WHY SHOULD WE BOAT WITH HAPPY DAYS HOUSEBOATS?
We think our name says it all but just in case…we put the “happy” in Happy Days Houseboats. House boating, as a tourism experience, has many great destinations and excellent operators to visit throughout North America and Europe. Happy Days Houseboats is located on the Trent Severn Waterway…a national treasure! As a federal park and maintained by Parks Canada, the Trent Severn Waterway links Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. It is some of the best recreational boating in North America. Happy Days Houseboats is located mid-way on the system and is a convenient 1 ½ hour drive from Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Our boats are well maintained and well powered for optimal cruising conditions. With a maximum capacity of up to 12 on board (depending on the model you choose), you can travel with a few friends or family. The staff of Happy Days Houseboats are boaters themselves and take great pleasure in sharing their experiences and expertise with you. We value your leisure time and we provide extended service hours for your convenience. So why should you choose a Happy Days Houseboat vacation? Great boats, excellent people and a perfect starting point to an awesome holiday.

DO I NEED A BOATING LICENSE?
No. The Pleasure Craft Operator’s card is not required at this time to operate a rental houseboat. At Happy Days Houseboats, we issue a temporary license that is in accordance with Coast Guard requirements that is based on a dock-side check out and hands-on, on board training. This license is good for the duration of your rental agreement with us. We are able to issue the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card if you wish to “Challenge the Exam”. Please let us know prior to your arrival.

HOW SOON SHOULD WE BOOK?
Spring or fall is the perfect time to take advantage of lower rates but if summer is your time to vacation, it is recommended that you book as soon as you are able to commit to your vacation times. It may save some disappointment later. In the event that we do not have your availability, there are many great holiday options along the waterway.

CAN I DO MY HAIR ON BOARD AND WHAT OTHER ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ARE ON BOARD?
The Luxury, Executive, 12 person Deluxe and 10 Person boats are equipped with an inverter system. These boat models have microwaves and cd players/ipod docks, and you always have access to electrical power. All boats have an electrical outlet on board that works when you are hooked up to an electrical source…either at a private marina or plugged in to a generator. Plug-in inverters are not allowed on board as the battery system is not set up to accommodate this additional demand. There are stove top coffee perks on all houseboats for the coffee dependent. Do not bring a coffee maker, please. Cooking is done on an outside bbq or inside using the 3 stove top elements. If you must do your hair…try air drying (less damaging) and bring a butane curling iron for the finishing touches. If all else fails remember…you don’t have to be royalty or at the Kentucky Derby to enjoy a fashionable hat! There are no toasters on board as the wattage of a toaster exceeds the electrical capacity of most moderate generators. Solution - try doing your toast on the bbq or make breakfast burritos…the tortillas pack flat and do not squish as easily as bread. There is no onboard air conditioning as the many windows in the main cabin offer a nice breeze and picturesque view. On the extreme heat days…stay cool in the water. There are excellent swimming conditions everywhere.

DO YOU ALLOW PETS?
We do not allow pets. However, with approval from administration, some dogs have been permitted aboard. With approval, your dog on board will cost $25/day to a maximum of $100/week.

HOW DO I KEEP MY KIDS (Myself) ENTERTAINED?
The leisure, cultural and historical opportunities that exist on the Trent Severn Waterway are endless. Spend some time as you traverse the locks reflecting on water travel, industry, building and the engineering that took place over 100 years ago (before microwaves, TVs, VCRs, Nintendo, cars…you get the picture). Explore the great cultural legacy of Native Canadians. The Whetung Ojibwa Centre on Buckhorn Lake provides the opportunity to experience the beauty of our history and gain insight to the present with traditional and contemporary artistic expressions gathered from tribes across the continent. Before you arrive, use the internet with your kids (family and friends) and engage them in selecting some activities. Water Sports and water toys give you hours of fun. Located conveniently near the locks in Bobcaygeon, Buckeye Source for Sports in Bobcaygeon has additional water equipment (trampolines, tubes, jet skis, etc.) for rent. 1-705-738-9283. Try the ultimate in cool (or hot!). Learn to wakeboard from professionals!! Team Fun Sport (teamfun@rogers.com) will come to your houseboat location (within a certain travel radius) with a brand new Mastercraft Wakeboard boat and all the equipment you’ll need. With their excellent professional instruction you’ll find that wakeboarding is fun to do and fun to watch! The list of things to do is almost infinite (swimming, fishing, bird watching, star gazing, outdoor music festivals, art festivals, art galleries, retail therapy, medical tourism, spa visits, golf trips, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking) so use this brief snapshot to explore your options. With a little research you’ll see that almost anything is possible!

WHAT IS ON BOARD THE BOAT?
The galley is equipped with the following items: Place settings for the maximum number of occupants including: dinner plates, small plates, soup bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery (steak knife, butter knife, forks, tea spoon and table spoons. Large and small pot, 2 cast iron frying pans, egg flipper, ladle, tongs, potato masher, carrot/potato peeler, can opener, scissors, big and small sharp knives, cutting board, milk jug, juice jug, cheese grater, measuring cup(s), coffee perk, 2 big serving bowls, tea kettle, tea pot, ash trays, ice cube trays. Biodegradable dish soap. Plastic deck chairs, large cooler for beverages and adult life jackets for passengers over 90lbs.

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?
Oven mitts for cooking on the bbq, tea towels, dish cloths, cleaning supplies, toilet paper (1 ply or marine grade), paper towels, bedding (sheets or sleeping bags), pillows, blankets, personal hygiene items, binoculars and a bird watching guide, telescope (binoculars are good for this too) and a star gazing reference/book or chart, board games, cards, musical instruments if you are so inclined, food and beverages…and anything else you need to make you feel comfortable and at home.

HOW DO WE HAVE A “GREEN HOLIDAY”?
Since we are just borrowing the earth from future generations, try to make your holiday as eco friendly as possible by: reducing the amount of pre-packaged foods (less garbage), recycle at every opportunity, dispose of refuse in appropriate locations (lock stations, marinas, Happy Days), and use biodegradable soaps where possible…check the ingredients and the symbols.