Northernaire Houseboats On Rainy Lake

Friendly and helpful staff. We rented boat 32 (princess) it was just what we were looking for, nothing super fancy but comfortable, clean and everything worked like it should. It was the perfect cabin on pontoons for exploring the lake. We ventured as far as we could all the way to the kettle falls channel. 4 days in we were running low on beer, ice and bug spray so we radioed in a small list and it was delivered with a smile all the way on the other end of the lake! Our family had decided to make this a new yearly tradition. Can’t wait to go back next summer!!!

Friendly owners and staff as well as a welcoming committee of two very sweet dogs set the tone for what turned out to be a very relaxing and fun trip. While fancy houseboats were available, houseboat number 6 was akin to a cabin on pontoons; which is exactly what we were looking for. No frills and no fuss. However, I was very much looking forward to a shower with pressure by the end of the trip. The scenery was spectacular, the fishing exceptional and the wildlife sightings did not disappoint. Can't wait for a future trip

We had a great experience renting a houseboat! We had a blast exploring the park and spending family time together. Vonette was great to work with and answered all of our questions from phone to email, and they have the cutest four legged greeters ever! I would definitely recommend to anyone exploring the NP to consider the houseboat route, and to book with Northernaire! The only thing I don’t recommend? The mosquitos! 0/10 😂

We LOVE National Parks and the outdoors... this was a FANTASTIC way to experience Voyageurs - unique and the most relaxed vacation we have been on. Our kids don't complain too much as we explore parks through hiking... but they welcomed the idea that this wouldn't be a hiking trip; simply ride and relax, fish, build bonfires and enjoy their surroundings. I spoke to a few rental outfits - both were informative, but there was just something about my initial conversation with Vonnette that made me seek more information with what they could offer. Vonnette was great to work with and patient with a 'newbie Houseboat renter'. She and I were able to easily converse through phone call or email - many times laughing or sharing life stories that brought them to the point of running this business. Through those conversations I knew we would be well cared for. Our experience upon arrival and loading was great. We were the first voyage for the Aurora this season. We had 4 of our 7 kids with us... so 6 total people. We could've done another boat, but I wanted 2 bathrooms, Queen size beds and the ability to steer the ship from upper deck. This boat provided a great space for us. There are other companies with newer boats, but the Aurora was well maintained and ran well for us. Blane was great with instruction and steered us out and then stayed a bit while we took over the 'driving'. We were off on our adventure - after bestowing my husband his Captain's hat! ;) Voyageur's provided breathtaking views, sounds of nature and also quiet. I love vacations where we are disconnected from the world... this certainly provided that! I will say, having our older boys along was very helpful for docking and leaving each houseboat site. I'm sure if others needed to do those tasks we could have, but having their strength was certainly a blessing. Would I go again... YES. There are other parts to discover. This was a great introduction to the park... houseboating... and a great company and personnel to work with. Please note, when it's a busier time of boats going out and coming in, remember to be patient with the process. You may have to wait as other boats are tended to. This is just part of the vacation, so plan your days of arriving and departing accordingly. Northernaire Houseboats gets 5 stars from us... and I tend to be pretty picky. Well done Vonnette and crew!!!

Amazing time! Rented a two person boat for three nights and wow!! Just amazing service! Easy to find placed to port, East to learn to drive, just a house boat experience one does not want to miss!

Overall great time on our trip. The boat did have some flaws but Base was able to help us out on them. My only suggestion is dont do a sand campsite. They are messy.

Perfect getaway for an extended family vacation. The Aurora doesn't disappoint with its accommodations. We love the hot tub on the deck. Kids from young to old all have something to do at Voyageurs National Park. Pristine, untouched beauty surrounds you. We especially loved the friendly snapping turtles. We can't say enough about the owners of Northernaire Houseboats.🤗💞

Short and sweet: This was our first experience with a houseboat and it was fantastic. Vonette was always quick to respond and polite about some of my dumber questions. Both Vonette and Kevin were super low key and made the whole process stress-free especially training us in on everything. Our boat and motors were well maintained and we had no issues. Just a side note: VNP does an excellent job with the houseboat sites. We stopped at 7 and were not disappointed even once. If you are a first timer: A couple of tips-- 1. ask questions--Vonette and Kevin don't make you feel stupid and they have a ton of experience. Plus we learned a lot of things we didn't otherwise know about the area and the boat. 2. the people complaining about mosquitoes is hilarious--you are in VNP so yes, there are mosquitoes everywhere and unless you can teleport into the cabin, the door has to open at some point letting in about 50 mosquitoes at a time. We just prepared with each of us holding the swatters they provide and took 5 minutes to kill them all. As you sleep, you'll see hundreds of them clinging to the screen on the outside. They. Are. Everywhere. at VNP, but you are completed free of bug bites in the morning. 3. They provide a great packing list, but 2 things we were glad we brought and 1 we wished we did: house slippers or a different pair of flipflops that stay in the cabin so you don't track as much sand and what not in (there is a sweeper and broom on board too), plus it feels homey. Second, the beds are comfortable enough for sure, but having an extra comforter to add some padding was a game changer. Third, don't forget salt and pepper. They provide so much stuff in the kitchen (like you could actually bake muffins or brownies with the bowls and pans they have), but we spaced on the salt and pepper. 4. The cooler they provide is huge...bring tons of ice if you have more than the refrigerator can hold. 5. The drinking water they provide is in sealed Chippewa Falls gallon jugs...no need to bring your own. We wrongly assumed it was just going to be a giant reservoir of drinking water so we brought bottled water and didn't need it.