To houseboat or not to houseboat? That shouldn't even be a question! Of course, to houseboat. But where? Why, in the Shuswaps. Isn't that obvious? It's the houseboating capital of Canada... or at least it should be. Now, with who? Well, your friends for one. But a reliable company is what you're after. I've been houseboating with Twin Anchors for the last five years. I'm pretty sure the first recommendation came from a friend of a friend when we booked our very first boat. There were a crew of 11 of us headed out for a week on a 15 person boat (Cruise Craft II). One night, we were beached at one of the quieter beaches and halfway through the night the wind was strong enough to blow our boat sideways, perpendicular to the shore just about. By the time our captains got to it, we were just about on top of a sand bar. Trying to get out of that, I think we may have bent the propeller. I'm not sure on the details exactly. At any rate, a quick radio into Twin Anchors had a mechanic out to help us as soon as he could get there. It turned out a week was a bit long to be houseboating (especially when you don't stop to empty the septic tank half way through). The following years we've bumped the trips down to a four-day cruise. Still on Cruise Craft IIs for the last few years. And then an upgrade to the Cruise Craft III this year. I tell ya, that upgrade is worthwhile. Way more sleeping room (it sleeps 22 not 15), a third deck as the sun deck, satellite radio and TV (there was no missing the Riders game for our Saskatchewan guests) and a lounge area plus kitchen and galley. There was plenty of room. The Twin Anchors staff have a smooth operation going. They know how to get those boats up and loaded as soon as they can, they're super friendly and helpful, and they know their stuff. This year I was a co-captain (I know, scary!). The guy running us through the orientation didn't miss a thing from what I could remember out on the boat. Anything we ran into, he had already covered. Good thing though I've got an alright memory, because there is a bit to keep under your lid! Thanks for a terrific trip Twin Anchors. Ahoy-hoy until next summer! read more

Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations - Boat Charters Near Me - Sicamous, British Columbia

We had a lot of fun renting from them. They are very organized and easy to deal with. There is room for improvement on their training as I expected it to be more thorough. read more

HOUSEBOATING IN SHUSHWAP If you enjoy relaxing and drinking on a boat with friends, jetskiing and wakeboarding for cheap, and partying on a beach with pumpin' music, bonfires, fun-loving, beer-in-hand people on an island full of twenty-somethings, put houseboating at Shushwap Lake in BC on your must-do list! It offers an experience designed for young party people living in BC/Alberta. Themed in neon attire, twelve of my closest friends and I partied on our boat and on Nelson beach for 3 days straight. It was one of the most amazing weekends of my life :) OUR HOUSEBOAT RENTAL We rented the Cruise Craft II for August Long, and buoy, was that fun! Like most houseboat rentals, it was well-furnished with kitchen essentials, two mini-fridges, a stove/microwave, a TV, and most importantly, a stereo system inside and on the deck with an easy hookup to mp3 players. :) Renting a boat with friends is so awesome, but overall, I can't say I'd go with Twin Anchors for next time. Even though the quality of the appliances were meh (ie. fridge stopped working for a bit; stove hardly worked = water boil/baking fail) and they falsely marketed the "Penthouse" beds on the website, which is actually a super hot, attic crawl space ... these things were no biggy. What was poorly delivered this weekend was the operations management. 2.5 out of 5 because the experience is a fabulous one and other than the radio guy who made a rude remark when I asked a question, the staff was helpful and kind. ____________________________________________________ OPERATIONS: NEEDS 'BIG-TIME' IMPROVEMENT. Here's why and some suggestions how: CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT #1: Wait Time Boarding. We arrived at 1PM for our 2PM boat time and we didn't get a boat until 5:30PM = 3.5 HR WAIT. While waiting at the restaurant on site, they told us this happens ALL THE TIME. Not cool, especially when you arrive early from a 5-hr drive, which is usually the case for most houseboaters coming from Van and Calgary. CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT #2: Wait Time Docking. We arrived at 9:30AM to return our boat for a 10AM dock time, and we didn't dock until noon = 2HR WAIT. We called to receive instruction from the radio person who told us to have all our stuff cleared in the front/back of boat, garbage/recycling and our stuff packed and ready to de-board. With 30 mins to go, we quickly prepped everything. 3 boats were before us, and when asking the radio person for a time estimate, he abruptly replied, "After the 3 boats ahead of you dock." A rude response that just further contributes to the major fail in Twin Anchors operations management. WAIT TIME SUGGESTIONS A) Work on creating a more effective system--whether it means staggering the boat arrival/departure times, having a couple major dock times, or whatever! I don't know if these are feasible options, but you know how you can improve it best. Let's go, VP Ops! B) At the very least, communicate better with your customers. Communicate to the house boaters about the wait times, give them some info to keep them cool, and be respectful and courteous in doing so. For example, it's always better to just say, "Hey guys, just wanted to let you know there's going to be a bit of a wait since we're backed up. Apologies, but it'll be about 3 hours. We'll come get your Captain as soon as we have a boat for you. Thanks so much for understanding," rather than not giving any information and letting people stew for a painstaking wait. It takes less than a minute and it's such an easy way to make your customers feel at ease. --- CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT #3: Preparation. Better prepare your guests with some helpful tools to make your job easier and houseboaters more informed. After a one hour orientation and no hands on experience, houseboat captains are given a map and certified (unofficially) to run with the waves and sail. Totally doable, but it leaves sooo many unanswered q's and a lots of no-brainer q's that are asked over the radio that could (and should) easily be avoided. Not enough general information is provided. PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS A) Preparation tools: houseboating notes/tips, general information book or information board. In every houseboat, why not have instructional, general and helpful info available to houseboaters? Ie. a list of docking instructions, how to use the generator guide, list of things in the floating store, commonly asked questions sheet. Trust me, all stakeholders would benefit in this regard (less simple q's over the radio and more informed houseboaters, not just the Caps), AND it only takes writing this info up ONCE. B) Feedback. Lots of areas of improvement; let us help. Have a feedback/suggestion form or box in every houseboat. C) Steering. Help the first-time driving Captains out by marking where "straight" is on the steering wheel with a piece of tape. Minor boat bumps can be avoided and your fleet will be kept in better shape for longer read more

