From Road to River: Why a Boating Vacation Is Perfect for RV Travelers
If you love the RV lifestyle — the freedom to roam, explore new places, meet like-minded travelers, and wake up somewhere different every day — then a boating vacation with Le Boat might just be your next great adventure.
Le Boat offers a wide range of houseboat rentals in Canada and Europe. Think of it as RVing on the water! Instead of highways, you’ll navigate scenic canals and historic waterways. Instead of campgrounds, you’ll moor alongside charming towns, heritage locks, and peaceful natural settings. And instead of traffic noise, you’ll be surrounded by calm, rippling water.
Here’s why RV travelers everywhere are discovering that a Le Boat houseboat vacation is just like RVing.
In this Article
- Freedom to Cruise at Your Own Pace
- Your Boat Is Your Home — With a View That Changes Daily
- No Boating License? No Problem.
- Campgrounds Meet Mooring Spots
- Bring Your Pets Along for the Ride
- Discover Hidden Gems You Can’t Reach by Road
- The Same Spirit of Adventure — Just a Different View
- Ready to Try RVing on the Water?
- Sign up for our newsletter
1. Freedom to Cruise at Your Own Pace
One of the best things about RV travel is the freedom to set your own schedule — and that’s exactly how Le Boat vacations work.
You’re the captain of your own luxury houseboat rental, free to choose your route and stop whenever something catches your eye. Cruise along Canada’s Rideau Canal or the Trent-Severn Waterway, or explore the scenic rivers and canals of France, England, Ireland, Belgium, and beyond — all at your own pace.
Le Boat provides detailed cruise guides, maps, and suggested itineraries, but you’re always free to design your own unique adventure.
2. Your Boat Is Your Home — With a View That Changes Daily
RVers know the joy of bringing their home along for the journey. With Le Boat, it’s the same concept — just on the water.
Each Le Boat cruiser is a floating home featuring:
- Comfortable cabins with single and double beds, linens, towels, and ensuite bathrooms with private showers
- USB ports and outlets in every cabin for charging electronics
- Bright, open living areas with a fully equipped kitchen (galley), smart TV, plenty of cupboard space, fridge, microwave, stovetop, and oven — plus a top-deck BBQ hot plate
- Spacious top decks perfect for dining, lounging, or sunbathing
- Modern safety equipment, dual steering positions (inside and outside), and thrusters for easy maneuvering
Boats range from 1–5 cabins, sleeping 2–12 people, and are available in three categories — Premier, Comfort, and Value — to suit every budget and group size.
It’s the RV lifestyle on water, with breathtaking waterfront views that change every time you untie the ropes.
3. No Boating License? No Problem.
Just like modern RVs are easy to drive, Le Boat cruisers are designed for first-time boaters in mind and makes boating easy, they have simplified the controls at the helm and some of the boats feature bow or stern thrusters to help make parking the boat or enter a lock look simple. If you can drive an RV or large camper van you will be able to drive our boats!
No boating license or previous experience is needed. Before departure, Le Boat’s friendly team provides a full orientation and hands-on training session, teaching you everything you need to know to confidently navigate like a pro.
4. Campgrounds Meet Mooring Spots
RV campgrounds and canal moorings have more in common than you’d think. Along your route, you’ll find:
- Marinas with full amenities (power, water, showers, laundry facilities)
- Public docks near restaurants, markets, and local attractions
- Peaceful, free mooring spots in nature near lock stations and parks
Just like at RV parks, you’ll make friends with your fellow boaters — sharing travel stories over morning coffee on deck or chatting with other captains at the locks. There’s a real sense of community on the water, where friendly waves and dockside conversations are part of the experience.
Whether you’re socializing with fellow travelers, visiting a local farmers’ market, dining at a waterfront bistro, or relaxing under the stars on your top deck, there’s a mooring option for every travel style — just like choosing between a lively RV park or a quiet boondocking site.
5. Bring Your Pets Along for the Ride
Good news for RVers who never travel without their four-legged companions — Le Boat vacations are pet-friendly!
Dogs love walking the towpaths, exploring new towns, and lounging on deck. With Le Boat, your pet can join in on every moment of your houseboat adventure.
6. Discover Hidden Gems You Can’t Reach by Road
If you love finding off-the-beaten-path destinations in your RV, you’ll love discovering them from the water even more.
Many of the charming towns and scenic landscapes along Canada’s Rideau Canal or Europe’s historic waterways can only be accessed by boat. Dock steps away from a quaint village or bustling city center, explore local museums, markets, and trails — all without worrying about parking or traffic.
It’s a fresh, local perspective on Canada and Europe that few travelers ever experience.
7. The Same Spirit of Adventure — Just a Different View
Whether you’re behind the wheel of an RV or at the helm of your own private cruiser, the essence of travel remains the same — freedom, discovery, and connection.
You’ll set your own pace, choose your own route, and create unforgettable memories — only this time, your road is a waterway.
Ready to Try RVing on the Water?
If you love life on the move and want to try something new, a Le Boat houseboat vacation is the perfect next adventure. With all the comforts of RV travel — and the added beauty of canal cruising — it’s the easiest way to experience the RV lifestyle reimagined on the water. Swap your campsite for a canal, your wheels for a wake, and see where the water takes you.
If you can’t decide what is right for you- why not try both! We have many people who arrive at our bases with their RV, Camper Van or trailer in tow and combine their RV trip with their Le Boat cruise and enjoy the best of both worlds. Just speak to the Le Boat Sales team at time of booking and they will book the appropriate size parking spaces at your starting base.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Ready to experience the luxury of a houseboat vacation?
Stay updated on the latest with Le Boat! Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive previews and updates on our luxurious boating range.
Other articles
European school vacation 2025-2026 calendar
Mastering family boating bliss: 7 child safety tips
