PETERBOROUGH — Le Boat debuted its brand new cruising route and newest base on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway this past weekend.
Cheryl Brown, Global Managing Director for Le Boat, and Lisa McLean, Marketing Manager Canada, along with other members of the team were on hand to mark the big occasion.
Travelweek’s Sue Winiecki was also there, and noted the ease of operating Le Boat’s vessels. “The boats are beautifully outfitted with all the amenities required for a fun boating vacation. The controls are very user friendly for inexperienced boaters,” said Winiecki.
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.
Saturday’s event included a ribbon cutting ceremony, tour of a Horizon Cruiser, and inaugural 2024 voyage on the Trent-Severn.
“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 McLean.
Boating season on the Trent-Severn officially opens this Friday, May 17, the start of Victoria Day long weekend. Clients still have time to book their long weekend getaway or their summer vacation for 2024.
Le Boat will have a fleet of eight premier Horizon Cruisers on the Trent-Severn Waterway to start. 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.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
For travellers who want to book their sailing during a prime time for events along the waterway, upcoming events include the Peterborough Music Festival (June 29- Aug. 17) and the Quinte International Air Show (June 29). Also of note, the new Canada Canoe Museum opened on May 13 in Peterborough.
To help with trip planning, Le Boat provides travellers with sample cruising routes as well as recommendations and key highlights of what they can see and do along their sailing.
From the new base, suggested itineraries include a cruise north towards Peterborough to Bobcaygeon …
- Check in at the Le Boat base in Horseshoe Bay Marina and cruise towards Young’s Point and experience the Peterborough Lift Lock, a National Historic Site. This 120-year-old lift lock is the highest hydraulic lift lock in North America and stands 19.8 meters high.
- Cruise picturesque lakes and rivers to its lush forests as guests arrive in the charming town of Lakefield.
- Enjoy the tall pines and granite shores of Stony Lake and continue their cruise towards beautiful Burleigh Falls.
- Discover the beauty of Kawartha Lakes to Buckhorn, named for the collection of deer antlers which were displayed on the outside walls of the original sawmill in the area.
- Continue Cruise to Bobcaygeon, a charming village situated on the shores of Pigeon Lake. Dock at Bobcaygeon and explore the town, full of quaint and unique shops, eateries, and lots to see and do.
Visit the scenic town of Fenelon Falls, known as the “Jewel of the Kawarthas” where guests will find an eclectic mix of antique stores, gift shops, coffee houses, and of course Lock 34 – located on its island.
A second option for Le Boat customers is to do a return trip cruising south toward the historical town of Trenton …
- Cruise south along the Otonabee River to Rice Lake, and visit the small village of Hastings.
- Cruise to Campbellford. Boaters will have time to explore this charming community, visit the iconic Millennium Trail Suspension Bridge or stop for a selfie at the World’s Biggest Toonie.
- Just after Campbellford, boaters will get a chance to explore some truly beautiful natural scenery along the Trent-Severn Waterway and Parks Canada Oasis pods located between Locks 10 and 9.
- Cruise to Trenton, which is set along the Bay of Quinte and marks the entry point to Trent-Severn Waterway from Lake Ontario and the southern end of the cruising area. Known for its military ties, Trenton is also home to the National Air Force Museum of Canada, which exhibits over 30 aircraft and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
