A base of 32 boats
For its first houseboat rental base in North America, The Boat is thinking big. In 2018, the company will set up shop on the Rideau Canal in the Canadian state of Ontario with a fleet of 16 boats. The number of barges is expected to increase rapidly with a goal of 32 boats within 5 years.
The Boat has planned to invest CA$16 million (?11.5 million) in its new base, through infrastructure and specific boats.
A showcase for the Horizon range
The American taste for premium boats makes the overseas base the ideal showcase for the Horizon range. The latest addition to Le Boat offers the large cabins and comfort expected by cruisers. The boats will be specially adapted to the waterway, with a 10 km/h speed limit.
A classified site
The Rideau Canal in Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opened in 1832, it is the oldest operating canal in North America and should attract river cruise enthusiasts.
An international clientele
North Americans are extremely fond of canal cruising. Canadians and Americans already represent an important part of Le Boat's clientele in Europe. According to a study conducted by the river rental company, 91% of customers surveyed would be willing to travel to Ontario to cruise the Rideau Canal. Among European customers, 88% of respondents would be willing to make the trip. This bodes well for the future of The Boat in Canada.
