PETERBOROUGH — Le Boat is ready to inaugurate its new cruising route and newest base on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway this weekend.

The new base is on the Otonabee River at the newly renovated Horseshoe Bay Marina in Peterborough, ON. Peterborough is home to Lock 21, a National Historical Site that boasts the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, lifting boats 65 feet above the Trent Canal.

Le Boat announced its Canadian expansion plans back in January. The luxury houseboat rental company first launched in Canada in 2018, on the Rideau Canal.

On May 11 Le Boat’s global executive team will unveil the new base with a ribbon cutting ceremony, tour of a Horizon Cruiser, and inaugural 2024 voyage on the waterway.

“We are so excited for the grand opening of our second Canadian base on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a national historical site. Our customers have been asking when we will be offering luxury boat rental vacations on this National Historic site we are excited to give them what they have been waiting for,” said Lisa McLean, North American marketing manager and head of Canada.

She added: “Our Le Boat international customers will be in awe of the beautiful Ontario landscapes and pristine waterways as they experience the famous lift locks in Peterborough and cruise Ontario’s wide-open lakes. It also offers staycations for those looking for a getaway to cottage country, and the opportunity to enjoy boat life like a local.”

Boating season on the Trent-Severn officially opens on May 17. That’s the Victoria Day long weekend, which has always marked the unofficial kick-off to summer. McLean says clients still have time to book their long weekend getaway or their summer vacation for 2024. Le Boat is both family-friendly and pet-friendly.

To start Le Boat will have a fleet of eight premier Horizon Cruisers on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Boats range in size from two bedrooms to four bedrooms and offer several suggested cruising routes. Pricing starts at Cdn$2,800 for a week on Horizon 1 Cruisers that sleep up to five people. Travellers can choose a three- to six-night short break or a seven-to-10+ night vacation. No Boat license or prior boating experience is required. The experienced Le Boat base team is on hand to teach guests everything they need to know to captain the boat themselves.