No other Houseboat Company can match our service!We are not the largest houseboat operation but we are the BEST in customer service!
Just arrive at Northernaire and we will have our dock personnel take care of all your worries. We require a 3-night minimum stay. Check-in and Check-out available daily! Share the details for your houseboat vacation. We will assist in booking your stay on Rainy Lake! Complimentary amenities included in every reservation:
Items NOT Included in Rental Charges
AdvisoriesDo not travel if winds are 15+mph. Download windy.com on your phone and keep an eye on winds a couple days ahead at all times to make sure you are close enough to get back to base on time.
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Not sure which boat to book? Request info: |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum stay?
3 nights is the minimum amount of time required to book.
What time is arrival & return time?
You will call in approximately 1-2 weeks before your arrival and be given a specific arrival time (between 11am-2pm). On your last day you must be back to base at 9am.
How far down the lake can you go?
About 53 miles down from base; you can almost get to Kettle Falls, which would take about 6 hours at houseboat speed.
Do you have to reserve a certain houseboat site?
Nope! You can move every day, or stay in the same spot - it's all up to you! However, it’s one houseboat per site and sites are first come, first serve - unless you are renting 2 houseboats, then you can moor together at the same site.
Which boat is best for our group/family?
How long is a week?
For booking purposes, a week is defined as 7 nights. For 5-7 nights, the cost is the same.
How fast do the houseboats go?
Houseboats go between 5-8 miles per hour.
How much gas does the houseboats hold?
Explorer and Wanderer (our 2 smallest boats) hold 60 gallons; Aurora holds 200 gallons; the rest of the houseboats hold around 120 gallons.
Will we run out of gas on the houseboat if we go all the way down (takes 6 hours at houseboat speed) and back to base?
No, the houseboats each have enough gas. As far as the tow behind boats, there is a 20 gallon auxiliary tank on the back of each houseboat; if you expect to need more, ask us to put a gas caddy aboard and you will only pay for what you use.
Is there a limit on water for showers, sinks, and toilet? How about drinking water?
All the water for the showers, sinks, and toilet is filtered from the lake - so you can use all the water you want! All boats except for the Aurora have 6 gallon jugs of water for drinking purposes. You may bring additional bottled water. Aurora has a 60 gallon tank of drinking water.
We do ask all customers to bring eco friendly shampoo, conditioner, and whatever else you might use that goes down the drains.
We do ask all customers to bring eco friendly shampoo, conditioner, and whatever else you might use that goes down the drains.
We are out for a week, will I need to get the septic tank pumped out?
No, each boat's septic tank is empty when you leave base, and with proper use you will not overfill their holding capacity.
Why do you require a tow-behind boat & motor behind the Houseboat?
The tow-behind is for emergency use, fishing, and exploring; there are a lot of places in VNP that you cannot get to by houseboat, therefore you need to use the tow-behind. You can either bring your personal boat or rent one from us.
Average Weather by Season
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Policies & Permits
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Houseboat Permits are required for Voyageurs National Park
Houseboat Permits are required for Voyageurs National Park. Park permits are required during your stay in Voyageur National Park and cost $15/night. Please go to www.recreation.gov to obtain your permit. This needs to be printed and brought with you on your trip. Our dockhands will put them in the pocket protector sleeve on the houseboat for you when you arrive. Deposit Policy
A deposit is required to secure your reservation. Please review the deposit specifics for the boat you are interested in reserving using pages for Our Fleet. The deposit will be returned to you at the end of your houseboat trip, after a full inspection of the boat and equipment. Gas charges and any miscellaneous charges will be deducted from it. (This does not apply to the Aurora.) We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, cashier's checks, or checks for your arrival payment, but your deposit has to be made with a credit or debit card only. If paying by check, your deposit is due within 10 days, or your reservation will be cancelled. Deposits will be refunded only if a written request for cancellation is received at least 90 days prior to the boarding date of your reservation. A $175 processing fee will be charged on all refunds. No exceptions. Payment
When paying for your reservation, we will accept cash, Visa, Discover, AMEX, or Mastercard in one transaction. We do accept cashier's checks, travelers checks, and personal checks if received 10 days before arrival. Your total will also include a 3% lodging tax for the houseboat portion, a 7.375% Minnesota State & Transit tax, and a 3.5% fee if paying by credit card. Your payment is due when you arrive. Payment on the Aurora is due 90 days before arriving. Departure
Customers will need to call 1-2 weeks prior to departure time to receive their specific arrival time, when boat will be ready. No houseboat will be allowed to leave the dock after 4:30 p.m. Check out at the office includes payment for houseboat rental, miscellaneous rental, and optional Hull Damage Waiver. You will sign a bare-boat charter agreement that puts the responsibility of the boat in your hands, and be given a complete set of navigational maps. For those with a dog, you will go through a pet agreement form. The form goes over the cost of any damages (if they should happen) by your pet and that you will be held responsible for those charges. Once you have unpacked and parked your vehicle in our lighted lot, a spot guide will give you a thorough orientation of the boat and its operations. They will guide you out on the lake approximately 4 miles, allowing you to drive the houseboat, read the navigational maps and buoys, and just feel comfortable with the boat - so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of Rainy Lake. Return
The houseboat is required to be back by 9 a.m. on the day of your return. When coming back to Northernaire, radio us when reaching Marker #10 and a guide will come out to your boat and drive it back to the dock, taking away all worries. PETS
Pets not allowed on Aurora. Max of 4 pets allowed on other boats. The cost is per trip, and varies by number of pets: 1 pet - $50 2 pets - $110 3 pets - $180 4 pets - $250 |
Equipment RentalTow Behind: you can bring a personal boat or rent one from us
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What to Bring
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Fishing Guide ServicesOne Doggie Guide Service
Mike Lessard 218-875-2412 218-324-2535 Northern Waters Excursions LLC Jason Ellman 218-324-1776 |
Water Taxi ServicesNorthern Water Excursions, LLC
218-324-1776 Rainy Lake Aquatics 218-216-7885 Voyageurs Outfitters 218-244-6506 Rainy Lake Charters 651-428-7545 |
Snowmobile Rental |
All of the above are highly recommended for our Northernaire Houseboat guests.
All guides are independent contractors and rates may vary per guide.
All guides are independent contractors and rates may vary per guide.
