When you’re preparing for a holiday on a houseboat, you might be wondering what kind of meals you should eat. Even though a houseboat kitchen might be smaller than your kitchen at home, there are still plenty of meal options you can make while you’re on the water.

In this vacation meal planning guide, you’ll learn 6 tips to have delicious meals on a houseboat — without spending your whole vacation cooking!

Here’s how to plan and prep meals for a memorable houseboat holiday:

1. Assess Your Kitchen Resources

When you’re getting ready to grocery shop for your trip, make sure to first take a look at the appliances and utensils available on board. All of our houseboats have modern kitchens that include…

• 2 burner propane cooktop
• Barbecue
• Grilling baskets for veggies & shrimp or chicken pieces
• Apartment size propane fridge with separate freezer
• Stainless Steel Coffee Pour Over (no filters required)
• Stainless Steel French Press
• Stovetop kettle, tea pot
• 8 person place setting, 8 coffee cups and 8 glasses
• High quality pots/pans, cutlery
• Sharp knives (including good quality steak knives!)
• Paper towel, dish sponge, 2 tea towels

When you’re doing your vacation meal planning, make sure to choose meals that can be made on a stovetop or the BBQ. 

2. Create a Vacation Meal Plan

Sit down with your crew before you come aboard to decide on breakfast, lunch, and dinner options each day. Consider simple dishes like grilled seafood, hearty pasta salads, and chicken/vegetable kebabs.

Bring pantry staples such as spices, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, and condiments. These versatile ingredients will enhance the flavor of your dishes without taking up fridge space. Don’t forget to pack non-perishable items like pasta, rice, and canned beans for quick and easy meals — there is plenty of pantry storage space on all of our boats.

3. Explore Nearby Towns…and Enjoy Local Restaurants!

Luckily, you don’t need to pack enough food for every meal on your week-long trip. There will be opportunities to stock up on groceries or have meals out along the way! For example, at Lock 6, you’ll find a grocery store 15 minutes by foot from the lock. If you’re looking for a meal out (or want to order in), you can find restaurants at…

Lock 6: Frankford – Old Bank Cafe, Riverside Restaurant & Dimitri’s Pizza

Lock 13: Campbellford – many options within walking distance

Lock 18: Hastings – also many options within walking distance

Our favourite lunchtime snack is a charcuterie board — Trenton Deli is a great place to stock up on yummy cheeses & meats or pre-order a board to go.

4. Prep in Advance

Any prep you can do beforehand is useful, so you can enjoy your holiday and not spend all your time cooking. Chop veggies, marinate proteins, and portion ingredients to streamline the cooking process and maximize relaxation time on deck. 

5. Fire Up The Grill

If it’s hot outside, you definitely want to do the majority of your cooking on the BBQ and prepare salads & drinks inside. Grill seafood, juicy burgers, vibrant vegetables, and even pizza! Plus, you can experiment with different marinades and seasoning blends to elevate your grilled creations.

6. Bring Your Beverages

When you arrive, we have a 4L jug of water on board you can use to stay hydrated. Along the way, you can refill your jug at the lockmaster houses. On board, you can make coffee using the coffee pour over or French press — just make sure to bring your favourite coffee grounds. You may also want to bring a few celebratory beverages to toast to your houseboat adventure!

By following these tips for vacation meal planning and prepping, you’ll ensure a seamless and satisfying culinary experience during your houseboat holiday. Bon appétit!

Are you ready for an adventurous vacation? Renting a boutique houseboat on the Trent-Severn Waterway (departing from the top of Lock 1, in Trenton) is an unforgettable experience.

Tap HERE to read more about our boats…

And tap HERE for our rates and availability.