Your Houseboat Vacation

What to bring?

The kitchens on our houseboats are stocked with plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses and cookware, a coffee pot and we supply the filters. We’ll provide the biodegradable shampoo & soap that are safe to use on the lake and toilet paper, but you’ll need to bring everything else, your food & beverages, towels and bedding, extra deck chairs for the beach. For a full list of items that you should consider bringing, please see below.

It’s best to be prepared before starting your trip. When you arrive at the marina you may have realized you forgot something important. We may have a small concession that could offer basic items, but if you forgot your specialty coffee or favorite toothpaste you may be out of luck. Make a list of everything you for sure want to bring with you before you start packing. Plan out your meals and your snacks and try to keep it easy and simple. This will help ensure your houseboat vacation is a memorable one, instead of one spent worrying about why you forgot to bring beer.

Speaking of beer… having a drink on the boat or the beaches can really help one relax. It is important not to bring glass bottles, only bring cans or plastic bottles for the beach and please help keep the beaches pristine by having a conscientious system for empty cans and other litter and debris. Drinking & driving is illegal and drinking while driving a houseboat is also no exception. Captains need to be alert and on the watch for other houseboats and swifter moving boats, jet skis, paddle boarders, swimmers or other obstacles that may be on the lake. As a boat driver staying sober and on the lookout will help protect the safety of your fellow boaters and others on the lake.

• Pillows, Bedding or Sleeping Bags Our mattresses are vinyl covered to help us ensure they’re kept clean and easy to maintain. You should bring along bedding, pillows, sleeping bags or other bedding options to keep yourself comfortable.
• Cooking Supplies All of your cookware, pots & pans, spatulas, spoons, baking sheets, etc. will be onboard when you arrive. You will need to bring along your cooking spray or oil, salt & pepper and other spices, coffee & tea, juice and milk and other ingredients for all of your meals and snacks. You should also bring along paper towels, tin foil, and any Tupperware or other container for your left over meals. If you think you will need a blender, please bring one along.
• Towels You’re on the lake, you’re going to be swimming! You’ll need to bring along enough towels to ensure you have a dry one especially since you may be in the water multiple times each day.
• Wash Cloths & Dish Towels Bring along wash clothes to help keep clean.
• Sunscreen Chances are good you’re going to have a tan at the end of your trip! Make sure you have enough sunscreen to avoid any burns.
• First Aid Kits Bring along a family first aid kit in case of any scrapes or cuts, bug bites, or other minor injuries. Don’t forget the bug spray just in case!
• Head Lamps & Flash Lights Always a handy companion for the beach at night or to find your way to the bathroom.
• Deck Chairs Having some camp chairs for the upper deck or the beach are going to help ensure you're as comfortable as can be!
• Coolers Extra storage for your food & beverages that won’t fit in the onboard fridge, or to keep handy when you’re up on deck or on the beach. Coolers filled with ice are a must!
• Games & Activities From Frisbees to ball and gloves, hacky sacks to beach balls, you’re going to have the time to play some beach & water games. Bring along Settlers of Catan or other favourite board games for evenings or in case of rainy days.
• Power & Extention Cords Handy to have, especially for CPAP & personal oxygen machines.
• Music & Music Devices Good music equals good vibes. Bring msuic playing devices and AUX cables for personal music.
• Children's Life Jackets
• Hiking Boots / Shoes There are many amazing hikes around Shuswap Lake. Ensure you bring proper footwear, sandals may not work.
• Fishing Gear Plenty of fish to be caught around the lake. Make sure to purchase a fishing license online before you sail. You can purchase BC fishing licenses online from j100.gov.bc.ca/pub/ras/signin.aspx
• Firewood Nothing beats a fire on the beach. Purchase firewood at Sicamous Houseboats or bring your own. Please check local fire bans and fire restrictions at BC Fire Bans and Restrictions
• Food & Food Prep Most of the marine beaches on Shuswap Lake are undeveloped, meaning restaurants and grocery stores are not accessible by boat along the shoreline, so it is best to be prepared when you arrive at the marina. There is a Sea Store and Restaurant at Cinnemousun Narrows that is accessible by boat if you forgot something!
  • Make a List The best way to prepare for this type of vacation is to make a list of everything that you might need while you’re out on the water, then compare it with our list of what’s already on board your houseboat. Make sure to account for all ingredients you will need for cooking (including spices and condiments, down to salt and pepper.)
  • Meal Plans Get together with someone from your group and try to plan meals that are tasty, filling, and require little cooking while on the houseboat. After all, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen on vacation? Also, prepare as much food as possible in advance to keep the cooking time and cooler packing to a minimum. For example, crack eggs ahead of time, scramble them up with salt and pepper in gallon size bags and freeze them. This eliminates space for bulky cartons, and the worry of breaking eggs while transporting them in a cooler. Pre-freezing them also helps cut down on the amount of ice you need for the cooler. Throw your frozen eggs on top of a few items and voila, built in ice blocks.
  • Simplicity is key Some other quick meal ideas include: tin foil dinners, hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken or steak, chili and baked potatoes, etc. The possibilities are endless! Who’s hungry?
  • Cooking Supplies All of your cookware, pots & pans, spatulas, spoons, baking sheets, etc. will be onboard when you arrive. Please bring any specialized cooking supplies with you if needed. Also, please bring any paper towel, tin foil, parchment paper and containers for any leftover food you may need
  • Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice You will need to bring your own spices, oils, sauces, drinks, snacks and any other ingredients or food you may need.