Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I rent a houseboat for?
You can rent your own houseboats for a minimum of 2 nights, and a maximum of 7 nights. For stays of 5 nights or longer, we will be organizing a resupply run to Pinawa in order to give you the opportunity to get more supplies for the rest of your stay if necessary. This will also give you some time to explore Pinawa while we service the boat. We will then offer the option to relocate the houseboat to a different mooring location for the remaining nights of your stay.
How much luggage and supplies can I bring aboard?
Sérénité and Odyssée can accommodate up to four people (1 queen-sized, 2 twin bunk-beds), and our brand new houseboat Équinoxe is exclusively made for couples. To ensure everyone's comfort and safety, we allow a maximum of one piece of carry-on-sized luggage per person, 2 large grocery bags, and 1 large cooler (max 14" in height).
Will I be able to operate the houseboat myself?
Our goal is to provide a boating experience that is accessible to everyone, even people who don't have boating experience. Therefore, only our licensed and experienced captains will be allowed to operate the houseboats on the Winnipeg River. From the moment you arrive at our reception dock, they will not only be your guide to the river and its rich history, but also a concierge who will coordinate your chosen excursions.
Where are the houseboats moored?
We have eight different sheltered, scenic mooring locations within Whiteshell Provincial Park. They are all located approximately within 6-8 kilometres from Pinawa. For an experienced paddler, that means about a 30-40 minute paddle through some mild fast-moving water. All of our activities include transportation to and from the houseboat.
How will I know how everything works on the boat?
When you and your family arrive, your assigned captain will brief everyone on everything there is to know about the houseboats, as well as go through all the safety and evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Once at your chosen mooring location, our staff will be reachable 24/7 to answer questions and concerns. If requested, our staff can also check in regularly for your peace of mind.
Can I bring my own canoes or kayaks?
We are doing our best to limit the introduction of invasive aquatic species to the Winnipeg River. Because of that, we have chosen not to allow our customers to bring their own canoes, kayaks, or SUPs. We will be providing our clients with up to 4 kayaks. These will be mounted on the houseboat and at your disposal at the mooring location.
In order to limit our impact on the scenery and environment, our permit with the park also doesn't allow our clients to bring their own fishing boat or attach it alongside the houseboat.
Can I book two houseboats at the same time?
Starting in 2025, you will be able to book two houseboats at the same time. You will have the option to have them both moored together in the same bay. The two houseboats will each have their own mooring, approximately 40 metres away from one another. You'll be able to swim or paddle from one houseboat to the next. This will be a fantastic option for families or up to 8.
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If you would like to book a 4-person houseboat at the same time as a 2-person houseboat, please reach out to our email directly so we can help you with that booking.
