Canal Boat Holidays
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Le Boat and discover the charm of canal boat holidays across nine incredible countries. Whether you dream of a tranquil escape in the UK or an adventure abroad, your perfect canal holiday awaits.
Cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Europe and Canada, navigating scenic lakes, rivers, and canals at your own pace. From picturesque villages and lush countryside to historic towns and vibrant culture, there’s no better way to take it all in than from the comfort of your private sundeck.
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly retreat or a luxurious floating holiday, each destination offers something special – from wine tasting and world-class cuisine to sun-soaked beaches and awe-inspiring views.
Our canal boat holiday destinations
England
Boating holidays in England are fun-packed adventures, through pretty countryside and historic sites.
- Family fun and plenty to do and see
- Beautiful green countryside
- Riverside pubs and immaculate villages
- Fishing and bird-watching
Scotland
Canal boat holidays in Scotland offer an unforgettable holiday experience, with the spectacular mountain scenery of the Highlands providing a stunning backdrop to every journey.
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Hiking & hill walking
- Whisky distillery tours
- Fishing, wildlife & bird-watching
Ireland
Boating holidays in Ireland offer the perfect mix of mystical waterways and a famously warm welcome, making for a truly memorable escape.
- Ancient Celtic monuments & religious sites
- Championship golf courses
- Wonderful fishing
- Fantastic scenery
- Friendly pubs with traditional live music
France
Discover the charm of French canal holidays as you explore nine stunning regions, each offering its unique blend of scenery, culture, and relaxation.
- Range of boating holiday destinations
- Unique scenery for each region
- Rich history and heritage
- Local gastronomy and finest wines
Canada
Enjoy unforgettable Canada holidays as you explore beautiful lakes and rivers within two world-class canal systems
- Wide open lakes and water sports
- A mecca for nature
- Dynamic cities
- Rich heritage
Italy
Come boating in Italy and discover a unique blend of vibrant cities, historic charm, and peaceful countryside landscapes.
- Romantic & historic Venice
- Beaches & sunbathing
- Traditional fishing-villages
- Seafood restaurants
- Art, history & iconic sightseeing
- Craft – glass blowing, lace-making
Netherlands
A Netherlands holiday offers the perfect opportunity to explore a landscape filled with canals, windmills, and charming chocolate-box towns – all best discovered by boat.
- City break in Amsterdam
- Fishing, cycling & watersports
- Festivals & events
- Relaxed pavement café atmosphere
Why choose Le Boat canal boating holidays?
Canal holidays with Le Boat offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the leafy countryside, experience diverse cultures, and visit charming villages often overlooked by traditional tourists. With boating holidays across a choice of nine different countries, your exploration possibilities are simply endless!
Our river boat holidays allow you to explore the surrounding areas wherever, whenever and in whatever way you want to. With a vast network of bases across Europe, we can offer the largest variety of cruising routes in comparison to our competitors, many of which are one-way trips, meaning that you won’t have to return to where you started.
Whether you fancy walking through the medieval cobbled streets of Bruges or indulging in the finest wines and cheeses of Burgundy, with over 170 varied river cruising holidays, we’ll be sure to have the right river boat holiday for you, whether it’s a weekend away or a long-haul trip.
Best of all, your choices don’t stop there. With over 40 different types of boats to hire, depending on your choice of destination, and the freedom to travel as slowly as you want to, your trip couldn’t be easier to book. So, take your pick and find out more.
Our canal boats
As captain of your own hired boat, you’ll be living in and navigating your personal cruiser. Our boats are easy to operate, and the best part is that you don’t need a boat licence or any prior experience to set off. We have plenty of boat hire options including Premier, Comfort, and even Value boats to suit every need and preference. With so many choices available, you can easily book the perfect canal boat holiday to enjoy with your loved ones.
Looking for canal boat holidays for beginners?
We know it can seem a little daunting to head off on your own canal boat cruiser without any experience. Your safety and security are very important to us, and although no licence is required, we ensure you get a full induction before setting off onto the waters. Our thorough orientation covers everything you need to know, from basic navigation skills to understanding the unique features of your canal boat.
Le Boat is committed to ensuring that first-time cruisers enjoy an unforgettable holiday and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to feel confident on the water. So if you’re new to canal boating, you can be sure you’ll be a confident boater on a Le Boat holiday.
What our customers say…
Boating holidays FAQs
A Le Boat boating holiday is a self-drive cruise on canals, rivers, and lakes where you live and handle your own boat at your own pace. It’s a mix of relaxed cruising, scenic stops and exploration of countryside towns and culture.
No. With Le Boat, you don’t need a boat licence or prior experience to enjoy your holiday. Our base teams give you a full briefing and coaching before departure, so you feel confident on the water.
With Le Boat, you can cruise as far as you like within the permitted waterways, as long as you return the boat to the correct base on time. Routes connect across regions and even between bases for one-way trips.
Yes. On your Le Boat holiday, you can plan your itinerary, picking your own pace and stops each day using maps and guides provided on board. You can follow our suggested itineraries or explore towns, villages and scenery as you wish.
Le Boat offers boating holidays across 18 destinations in 9 countries in Europe, including England, France, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, and Canada. Each region combines waterways with local culture and attractions.
With Le Boat, you can book holidays from short breaks (e.g., 2 nights) and staycations to longer cruises. Flexible durations let you choose a pace and length of trip that suits your schedule.
Yes, absolutely. On your Le Boat cruise, you’re free to moor in permitted mooring spots and walk or cycle into nearby towns and attractions. Many regions are rich in history, pubs, markets and scenic walks right off the waterways.
Yes. Le Boat holidays are suitable for families, couples and groups of friends with a wide choice of boat sizes, activities, and itineraries. You can customise your route, pace and stops to match what your group enjoys.