Presented below are frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals and houseboating on Lake of the Woods. If you need additional assistance, please contact us toll-free at 888-454-8825 or click here to submit a request for more guidance. Our friendly and knowledgeable Houseboat Rental Agents are always happy to help.
Houseboating season is typically from mid-May through mid-October. Summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) is the most popular and is the busiest season. View a month-by-month list of temperatures here: Average Temperatures
The maximum capacity on any houseboat is the number the houseboat sleeps. This is a regulation set by the Coast Guard.
To rent from Gills Morson marina, the renter must be at least 21 years of age with a valid drivers' license.
Pets are allowed for a $100 non-refundable pet fee per pet. A maximum of 2 pets allowed.
There is no special licensing or prior experience required to operate these houseboat rentals; just a valid drivers' license. The marina staff will go over operations and regulations in an orientation upon your arrival.
Marina staff will also pilot you in and out of the marina itself; you'll take over on open water.
The cost of a houseboat vacation is based on a few variables: what time of year you plan to visit, what size of houseboat, how long of a trip, etc. See the Pricing Page for more details
Generally, people reserve about 6 months in advance. But it's always a good idea to make a reservation as soon as you're ready, especially if you have specific dates in mind or if you're planning a trip over a holiday weekend or on a special promotion.
Give us a call at 888-454-8825. Our reservation agents are happy to check availability or confirm your vacation.
Alternatively, you may Contact Us Online with your availability request, and one of our agents will get back to you with the information you need.
To reserve:
$1200 CND for 43’ and 44’
$1500 CND for 52’, 53’ and 49’
$2000 CND for 54’ and 64’
Cancellations with at least 90 days notice have the following options:
– Move the entire deposit to different dates in the same season, pending availability
– Move the entire deposit to a future reservation, at prevailing rates
– Refund 50% of the deposit via the original payment method and forfeit the remaining 50%
Cancellations of less than 90 days forfeit their entire deposit.
We do not offer cancellations or refunds due to weather, fishing conditions, border issues or changes in your group count. Early checkouts will be charged for full time booked.
Ontario Wilderness Houseboat Rental is a small operation with a short season and we are greatly affected by last minute cancellations. We recommend you purchase travel insurance for your houseboat trip.
Basics such as cookware and serve-ware (pots, plans, plates, glasses, utensils, etc.) come equipped on the houseboat. You are responsible for bringing all of your food, beverages, and spices down to salt and pepper.
More specifics can be accessed on the houseboat page under Amenities and Items Provided. There will also be more included in the attachments of your confirmation email.
Fuel is not included in the houseboat rental. Like a rental car, you'll pick up the houseboat full and you'll be responsible for the final refueling at the end of your trip to pay for what you've used.
Typically, we recommend that you budget about $100 per day for fuel. Of course, it may be more or less based on how much you drive the houseboat each day and how much you run the generator.
Kitchen linens (cloths and tea towels) are included with the rental. however bedding and bath towels are not. Feel free to bring your own pillows, bed linens and bath towels.
*Linen packages available at the marina for $50 (includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, blankets, pillow and towel set)
You may pick up the houseboat as early as 2pm, and it is not due back at the marina until 9am on your final day.
If you arrive at the marina after hours, you may load the houseboat and sleep on it that night in the marina, then go through the check in and orientation process the next morning before you go out on the water.
Yes, a small watercraft is required with all houseboat rentals as a safety precaution. See our rental options: Watercraft Rentals
Lake of the Woods is located just across the border of Minnesota in Ontario. See our Map/Directions page to view a map and directions to the Lake of the Woods area.
Gill's Morson Marina
Ontario 621, Sleeman ON Canada
*The above address is for driving directions only. Do not mail payments to this address
A full grocery store, Beaver Mills is located in Rainy River, about 30 miles from the marina.
There is also a small selection of basic and convenience groceries available at J&J’s in Morson, a few miles from the marina.
You will want to come fully prepared with all groceries as there are no grocery or restaurant opportunities along the lake.
Fishing is great at Lake of the Woods!
It is known as the "Walleye Capital of the World," but there are a variety of fish found in these waters including: Muskie, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Small & Large Mouth Bass, Crappie and Perch.
An Ontario fishing license is required and will allow you to fish anywhere on Lake of the Woods. Be sure to purchase a license Online ahead of time or at the marina.
You can fish off your houseboat while beached or tied up, however we recommend fishing from your small boat for the best experience.
Seasickness is very uncommon on fresh water because the lake is mostly calm and houseboats are wider and more stable than smaller boats. However, if you get sick easily we recommend that you take necessary precautions.
