Frequently Asked Questions - Lake Koocanusa

How do I get to the Lake?

From Eureka: Sunshine Houseboats Marina is about 52 miles from Eureka. Take US-93 from Eureka, toward 3rd Street, for about 8.5 miles. You'll cross into Canada (British Columbia) on this road. Continue onto Highway 93 from here. You'll drive a little more than 16.5 miles on this highway, then take a left on Jeffray-Banks Lake Road. After about 2 miles, this road will become Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road. Stay on Jaffray-Baynes for a little more than 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Kikomun Road. After about 2.5 miles, you'll need to take a slight right to stay on Kikomun Road for a little longer (about 0.5 miles). Take a left onto Kikomun-Newgate Road. Drive this for a little less than 7.5 miles and the road will turn into Wardner Newgate Road. Stay on it for 11 miles, then take a sharp left. Drive a little less than 0.5 miles further in and you'll be at the marina.

From Cranbrook: Sunshine Houseboats Marina is about 61 miles / 97.5 kilometers from Cranbrook. From Cranbrook, take Crowsnest Highway/Highway 3/Highway 95/Van Horne Street North toward 1st Street North. This will eventually become just Crowsnest Highway / Highway 3 - keep following it for 29 miles / 46 kilometers. Then, take a right at Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road. Drive this for 10 miles / 16 kilometers, then turn right onto Kikomun Road. Travel Kikomun Road for a little more than 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers, take a slight right to stay on it, then drive for another 0.5 mile (or a little more) / 1 kilometer. Take a left onto Kikomun-Newgate Road. Drive this for a little less than 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers and the road will turn into Wardner Newgate Road. Stay on it for 11 miles / 18 kilometers, then take a sharp left. Drive a little less than 0.5 miles / 0.5 kilometer further in and you'll be at the marina.

Click here to see a map and directions for Lake Koocanusa.

When do I pick up the boat?

You may pick up your boat any time after 9 to 10 AM on the first day of your rental. In some cases, you may arrange for an “early board” on the night before; call us for more information.

Your boat is due back at the marina by 9 to 11 AM on the final day.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

Our boats are approved for a variety of group sizes, exceeding these limits lead to problems with holding tanks and usually submerged motors, for these reasons the maximum allowed on each boat is the listed amount for each boat plus 4. (Little Sun excluded) For each passenger above the listed amount there is an additional charge of $75. Children are counted as one.

What will the temperatures be like on my trip?

The lake is warm from mid-summer through late fall and pleasantly cool in the shoulder seasons. Winter and early to mid-spring water temperatures are too cold for extended swimming without a wetsuit. View a month-by-month list of temperatures here.

How difficult is driving a houseboat?

Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. When you reserve your houseboat, we will send you a video or DVD in the mail with a basic overview of houseboat operations. The marina staff will also walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.

If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.

What is the billing schedule?

At the time of booking, you must pay a $750 deposit to confirm your reservation of the houseboat. This applies towards your total amount. Sixty (60) days prior your trip, the remaining balance of your rental must be paid.

How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?

Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It’s helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you’re most interested in when you call.

Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.

How early do I need to reserve?

Lake Koocanusa is a very popular lake. Some of our boats have been known to book out more than two years in advance. The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.

However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.

Are linens included with my houseboat rental?

Linens are not provided. You may bring your own or rent a linen package for the beds for $25 and a towel package for $10.

Are pets allowed on my houseboat?

Pets are allowed on the houseboats for a non-refundable $75 fee per pet.

Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?

There is a convenience store right at the marina. For all of your grocery needs, there are grocery stores in Fernie or Cranbrook, about an hour and a half from the marina.

How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?

The renter needs to be 19 years of age with a valid drivers license.

Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?

There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.

Will I get seasick on a houseboat?

Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.

What is the best time of year to go houseboating?

It is always a good time to go houseboating! Summer is the most popular and busiest season. Fall offers Indian Summer days and cooler nights. Springtime is good for viewing abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Winter is favorable for the anglers, when fishing is at its best. And the rates are significantly lower between September and May.

Can I fish from the houseboat?

Yes! Fishing is a very popular activity on the lake. Some of the many species within the lake are the Kokcanee Salmon, the Ling, the Kamloops and the West Slope Cutthroat. Also present are Whitefish, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. The marina stores sell a good variety of bait and tackle for optimizing your chances of catching fish, whether you’re a novice or an expert.

Is there camping along the lake shore?

Yes. Lake Koocanusa is situated primarily within wild land that where camping is not only possible, but excellent. Primitive camping is permitted, but you'll find plenty of established campgrounds within a short walk (or less) of the lake.