A one of a kind experience in the Kootenay’s, Sunshine Houseboats’ floating waterpark is a day trip like no other. Climbing, balancing, sliding and jumping off the inflatable structures floating in a sheltered cove is sure to bring out the kid in everyone!
The structures are surrounded by docks, providing everyone easy access to the fun, and offering those who chose not to partake in the action a clear view of it. In addition to the water park, the Dockside Cantina provides snacks, refreshments, and full scale meals, making food and drink one less thing to think about when you load up the family and head out for the day.
If you’re looking for something a little more calm and relaxing, Sunshine Houseboat &Marina also has a number of stand up paddle boards and kayaks available for rent. Gold Creek enters Lake Koocanusa just a short paddle across Gold Bay from the marina. Moving silently across the water, this is an excellent way to see loons, eagles, and other wildlife that frequent the mouth of the creek… but beware, you don’t want to fall in at the estuary: the water temperature is drastically different in the creek from the rest of the lake!
Want to explore the area beyond just a day trip? Sunshine Houseboats is, as its name would suggest, a houseboat rental company. They have a number of houseboats that can accommodate groups from 10-22 people. Rent a houseboat, explore Lake Koocanusa at your own pace, and experience life on the water.
With all that Sunshine Houseboats has to offer, it’s a true hidden gem. After a morning paddle, grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, afternoon play in the water park, and an ice cream cone for the ride home, one small child was heard saying, “Dad, this was the best day ever!”
Know Before You Go – Plan ahead so you can travel safely and responsibly. Familiarize yourself with weather, road conditions, general alerts for travellers and provincial health orders & recommendations.
Related Stories
~ Beach Vacations in the Kootenay Rockies
~ Easy Kootenay Hikes to: 360 Degree Vista Views
~ Family-Friendly Backcountry Adventures in the Kootenays
~ Kootenay Ambassadors: Mindful Explorers
~ Legendary Kootenay Attractions – Not to be Missed this Summer
~ Multi-generational Family Hiking in the Kootenays
~ Paddling Adventures in the Kootenays
~ Stewards of the Land: Positive Effects
Photos and story by Kyle Hamilton. Kyle is a local Kootenay photographer who ended up settling in Fernie, BC. He has love for the mountains and it has led him to focus on photography of mountain inspired activities. You could find him on a side of a mountain in -25C winter conditions with snow blowing around him shooting a heli-skiing event or next to a gentle mountain in the summer with one of his wedding clients… either way you could see him out exploring the areas around Fernie.
Please tag your images with @KootRocks on Instagram to be featured in a future social post. For travel deals and specials – sign up for our Consumer Travellers Newsletter.
