Waterway Get-A-Way Houseboat Vacations

Waterway Get-A-Way is now closed.

Waterway Get-A-Way is only 2.5 hours from Montreal or 3.5 hours from Toronto and located in Smiths Falls Ontario.  From Smiths Falls you can either go south and enjoy the Rideau Lakes or travel north through the Rideau Waterway and Rideau Canal.  The Rideau Canal is operated by Parks Canada and is the oldest canal system in North America and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  In total there are approximately 24 locks from Ottawa to Kingston to navigate through.

Which ever direction you travel you will enjoy the beauty of the magnificent part of Ontario.  If you decide to head north you can enjoy the lock system as you work your way to Ottawa.  From Smiths Falls you should allow yourself about 2.5 days each way to Ottawa.

If you are considering renting a houseboat in the Rideau Lakes or Rideau Canal then Waterway Get-A-Way is your best option.

Waterway Get-A-Way offers three models of houseboats to choose from.  There is a 36' & 40' with a flybridge suitable for 4-6 people and a 40' with a flybridge and walkaround deck also suitable for 4-6 people.  Each houseboat features:

• Fully equipped kitchen (galley)
• Stove
• Refridgerator/Freezer
• Propane BBQ
• Hot/Cold water system
• Full bathroom with shoer
• Bedding and linens
• AM/FM radio
• Safety and Navigation package
• Swim ladder
• Deck chairs

Boats are rented by the week or 3 day weekends however if you require longer and it is available there is additional daily fees.

Previous experience is not required. You will be provided instruction on operating the houseboat and safety requirements. Prior to departure you will be provided a safety checklist for review. Be sure to ask any questions if you are not sure. Once completed you will be issued a temporary license that is good for your trip. You will need to keep this document readily available if request by officials. You must be 25 years of age or older and hold a valid driver’s license to drive the houseboat.

You do not require a boating license (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) to rent a houseboat. Prior to departure you will be provided a safety checklist for review. Be sure to ask any questions if you are not sure. Once completed you will be issued a temporary license that is good for your trip. You will need to keep this document readily available if request by officials.

If you wish to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card you can do so on line. For more details:

Pleasure Craft Licence

For a complete list of suggested items to bring check out the checklist.

What to Bring

Bedding and linens are included.  Remember to bring your own towels.

• $65 per rental for Parks Canada mooring passes
• Lock passes
• $65 for propane