Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Houseboat rental trent severn waterway

Hi,
While we haven't rented a houseboat ourselves we live full-time on the north end of Pigeon Lake so we see lots of houseboats all summer long. Most of the rental companies are located a bit further south on Pigeon Lake. Friends of ours who have rented a houseboat thought it was fantastic, and it does look like fun! From what we can see, and from our experiences in the locks with the houseboaters most of them are not seasoned boaters. Knowing this, most of the other boaters give them lots of help and a wide berth. We love the Trent, from Pigeon you can go south through Gannons Narrows, into Buckhorn, Lower Buckhorn, Lovesick, Clear and Stoney Lakes and on to Young's Point. It is a very scenic trip. I think Lakefield (return) is about as far as you can get with a one week rental. In the other direction you can go through Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon, into Sturgeon, then Fenelon Falls, Cameron Lake, Balsam Lake and the lift locks at Kirkfield. From Balsam Lake on, the trip is through a canal and not that scenic. I think most people choose the first route. If you don't want to trvel through the locks you can boat Pigeon, Chemong and Buckhorn Lakes without locking through. Overnight you can anchor in a sheltered spot or tie up at the locks in Bobcaygeon or Buckhorn (both small towns with shopping, more in Bobgaygeon). Perhaps you might consider a trip in September once the summer holidays are over. September is our favourite month on the lake. If you need more info I'll happily tell you what I can.
Cheers,
Lin