How to Houseboat on Shuswap and Mara Lakes

Located between Salmon Arm and Kamloops Shuswap Lake is a houseboaters dream. There are miles of private beaches and lots of opportunities to be as secluded as you like. Your proximity to your neighbors is completely to your choosing. The best way to enjoy Shuswap Lake is via houseboat. There are a multitude of companies offering houseboats along with towable ski boats and hot tubs. Houseboating has really become a three season adventure with water based homes to fit every need.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Map of British Columbia
• credit card

1. After determining your travel dates and mode of travel to get yourself to Shuswap Lake (or the surrounding area) it's best to book your houseboat asap. Although there are many houseboat rental companies to choose from it's best to research their offerings well ahead of time so that you are sure you will find the exact houseboat to fit your needs.

2. Research houseboat companies online.

3. Once you find your perfect houseboat and accessory package Book it! When you arrive at Shuswap Lake for your vacation be sure that you have made a shopping list ahead of time. It will save you time while shopping in Salmon Arm. It'll be better to purchase your needs here at a larger grocery store than at a smaller stores closer to the Lake. There is a floating store/gas station on the lake but beware of extremely high prices for this convenience.

4. The day of your booked houseboating vacation arrive at your rental location well ahead of time. The company will want to put you through an orientation session so that you, your companions and the houseboat are as safe as possible. After your orientation session, fuel up your houseboat (and ski boat, if applicable), unload your groceries and walk through the houseboat to make sure that you have all the items listed on your agreement. You don't want to be half way out into the waterways and realize that you are missing extra blankets!

5. Take care when docking your houseboat on any beach. Any wind, which can kick up at any time on this lake, can cause your home away from home to shake or tilt. Securing your home using the information provided by your rental company will go a long way to provide a comfortable night each and every night.

6. Plan on arriving earlier than your designated rental end time. There will be many houseboats all arriving at the same time and unless you want to wait a long time, try to get into your rental company's slip earlier vs later. As with anything you rent, check and double check for items you might leave behind and make note of any items that you have damaged during your rental. Enjoy your trip home!

Tips & Warnings

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
• Take binoculars.
• Take bug repellent for after the sun sets.
• Take your camera and possibly your camcorder.
• Make sure you have First Aid Kit on board.
• Having someone that knows CPR is very beneficial since medical care is a long boatride away (houseboats don't travel very fast).
• Drinking and boating do not mix! Be prepared to see police officers patroling the waterways.