Lying on the border of British Columbia and the state of Montana resides the scenic Lake Koocanusa. Here you’ll find calm blue waters surrounded by over 200 miles of accessible shoreline, offering plenty of secluded bays to ensure a more private houseboat experience. Pine lined beaches back dropped by rolling hills and jutting mountain tops provide an unforgettable setting for a houseboat vacation you’ll never forget.
Begin your adventure on the northern waters of the lake in Gold Bay British Columbia at the Sunshine Houseboat Vacation Marina. Board your houseboat of choice with your sport boat in tow and head out onto Koocanusa's vast region. After adjusting to the breathtaking view, start your search for the perfect beach. But don’t feel pressured to wait until you tie off to shore to test the warm waters…turn of your engine in a deep stretch and jump right in!
Now that you’ve found your ideal cove, start up your sport boat and grab your wakeboard to start experiencing the lake at a more exciting speed. Once everyone has taken their turn showing off their skills (or the lack thereof), head back to shore before darkness falls. Grab some cold drinks and head up to the top deck of your houseboat to enjoy the first of many beautiful sunsets.
After a good night’s sleep, lace up your tennis shoes for a morning hike. For a more developed trail, head over to Souse Gulch with a packed picnic. If you prefer your trails a little less traveled, drive your sport boat over to Yarnell Island for some solitude. But don’t expect complete isolation on your excursions, Lake Koocanusa’s wooded shores are known to house all kinds of wildlife including deer, elk, moose, badgers, and more. Even while on water, you’ll be greeted with company in the sky. Over 191 species of birds have been spotted and recorded.
Once you’ve hiked all day to your heart’s content (or to your body’s limit), head back to your houseboat for some grub. If you’re feeling like fish for dinner, unpack your pole and cast off the deck to catch your main course for the evening. Rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, brook trout, kokanee salmon (blueback), burbot (ling), and whitefish are all known to swim these waters. If you'd rather fish to compete than eat, be sure to visit the weekend after Mothers Day in May when the lake runs their annual Trout and Salmon Derby.
For your last morning, take off towards the marina at an early hour to allow yourself a leisurely return. After grabbing a bite to eat at the marina’s restaurant, end your vacation with a historical high note by stopping by the nearby town of Fort Steele Heritage. This 12 acre working pioneer settlement is strung with historic buildings dating back to the 1890’s. Here you can view pioneer actors exhibit blacksmith demonstrations, enjoy wagon tours, ride horses, see street theatre, and more.
Following an afternoon full of reenactments and memories, head back home to begin planning your very own.
Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or contact us online to plan your trip today!
Lying on the border of British Columbia and the state of Montana resides the scenic Lake Koocanusa. Here you’ll find calm blue waters surrounded by over 200 miles of accessible shoreline, offering plenty of secluded bays to ensure a more private houseboat experience. Pine lined beaches back dropped by rolling hills and jutting mountain tops provide an unforgettable setting for a houseboat vacation you’ll never forget.
Begin your adventure on the northern waters of the lake in Gold Bay British Columbia at the Sunshine Houseboat Vacation Marina. Board your houseboat of choice with your sport boat in tow and head out onto Koocanusa's vast region. After adjusting to the breathtaking view, start your search for the perfect beach. But don’t feel pressured to wait until you tie off to shore to test the warm waters…turn of your engine in a deep stretch and jump right in!
Now that you’ve found your ideal cove, start up your sport boat and grab your wakeboard to start experiencing the lake at a more exciting speed. Once everyone has taken their turn showing off their skills (or the lack thereof), head back to shore before darkness falls. Grab some cold drinks and head up to the top deck of your houseboat to enjoy the first of many beautiful sunsets.
After a good night’s sleep, lace up your tennis shoes for a morning hike. For a more developed trail, head over to Souse Gulch with a packed picnic. If you prefer your trails a little less traveled, drive your sport boat over to Yarnell Island for some solitude. But don’t expect complete isolation on your excursions, Lake Koocanusa’s wooded shores are known to house all kinds of wildlife including deer, elk, moose, badgers, and more. Even while on water, you’ll be greeted with company in the sky. Over 191 species of birds have been spotted and recorded.
Once you’ve hiked all day to your heart’s content (or to your body’s limit), head back to your houseboat for some grub. If you’re feeling like fish for dinner, unpack your pole and cast off the deck to catch your main course for the evening. Rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, brook trout, kokanee salmon (blueback), burbot (ling), and whitefish are all known to swim these waters. If you'd rather fish to compete than eat, be sure to visit the weekend after Mothers Day in May when the lake runs their annual Trout and Salmon Derby.
For your last morning, take off towards the marina at an early hour to allow yourself a leisurely return. After grabbing a bite to eat at the marina’s restaurant, end your vacation with a historical high note by stopping by the nearby town of Fort Steele Heritage. This 12 acre working pioneer settlement is strung with historic buildings dating back to the 1890’s. Here you can view pioneer actors exhibit blacksmith demonstrations, enjoy wagon tours, ride horses, see street theatre, and more.
Following an afternoon full of reenactments and memories, head back home to begin planning your very own.
Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or contact us online to plan your trip today!