TORONTO — Le Boat’s bookings in the Canadian market are up – “incredible growth” says Lisa McLean, Le Boat’s Canadian Marketing Manager – as more Canadians look for travel options close to home.

Domestic travellers are fuelling much of the upswing. “Last year we saw a 26% increase in bookings from Canadians. The staycation trend has really taken hold, and Le Boat fits perfectly into that space,” McLean told Travelweek in an interview at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show.

For Canadian travel advisors seeking something truly unique to offer their well-travelled clients, Le Boat delivers an unforgettable experience: private, self-drive canal cruising through some of the world’s most scenic waterways – no boat licence required.

Le Boat has been operating in Canada for eight seasons, expanding from an initial 16 boats on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal to a fleet of 34 vessels. Today, the company offers cruises from two Ontario bases – Smiths Falls and Peterborough – providing access to both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway.

The appeal of a Le Boat vacation lies in its blend of freedom, comfort and soft adventure. Travellers pilot their own fully equipped luxury cruiser – after a thorough training session – with itineraries tailored to their interests. Each boat includes a full kitchen, linens, towels and top-deck lounging space. Bikes and paddleboards are also available to rent, making it easy to explore towns and trails along the way.

“Think of it as a floating cottage,” says McLean. “You eat, sleep and cruise at your own pace. It’s similar to an RV holiday – but on the water.”

Le Boat offers a range of boats with two to five cabins, accommodating couples, families, or larger multi-generational groups of up to 12 people. And yes, even the 49-foot, five-cabin boat can be operated without a licence.

“A lot of people are surprised by that,” McLean adds. “But our boats are designed for beginners. They’re capped at about 10 kilometres an hour, and our Horizon series includes bow and stern thrusters to make docking and navigating locks easy. If I can drive one, anyone can.”

Plenty of space for sleeping onboard Le Boat’s vessels

From a pricing standpoint, Le Boat’s rentals are based on a per-boat model, not per person. A four-night cruise starts at around $1,700, while a seven-night itinerary typically runs just under $3,000 based on five people sharing. Optional bundles that include fuel, insurance and extras like bikes are available to simplify the booking process.

For travel advisors, Le Boat presents a commissionable opportunity that’s both flexible and in demand. “At least 30% of our bookings come through travel agents,” says McLean. “But we know we’re underserviced in the trade. We really want agents to see the potential here.”

Le Boat offers a base commission of 10%, with the option for overrides and higher earnings for high-performing agents. Fams are also available for those looking to experience the product first-hand. “If agents try it themselves, they’ll feel confident recommending it to clients,” she adds.

The ideal Le Boat client is typically affluent and well-travelled – often in the 55+ age range – but the market is expanding. “We’re seeing more multi-generational groups and families booking. I always say, I’m just over 55, and I’d take my adult son and his kids, and maybe the grandparents too,” McLean says.

Lisa McLean, Le Boat’s Canadian Marketing Manager, at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show

Internationally, Le Boat is a well-established brand, now in its 55th season in Europe, where it operates over 1,000 boats and serves approximately 18,000 travellers annually. European itineraries are available in destinations like France, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium. Popular cruising regions include the Canal du Midi, Burgundy, the Thames, the River Lot, and even through Amsterdam and Venice.

McLean encourages agents to position Le Boat alongside other charter products. “If you’re already booking clients on yacht charters in the Caribbean – like The Moorings in the BVI – this is a very similar concept, just on inland waterways,” she explains. “It’s perfect for clients who’ve ‘been there, done that’ with Paris or Rome and are looking for a new way to explore Europe.”

All European rentals include mooring and lock passes, and the boats are well supported with navigation tools, itinerary suggestions, and 24/7 assistance. “In France, for example, the canals are man-made and away from private homes, so you can just moor along the bank and enjoy the countryside. It’s a level of freedom you don’t often get with other types of travel.”

McLean says agents should look for clients who value independent travel, love nature and are open to something a little different. “It’s for the adventurous, but not in an extreme way. Our customers are active and curious. They want to explore – just at their own pace, from the water.”

For more information on agent rates, commissions or to request a fam, travel advisors can contact Le Boat directly. “We want to work with more Canadian agents,” says McLean. “This product is unique, it’s growing, and it sells.”