularly bears and eagles as they come to the streams to feast on the salmon.
Equipment and Supplies
Every house boat rental company will supply you with a list of what they supply and what you should bring. For the most part, all essentials for a comfortable vacation will be supplied such as fuel, dishes and cutlery, cd player, lifejackets, clean hot and cold water, kitchen appliances (stove/fridge/freezer), maps, deck chairs, fire extinguishers, trash bags and toilet tissue.
Some extras supplies provided in your rental package, depending on the company, would be TV c/w VHS or DVD capability, additional kitchen supplies, hot tubs and deck canopies.
The rest is up to you.
Suggested Equipment and Supplies to Bring
CD's DVD's, VHS Tapes
Binoculars
Camera / Video Camera
Rain Gear/Sun Hat
Steel Wool Cleaning Pads
Bedding including pillows
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Towels (dish, bathroom and beach)
Portable Chairs for Onshore
Storage Bags and Plastic Wrap
Food and Beverages
Fishing Gear and Fillet Knife
Warm Set of Clothing
Games
Water Toys
First Aid Kit
Matches / Lighters
Fire Starter (newspaper, kindling)
Campfire Grill
Wood Saw / Axe
Campers Multi-Tool
Sandals, Rubber Boots
Hiking Footwear and Long Pants
Safety Noise Maker / Whistle
Personal Toiletries
Weekly Specials - Fresh Menus - Contests
DininginBC.com - Your Online Menu Specialists Rate and Review Your Favorite Restaurnant
Admiral Houseboats on Mara Lake BC (3km south of Sicamous)rent their boats out from May till mid-October. Find out more about Admiral Houseboat rentals
here!
The Shuwap consists of 2 lakes, Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake. These jewels lie in the heart of the South Central Interior, both easily accessible along the Trans Canada Hwy at Sicamous BC.
House Boating - Lake Koocanusa
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Located along the Canada - US border in the East Kootenays between Cranbrook and Fernie, Lake Koocanusa is a popular house boat vacation destination.