Big Rideau Lake Houseboat Rentals

Very friendly. Well-maintained boats. You can tell that they take their boats seriously and make sure that the people renting are capable boaters. We had an amazing week and great weather (and played board games when it rained). Navigated the locks to Jones Falls and back. The owners provided additional kayaks for the kids and took care of making sure that we had everything that we needed.

We rented a 37’ houseboat for a week in June 2022 and couldn’t have been happier. The boat was very well equipped and in perfect working order. The owners of this business were friendly and take very good care of their boats. Our voyage through the lock system went very smoothly.

We rented the 36’ Colonel By for a week this past July and it was such an amazing time. We had two adults two kids and a 100lb dog and it couldn’t have gone smoother. The boat was cleaned beautifully by Reese. Heather and Rob take pride in their boats and took the time to teach us how to be proper deck crew. We had everything we could possibly need on the boat and only docked with power for two nights and really did not miss it. We loved Chaffey’s lock (awesome fishing for kids, ice cream A small grocery top up at Brown’s) and perfect little spot for kayaking after the locks close ) and even the quietness at the top of Jones Falls and the walk down the locks was beautiful. We spent a night at Westport (potable water, walking distance to restaurants shopping, ice cream and a great little coffee shop) and came back another day to grab additional groceries at their public dock.Mooring off of colonel by island was by far two of our most favourite nights. Rob gave us an extra kayak so both kids and an adult could always go out - huge thank you!Again overall great trip. We want to book again for next year!

We had a fabulous week in June renting a houseboat from Heather and Rob. We couldn’t have asked for better service. The boat was so well equipped we didn’t miss anything. They send a contract in advanced to also prepare you well for any items you may want to bring. It’s a great checklist. The boats are easy to drive and they provide a navigation tool on an iPad. As long as you follow it you can’t go wrong. The drivers chair broke second day in. I emailed Heather to say it was already on its last leg and we really should have come back to exchange it. To my surprise Rob came right out and met us at Chaffey’s Lock with a new chair and exchanged it. That’s awesome service! They also recommended places to go, particularly Colonel By Island. We would never have known about it. This was our third time on the Rideau but our first time renting a houseboat. Every time we have visited we have seen new things to explore and discover, but the houseboat was the best way to see it all. Thanks again Heather and Rob, for a trip that exceeded our expectations.

Rented last year with my father and grandfather. We were welcomed like royalty. One of my best vacation ever. Everything well tought aboard.

What an amazing experience!!! We spent a week in August on the Colonel By and everyone had a great time. Kayaking, fishing, going through the locks and meeting new friends made the week memorable for all of us. The boat was clean and very well appointed. Rob helped us to understand the boat and its systems and Heather was more than helpful with the paperwork and advice.I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone as it is truly and amazing experience in one of the worlds best locations.

It is an absolute pleasure working with Big Rideau Lakes Boat Rentals. We have a rental & tour company at Chaffey's Lock and enjoy meeting Heather and Rob's customers who can't say enough about the excellent professional service they receive. Their houseboats are very well maintained and knowing they are available 24/7 for any mechanical issues gives their guests such piece of mind.

What a great way to spend a week in the fall. The leaf colours were awesome. The fishing was very good and our Houseboat Nina was perfect. Everything worked well and our boat was clean and tidy and ready for us on arrival. After a quick once over with Heather and Rob we were on our way.Loved going through all the locks. Such a beautiful part of the world.I wish we were still on the boat.