Set Sail with Transat Distribution Canada’s New Partner, Le Boat

Montreal, December 17, 2020 – Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), Canada’s largest full-service travel agency network, is proud to offer Canadians a unique way to travel on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the comfort of their own luxury houseboat. TDC has partnered with the market leader in boating vacations, Le Boat, owner of the world’s largest fleet of luxury canal cruiser boats (available for rental in Canada and Europe). Now is the perfect time for couples and families to dream about next summer's vacation, where they will be able to unwind along the 202 kilometres of the iconic Canadian waterway and discover the pristine wilderness and many towns between Kingston and Ottawa in the comfort of their own floating home!

“Vacationers are always on the lookout for original and unique experiences, while having the opportunity to change the scenery. Travelling on a modern houseboat offers just that”, says Louise Fecteau, General Manager, TDC. “Because most agencies within our network specialize in leisure, travel professionals will be thrilled to add this option to their portfolio. I am sure many travellers are not aware that they have access to this type of experience in Canada, and that most importantly, you don’t need any boating licence or experience to enjoy it“.

They offers four boat categories of boat classes in Europe, depending on your budget and the number of people you whish to accommodate: Budget, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Premium. In Canada, Le Boat only offers their most Premier class of boat, the luxury Horizon Cruiser. “Our fleet of boat are not like your idea of a “traditional houseboat”, said Lisa McLean, Le Boat’s North American Marketing Manager, they have been designed specifically for Le Boat with the non-boater in mind and have been compared to a floating cottage or condo and resemble a private yachting experience.” They come with a fully equipped kitchen, bright cabins with private bathroom and en-suite shower, roomy top deck ‘FUN DECK” with BBQ hot plate, sunshade and lot of space to lounge, relax and enjoy boating life.

With over 50 years experience and a fleet of 950 boats worldwide, LeBoat launched their first Canadian destination in 2018 and operates 37 bases in France, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

About Transat Distribution Canada
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is a full-service travel agency network with some 325 brick-and-mortar travel agencies, websites, a call centre, and independent contractors representing the agent@home program. The network includes the Transat Travel, Marlin Travel, Club Voyages, TravelPlus and Voyages en Liberté brands, as well as other affiliate members. TDC is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel and offering vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel. Transat was awarded Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. Based in Montreal, it has 5,000 employees.

About Le Boat
Le Boat, a leader in canal boat rentals in Europe, has more than 50 years of experience in the industry. Now in their third season in Canada, they has a local fleet of 24 boats available for rental on the Ontario’s UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. With no previous boating experience or boat license required, Le Boat shows you how to captain your boat at your own pace on a flexible itinerary while sleeping and eating on board. Travellers can choose a 3-5 night short boating break or a 7-10+ night vacation. All of Le Boat luxury boat rentals come with a fully equipped kitchen, fresh linens and bedding, top sun deck. The safety of our staff and customers is of utmost importance to Le Boat. All our boats are thoroughly cleaned at the end of each use and we have introduced additional cleaning and social distancing measures for extra protection while following Ontario’s new Health and Safety Guidelines.

Information: Marie-Annick Lalande, Senior Communications Advisor - 514 987-1760, extension 4076 - Marieannick.lalande@transat.com