Here’s what you need to know about Le Boat river cruises: all rentals are pet-friendly. Le Boat is a boat rental company that allows you to steer yourself through Canadian and European waterways, with your pup as your copilot. The company permits up to two dogs, no size or breed limit, for a one-time pet fee per rental.
Here’s what else you need to know about Le Boat: details about what, where, when, and how. The why should be self-explanatory.
What is Le Boat?
Imagine being the captain of your own ship (assuming you don’t own one), standing behind the tiller, guiding the boat along a calm and scenic river in Canada, or France, or Germany, with your dog beside you. And where do you sleep? Depending on the model of boat, in one of the two, three, or four boat-sized bedrooms. Eat in the kitchen or on the BBQ on deck and shower in the onboard washroom.
This post contains links from affiliates such as Amazon and/or Chewy online pet supply store.
Yes, you can rent your own Le Boat for the long weekend, entire week, or more. You meet the team at the designated dock at each location. A skipper shows you the ropes before heading out, then you can follow the suggested itinerary provided by Le Boat or follow your bliss (similar to our previous houseboat adventure here).
You just need to have the boat back by the final rental day, much like a rental car. Sheets, towels, cooking tools are provided onboard; you pack a suitcase, a cooler (or more), and your dog’s to-go bag (including doggie life jacket – affiliate link). Thanks to Le Boat’s first appearance at the Toronto International Boat Show, I’m intrigued at by taking to the inland waters with my pup.
Where can you and your dog explore?
Le Boat operates two routes in Canada and 17 in Europe, specifically France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Italy. Imagine exploring the historic locks along Canal du Midi in France’s Burgundy wine region with your pup in a country known for its dog-friendly status. Granted, unless Europe is your home, you’ll need to fly with your pup (in cabin, if you’re able).
However, if exploring the waterways with your dog in North America is your goal – and that’s mine – Canada is your option, specifically Ontario, along Ottawa’s UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal starting at Smiths Falls. What better way to experience the nation’s capital?
Or check out the newest location in Canada: Ontario’s Trent-Severn Waterway, a national historic site in the Kawarthas, is the latest route added to Le Boat’s repertoire. The company’s base is located near dog-friendly Peterborough, Ontario and from there, boaters have 368 kilometres of waterway along, including the Peterborough Lift Lock system.
And that’s the route I hope to travel with my water-loving spaniel this spring after the snow melts. (I hope I don’t regret teaching her to dock dive).
When and where can you rent boats?
Usually, boats are rented seasonally, depending on location. In Canada, renting starts in May and ends in the fall. Throughout Europe, the seasons are slightly different, but clearly this is a warm-weather activity in Europe too:
- Nine regions in France
- Northern Italy near Venice
- Northeastern Germany near Berlin
- The canals of Scotland (near Loch Ness)
- The River Shannon and River Erne in Ireland
- England, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Note: each country in Europe has different requirements for pet entry (see here).
The process is surprisingly easy and affordable. Book a boat online. Meet at the appropriate base and get a boat driving lesson. In Canada, boat rentals do not require a license (though keeping one online isn’t a bad idea).
Also in Canada, three-day rentals start around $1500 (CA), plus fuel, private mooring fees, and water refilling, and that’s for a two-bedroom Horizon model. The dog (or two) is an additional $100 per rental.
Le Boat Ownership Option
Side Note: And for those who fall paws-over-tail for this style of travel, Le Boat offers an ownership program that combines holiday freedom with the comforts of a floating home, all without the usual hassles of private boat ownership. You buy the boat, lease it back to Le Boat for five years, then qualify for eight weeks of travel in Canada and six weeks in Europe. Too much annual boating for me, but water-loving dogs and their people might find this option attractive.
FAQ about Boating with Your Dog
Q: Does my dog need a life jacket on a recreational boat?Q
A: Yes, small and mid-sized boats might move at a leisurely pace, but docks,swim platforms (affiliate link), and sudden splashes still pose risks. Dogs can easily fall over (we experienced that while house boating here). A dog life jacket (affiliate link) with a sturdy handle makes lifting your dog out of the water easier and keeps them above water through wakes and waves … and fatigue.
Q: How do dogs usually adjust to life aboard a houseboat?
A: Most dogs settle into life on the boat easily, especially if they are with you. If they’re frequent car travellers, like mine, they should be ok. The steady hum of the engine and the gentle rocking often calms dogs, though they might take an hour or so to get their sea legs. Mine loves water and waterfowl, so keeping her on leash might be needed to prevent off-deck jumping.
Q: What about bathroom breaks on a houseboat?
A: This is where river boating works as an adventure. Regular shoreline stops make things easy and are necessary for high-energy dogs like mine. Le Boat, for instance, permits overnight dock mooring only. In the morning, land is a jump off the boat away for walkies. I always bring pee pads (affiliate link) when travelling, and this inflatable dog dock we discovered at the boat show offers a solution too.
Q: Should I pack specifically for my dog on a houseboat trip?
A: Think about comfort and contingency. Fresh water (bottled drinking water for both you and the dog), a familiar bed, towels for post-swim shake-offs, paw wipes, and dog-safe nose sunscreen. Add a first-aid kit and motion-sickness remedies from the vet (just in case), and, of course, chews, food, treats, poop bags, and dog dishes. I bring a long tether leash for swimming and shore leave walks.
Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria.Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!