I've been houseboating five times and every time we have rented our boat from Twin Anchors. I've found them to be really good at dealing with things breaking and other issues. One year, our captain managed to steer the boat into the bridge while it was opening and knock off half of the awning - we had to pay for this damage but they were speedy in sending someone out to repair it, and even though we were all a little shook up they were really great with telling us not to worry and these things happen. Other than that minor glitch, we've always had a fabulous time on the boat. I've been captain a few times and the boat is pretty easy to steer, kind of fun to dock and the orientation is pretty good. Every time we go we just have a "group meeting" before departure, once we get on the boat, and go through the details with the rest of the group so we're all on the same page - works like a charm. The loading process is a bit tedious - I've always waited a few hours before being able to get on the boat. Just bring a frisbee, grab lunch at the restaurant and hang out, both Sicamous and Salmon Arm are pretty places and there are tons of other people waiting to dock their boats too - make friends while waiting! The early morning returning of the boat isn't always fun - we're usually a bit far away and have to get up early to head back to the docks. On our trips, everyone just gets up early and gets cleaning, spray down the deck etc. while we make our way back. Then you can just hang out in the line of boats while waiting to dock. We are usually docked by noon-ish and hit up a restaurant to fuel up for the long drive home. So with those minor points out of the way, house-boating is ridiculously fun, it's great for groups of 8-20 and even if it's a bit pricey for a weekend trip, it's well worth it, honestly it's just so much fun. Always a blast, Twin Anchors has always been good to deal with, never any major issues and yeah the boarding process could be a little more organized but once you're out on the water you won't even care that it took a few hours. read more

Staff we nice. Although our hot tub didn't work the last 3 days.. we only got to use it once, they even sent someone out to fix it. Still did not work. Thought maybe they would mention something about a discount for next time we book with them because that was my 3 time. But nope no kind of compensation to cover it. Forgot a bag on board when we left, no one turned it in. Over $300 worth of personal belongings to who ever thought the need to keep them!!!!! read more

Booking our trip for our Bachelorette party was easy & the ladies were exceptionally helpful, however once they had our money it seemed like they didn't give 2 shits!! We sailed away Thursday night made it to a little beach and spent the night.. the next morning our boat wouldn't start. 1. We left the "blower" on & it drained our battery. - our fault I get it, we were boosted & good to go.... for about an hour.. then... 2. Starter battery went- couldn't start our engine, needed to wait for new batteries. 3. Got new batteries.. generator kept shutting off 4. Generator killed all power in our boat. 14 girls, & a baby in the dark without any power. Radio didn't work. Called in twice & left messages-no one called back. LUCKLY- we parked next to a bachelor party- they came over & said they would take a look for us.. Our generator was out of oil. (They brought some with them- so they hooked us up) 5. Morning, still no call back to see if we were okay, if our boat was working or anything. - fired our engine up & made our way back towards the docs because we "HAD TO BE OFF THE BOAT BY8AM" Sunday morning. Half way to where we planned on staying for the night our boat quit again.. guess what it's still that Generator that they still haven't called to see about. We radio in again.. & they come out.. oh it's burnt through oil again. We are able to now finish cooking dinner & get to our nearby area to make sure we aren't late in the morning. Sunday Morning, arrive in the bay @7:30am go ensure we are off the boat by 8am to avoid the $100/hr late fees they drilled in our head. Radio in, "We aren't staffed until 8am, So just hang out in the bay". Once we unloaded & headed into the office to discuss the issues with the boat & how unhappy we were we were rushed & they would "take our fuel costs cause it would be a couple hundred dollars". I informed them, that our fuel wouldn't be much.. cause we didn't get to go anywhere with our issues.. he argued & told me id be wrong so I requested him fill the boat while I was there.. yup.. Our fuel bill was only $144. That's it.. & he admitted that I was right.. but they didn't offer us anything else.. besides our septic charges. We spent a 1,049/day on our boat, & wasted an ENTIRE day with issues that were beyond our control & they gave us a whopping $144. Off.. I will definitely be going with Waterways next time. & I really hope that they reach out to us & Offer a better solution to the issues and way we were treated!! read more

