Heading Out on a Le Boat Trip? Here’s What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

This Le Boat packing list is a little like packing for a cottage—if your cottage could float and had a steering wheel. I’ve been lucky enough to do three Le Boat vacations now, and every time I go, I fall a little more in love with this slow, scenic way to explore Ontario’s Rideau Canal. By now, I’ve got a solid handle on what’s actually useful on board and what just ends up taking up space.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to fine-tune your packing list, I’ve got you covered with this guide full of practical tips, must-haves, and a few things you can definitely leave at home (yes, you can bring your hair dryer—I’ve done it). Let’s make sure you have everything you need for a stress-free, cottage-style vacation on the water.

What You Should Know Before You Start Packing

A Le Boat vacation is the kind of trip where you’re the captain, the chef, and the entertainment director. There’s no crew, no turndown service, and definitely no one coming to make your morning coffee—unless one of your friends is feeling generous. That’s part of the charm, though. It’s a floating cottage, and just like any cottage getaway, a little prep goes a long way.

The boats are surprisingly spacious, but storage is smart and compact—so the more thoughtful you are about what to bring, the better your trip will feel. No one wants to be tripping over clutter in the galley. You don’t need to go full minimalist, but this Le Boat packing list can help you bring what matters

The Ultimate Le Boat Packing List

Boat Basics

These are the practical, don’t-forget items that’ll make boat life a lot smoother:

• Soft-sided luggage – It’s easier to tuck into the storage cubbies.
• Non-slip shoes or water sandals – Decks can be slippery when wet.
• Reusable water bottle – for when you go ashore.
• Dry bags – For electronics or clothes if you’re headed ashore in less-than-perfect weather.
• Headlamp or flashlight – Helpful at night if you’re walking on shore or need to check lines.

Kitchen + Food

Le Boat gives you the basics—french press for coffee, kettle, fridge, stovetop, cutlery, dishes, pots and pans—but it’s BYOE: bring your own everything when it comes to food and extras.

• Your own coffee setup – Bring pods, grounds, filters…whatever your caffeine ritual is.
• Spices and condiments – Cooking oil, spices, butter, ketchup, etc. It’s best to pre-plan your menu ahead of time and think of what you need from start to finish.
• Easy meals & snacks – Think charcuterie boards, sandwich fixings, and one-pot dinners.
• Cooler bag – Great for provisioning stops or if your fridge gets full.
• Dish towels & cloths – They’ll provide one or two, but extras help.
• Dish soap – grab a small bottle at the dollar store
• Drinking Water – water in the tanks is for showering and dishes
• Large cooler – there is room on the back of the boat for coolers if you want to save space in the fridge and keep your beverages on ice in the cooler.
• High-powered appliances – you can bring a blender if you want to lug it onboard, or even your fancy coffee maker, but it’s my experience that the lighter you pack the better.

Comfort & Cabin

These aren’t essential, but they make your floating cottage feel more like home.

• Your favourite pillow or cozy blanket – Especially if you’re picky.
• Sleep mask & earplugs – If you’re a light sleeper, boat noises or early sun can be disruptive.

Toiletries & Self-Care

You’ll want the usual stuff, but with a cottage-on-water twist:

• Bug spray – Trust me.
• Reef-safe sunscreen – You’re out in the sun all day and on the water, so you’ll want to make sure you don’t burn. And although there are no “reefs” in freshwater, there is a still a lot of life to protect so eco-friendly please.
• Shampoo/conditioner – Bring your own, ideally biodegradable.
• Beach Towel – For swimming, shore excursions, or for lying on deck. (There are towels, facecloths and handtowels onboard)
• Hand soap – for the washrooms. I picked up pump dispensers at the Dollar Store.
• Toilet paper
• Hair Dryer – we’re not savages here, go ahead ladies, bring that hair dryer and curling iron

Easy-to-Forget (But You’ll Be Glad You Brought) Items

These are the underrated MVPs of any Le Boat vacation:

• Phone Chargers – you’ll be taking a lot of videos and pictures.
• Card games or a small board game – Nighttime fun with wine and a view.
• Small Bluetooth speaker – Set the vibe, but keep it respectful.
• Foldable tote or bin – Makes it easier to carry groceries from shore to boat.
• Floating keychain – If you’re carrying boat or car keys, better safe than sorry.
• Sunglasses – the glare off the water can be strong.

What You Can Leave at Home

• Hard-shell luggage – It’s a nightmare to store.
• Fancy clothes – You’re a laid back nautical queen now, leave the dress clothes for landlubbers.
• Portable fan – you can safely leave this AT HOME. Le Boat provides personal fans in each cabin and a large fan in the galley.
• Overpacking – You’ll likely spend most of the time in a swimsuit, shorts, or a comfy sundress. Don’t overthink it.

Final Tips

• Do your grocery shop before you arrive, or make sure you know where to provision along your route (Smiths Falls and Peterborough both have abundant stores to choose from for your last minute needs)
• Alcohol is welcome—this is BYOB, but note that drinking is strictly prohibited while the boat is in motion….for everyone.
• The weather can shift fast, so bring a light rain jacket and a sweater, even in the summer.

Finally, save this Le Boat packing list for your trip now—you’ll be glad you did.