Interested in a lazy vacation? If your idea of a good time is getting as close to the water as possible, there’s a bounty of beautiful houseboats available for rent. Here are just a few that might inspire your next holiday to be a floating one.
This two-house floating bed and breakfast on Yellowknife Bay can accommodate up to six people in three beds. In the summer, enjoy various water activities, like sailing, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, as well as hiking. In the winter, guests can take part in cross-country skiing, kite-skiing, snowmobile rides, and dog sledding. And, of course, it’s the perfect locale to experience the Northern Lights. More info: www.airbnb.com
Just a bus ride away from downtown Seattle is where you’ll find the barge in Lake Union. The one bed, one bathroom floating home is equipped with a kitchen and is perfect for a couple. It’s walking distance to paddleboards, kayaks, and boat rentals. More info: www.airbnb.com
Inside this freighter from the 30s in the capital of the Netherlands, you’ll find modern furniture, a kitchenette, and a bed that sleeps two. It’s located in a harbour in the quiet neighbourhood of Zeeburg, which used to be where coffee and spices were transported by ship. Take a bus, tram or bike to get to the historic centre of Amsterdam in just 10 minutes. More info: www.airbnb.com
Described as a spacious, two-bedroom houseboat with a bathroom, kitchen, and hardwood floors, this floating home in Amsterdam can sleep up to five people. It’s located in a west-end canal with a private deck on the water and a private garden on the land side. Guests have access to five bikes to explore the city. More info: www.airbnb.ca
Twin Anchors offers houseboat rentals that sleep between six and 24. It is based in the town of Sicamous B.C., which calls itself the houseboat capital of Canada. The smallest model has a sundeck and slide, with a three-burner stove and oven, so these are definitely better suited to group vacations. More info: www.twinanchors.com