On the May long weekend one of Twin Anchors houseboats lost power and drifted into my boat which was tied up on one of the docks at the narrows. We did everything we could to untie my boat before it hit but I had to cut ropes and I lost my cane that I need to walk with as I have a brain tumour and am disabled because of it. We also didn't know what damages had been done to my boat at this point. We called Twin Anchors and told the lady on the phone what happened and her advice was that someone would call me on Monday which I new ment Tuesday as it is the long weekend. Todd the owner called me and was very rude to me and told me he did not care what happened it was not his problem and that he would not help me or the police which where there when it all happened. If this is the attitude from the owner what else does he not care about when you rent one of his faulty houseboats. This was the second time one of there boats would not start and drifted in to me on the lake. Apparently it is not his problem but the person who has rented the boat even when it won't start. read more

DECEPTIVE PRICING Be very careful when requesting a quote. They request the deposit of 500 dollars first THEN tell you about the large deposit required for your rental. Once you are hooked with your non refundable deposit you are left no options. Poor business ethics to say the least. read more

I would not expect you to say anything less or to admit it but he sure did get those bites from your beds. As you know bedbugs bite mostly in rows of three or more so i sent you pictures to view for yourself ! We also found the markings that bedbugs leave, on our bed sheets in 12 different spots which i also have pictures of and can post them as well if you like ? After showing the other families what to look for, others had them on their bedding as well and my brother in law had bites all over his back too. Anyways im not going to argue with you about this as im sure you know the truth anyways but your boat does have bedbugs and the pictures i posted should proove it to you. I think the least your company could have done was apologize if nothing else but apparently not, not even a phone call back ! Very poor customer service ! I also find it interesting how you will comment back on here where the whole world can see but couldn't even take 5 minutes out of your time to call us back. You sure didnt call us back and say you found nothing but you will sure post it on here ! read more

I have been organizing a houseboat trip every year for four years now and we will be back again next year. I organize and all inclusive trip for my 24 guests this year and they all pay me a lump sum and come on board for the weekend of a life time! Every year I have looked at all the houseboating competition and completed a full analysis with extra costs like sewage pump out, propane, and gas included in. I use this to figure out what I can afford in my budget and for what to charge. Twin Anchors has won every year! I have to laugh a little at all those who get upset about waiting times! Vacations no matter the type include waits; airports, boarder crossings, hotel check ins, etc. You are on the water and dealing with a train bridge that can open when ever it feels like it, or not (which happens). Its up to you to sit back and relax and enjoy the view. I had 24 people to keep happy during our waits and we all just giggled through it. Sicamous and the Shuswaps are georgeous and this trip is a must do for anyone. Every year my trip sells out in April and I have people who literally come from around the world every year to participate and Twin anchors makes that possible. This year we have US, Australia, Germany, and Mexico. Its up to you to choose who is on your boat to make the vacation amazing and the little bumps unnoticeable. read more

Houseboating with Twin Anchors was overall enjoyable; we had a few issues during our trip with the maintenance of the boat, however they gave us $200 off our gas cost to remedy the situation. The real problems began at the end of our trip; there were bed bugs on the boat& we came home with bites that were typical of this pest. I decided to email the company to let them know& this was their response: "That same boat has been sailing all season with no issues. We have been having really bad season with mesquitos and "no see'ems" (very small biting insects)" I would hope that if there was a chance that there were bed bugs, you would want to know more about our bites, etc to ensure that your boats are free from this issue. I am a nurse& live in Northern Alberta, so I have a good idea regarding what bites would be from 'no see'ums and 'mesquitos'; these were not like this! I referred to Health Canada, Health Link BC& Alberta Health's websites regarding what to look for when determining if there are bed bugs. At least two of us have bites on the neck, arms, etc; I have a 'trail' of bites that are typical of bed bugs& one of the kids have clusters of three bites (as well as many other bites). We were sailing on the Ship of Dreams& the beds that seemed to have the most bugs (because of more bites, etc) were the couch& table bed& the upstairs cubby. Hopefully this will save someone else from having to deal with this issue& all of the aftermath that comes with it. read more

Really disappointed with the customer service. After flooding, the company refused to do any refunds or even reschedule trips even though roads were blocked. Plus they wouldn't even address many concerns on their website. While the boats were still able to get out, there were no beaches to use and the water looked gross so no one went in it. Not a very enjoyable houseboating experience in comparison to past ones. Won't be booking with Twin Anchors again after their poor customer service. What kind of a place doesn't have a cancellation policy for events like this? read more