Houseboating: A Leisurely Way to Vacation in Temagami

By Caitlin Carpenter Caitlin Carpenter runs Days Out Ontario, a trip planning website and travel blog.

April 12, 2023

Maybe turtles are onto something…

Temagami is known for its plentiful, calm, and peaceful lakes, so exploring the region by water is a must-try Northeastern Ontario experience. If packing a canoe full of cutlery and portable stoves (and then unpacking them every night at a new campsite) isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps houseboating is the perfect fit. Outfitters such as Leisure Island Houseboats and Three Buoys Houseboats offer daily, weekly, and two-week packages so everything’s taken care of—just sit back and cruise the lakes.

What You’ll See

Temagami offers many attractions, including the opportunity to see some of Canada’s trademark wildlife, such as moose, beaver, and loons. With an enormous shoreline (over 3,000 miles plus 1,200 islands), there are plenty of bays and peninsulas on Lake Temagami. Just set up shop in your own quiet bay and it’ll just be a few moments until your kids spot a variety of creatures on shore or swimming by. You can also pull out a fishing rod and try to catch some fresh dinner. The local walleye is the best there is, and the lake trout is much sought after, too. If making a big splashes is more your style, jump right off the back porch of your waterborne home into the refreshingly cool waters.

Once you’ve enjoyed all that the lake has to offer, park your boat and head for a day hike – perhaps making it to the top of Ferguson Mountain for a fantastic treetop view. Or take one of the trails on Temagami Island or High Rock Island. Your houseboat outfitter can point out the best spots for accessing the trails and beaches from the water.

All In

Throw out that long wilderness survival packing list. Your houseboat comes equipped with all the essentials and some added bonuses: two double beds and a single bed, bathroom with shower and toilet, fully outfitted kitchen (including fridge, stove, pans, and dishes), and outdoor decks perfect for pulling out a couple of chairs and enjoying the view.

You’re the Captain

Don’t worry – your houseboat comes with instructions. Your guides will give you a thorough lesson on how to operate your temporary home/vehicle as well as a navigation map. You also have a marine-band radio for getting in touch with the mainland in case of emergency.

Photo: Three Buoys Houseboats

Piloting your own houseboat is an easy feat, even for novices, as long as you follow the cardinal rule: go directly into the wind or have the wind coming directly in the back door. As captain, you can decide which bay suits your fancy and find a quiet place away from the crowds. If you’re with a group, you can rent several boats and meet up at a campsite later in the day to socialize on dry land. Simply tie your boat securely to a tree and disembark.

So, when you head out for your next BIG Northeastern Ontario adventure, take your home with you.