SMITHS FALLS — With the Rideau Canal set to reopen on June 1, Le Boat is preparing to resume operations of its luxury houseboat rentals, which the company says is an ideal option for Canadians looking to vacation closer to home.

Built for the novice boater, Le Boat rentals require no previous boating experience or a boating licence. Additionally, to ensure the safety of its customers and staff, the company has introduced extra cleaning and social distancing measures as well as its ‘Go Boating With Confidence’ policy that allows for cancellations up to 48 hours prior to departure.

“Being on your own private cruiser allows you to sleep onboard, set your own schedule, plan your own route and control your environment, determine where you stop and whom you interact with, while you explore the beautiful and historic Rideau waterway,” says Lisa Mclean, North American Marketing Manager for Le Boat. “After this long period at home, this will allow people an opportunity to get away from it all, go off the beaten track with family without the worries of being in busy areas the whole time.”

Le Boat has a fleet of 24 premier Horizon Cruises for any budget and offers suggested itineraries for a three- to five-night short break or a seven- to 10+ night vacation. Its range of watercraft offers all the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen, private en-suite bathrooms with showers in every cabin, and a top deck with sunshade and BBQ.

While sailing down the Rideau Canal, a 202-kilometre waterway that stretches from Kingston to Ottawa, guests can enjoy views of private islands, sandy beaches, protected wetlands and small artisan villages. It’s a vast network of pristine lakes and winding rivers and canals, all connected by a historical lock system.

“Sit back, relax, listen to the music and enjoy a fresh summer breeze from the comfort of the lounge chair, all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery as you go down the Rideau Canal,” adds Mclean. “We expect that once some of the restrictions have been lifted, people will take advantage of a Le Boat boat rental to create their own unforgettable vacation that they will remember for a lifetime.”