FAQ
What is “All Inclusive”?
Your houseboat charter includes propane, insurance, taxes and fuel. Food, Refreshments, Linens etc are additional costs.
Traditionally there are approx $1,000 to $1,800 in additional fees (taxes, fuel, etc.) however, our prices are All Inclusive. The price you see is the price you pay.
What is the Houseboat Cancellation Policy?
Should you and your group need to cancel, please read the following cancellation policy:
All cancellations MUST be in writing. If you cancel withing 7 days of booking you receive a full refund (no cancellation fee) unless it is less than 90 days before your charter, in that case the following applies:
- 90 Days prior to Charter: Full Refund less $100 Cancellation Fee.
- 89-60 Days prior to Charter: $500 charge will be retained.
- 59-0 Days prior to Charter: Full Reservation fees and/or all sums paid will be retained; however, If you are unable to travel due to Covid or a family emergency we will work with you to find a solution that works. We pride ourselves on treating people and their situations with the utmost respect and fairness. Solutions may include a deferral, refund, and/or transferable credit(s).
Are there additional costs at the end of my vacation?
There may be extra cleaning costs if the boat is left in poor confition. Also additional costs associated with any damage to the houseboat, inventory or prop.
What payment options do I have?
We accept Visa and MasterCard for online reservations.
I have several friends joining me. Can they pay you instead of me collecting all the money?
We require one lump sum payment. In certain circumstances we can accept multiple payments from different parties ; however, this will involve an extra administrative fee.
I have friends joining me later, do I have to return to dock to pick them up?
You can return to the dock to pick up your guests, please notify us ahead of time so we can make adequate space for you. This will need to happen early enough so you are not traveling in the dark.
Alternatively, we offer a Water Taxi service. This must be arranged at least hours in advance. We charge $40/half hour starting from the time our employee leaves the marina to the time they return back. Again, this must happen before it is dark.
What do I need to bring?
Below are some links to our Blog Posts on how to pack and plan for your houseboat vacation.
Do I need to bring firewood?
No, you may use any driftwood found along the beaches of Lake Koocanusa. We suggest an axe, matches and paper for starting your fire.
Please always monitor for Fire Bans, in the event of a ban we suggest bringing propane fire pits (if permitted).
Do I need my Pleasure Craft license?
At this time it is not a requirement in BC, however, we do not discourage anyone from obtaining one. Presently BC requires that you must have Proof of Competency. When you arrive at our marina, our trained staff will have an orientation session with you that will allow you to operate the houseboat and other watercrafts with ease.
If you are a novice and require extra training from our staff, we do charge for a more in depth orientation course ($70).
Is there an age limit to operating a boat?
We require that the person(s) operating the houseboats or water crafts must be at the age of majority. In BC this is 19 years of age.
Can I bring my pet?
Our houseboats are Pet Friendly! Maximum 2 pets per houseboat, $100 per pet.
$25 per pet for small boat rentals. We do not allow pets on the Catalina Funship or the Nautique Surf Boat.
Fishing on Lake Koocanusa, Bait, Licenses etc...
Fishing on Lake Koocanusa is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. We do offer a limited supply of tackle in our Driftwood store while supplies last.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online here.
What is there to do on the lake?
The acitivies are endless and include swimming, fishing, hiking, picnics, bon fires, biking, cliff diving and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Koocanusa and our local wildlife. We also have water craft rentals so you may enjoy a day of fun on a sea doo, water skiing, wake-boarding or tubing.
If I’m boarding my houseboat between 3–5pm, do I have to stay on the dock until morning?
No, you may set sail immediately after you have attended our brief orientation as long as you have enough time to moor your houseboat before sunset.
Is there cell service on the lake?
Yes, we have Canadian towers that will give you service. Please note that travelling too far south of our marina means you may pick up on the USA towers which would result in a chargeable fee for International calls. We suggest that you turn off your roaming option on your cell phone to avoid these charges.
Can I cross the Canada/USA border?
No, it is not legal to cross the border. You will be instructed on all of the details upon orientation.
Is there camping on Lake Koocanusa?
Adjacent to our property is Gold Creek Bay Campground, Our rate is $14 per night, per vehicle, unless you have an RV and are towing a commuter vehicle. There is sani-dump and pottable water availability for an added fee, please inquired with us.
We also have annual sites (Upland Campsite), we are currently full. If you are interested in being added to our waitlist please email charter@sunshinehouseboats.com and include your phone number and size of your unit.
There are a variety of other sites on the lake: Englishman, Sandy Shores, Koocanusa Campsite and Marina, Kikomun Creek to name a few.
Is ther Wifi on the houseboats?
There is not Wifi on the houseboats.
Do the houseboats have Air Conditioning?
Our houseboats do not have Air Conditioning. On extreem heat days we suggest jumping in the lake regularly to cool off and drinking lots of water is key. The gentle breeze off the water at night allows for comfortable sleeping.