Washago Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing & Cruise Options

Washago Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing & Cruise Options

Washago waterfront

Planning a visit, too it’s almost time, to Washago, Ontario, a place maybe you know of because it sits where Lake Couchiching gives way to the Severn River? So, naturally, Washago offers some amazing opportunities to get out on the water and see the scenery, which makes vacationing there a treat. But choosing the best tours, that is the tricky bit. Worry no more! Below, are my personal top picks for Washago sightseeing tours and cruises.

1. Severn River Boat Tours

Severn River cruise

Okay, first up is Severn River Boat Tours; like your friendly, local experts, maybe. Very, the appeal with this outfit is that, in some respects, they focus solely on showing you the beauty of the Severn River. What kind of experience do they give you? They often run various cruises. One highlight tends to be the “Sunset Cruise,” which, pretty much, takes you down the river at twilight to catch the gorgeous sunset reflections on the water.

We actually took one last summer and it just was amazing! The guide usually pointed out landmarks and told really cool stories about the region. Basically, the boat was really comfortable, like your mom’s comfy sweater; also it’s not too big, giving a really intimate feel that others simply don’t, typically, have.

Why Pick This One?

Here’s the thing, the focus Severn River Boat Tours provides makes it really special. Clearly, other bigger tour companies often offer lots of choices, so it might be a bit hard to actually feel like you are truly exploring the Severn River, if that’s your vibe. The vibe here is that it tends to be, just, way more personal and, you know, intimate. The staff, like your chatty neighbor, actually, go the extra mile, in short, so your time is a little more worthwhile. So it would depend on your priorities but the cruises here are the way to go.

2. Orillia Boat Cruises (Including Washago Stops)

Orillia boat cruise

Now, on to Orillia Boat Cruises; in fact, while they actually do operate mostly out of Orillia, you, actually, often find that a lot of their tours include stops or routes around Washago. Basically, these guys run on a grander scale; and so on, they give longer cruises; they may do lake tours too it’s almost endless. The big one you, literally, wanna check out is the “Lake Couchiching Cruise.”

I’d suggest maybe calling them to double check if the route passes Washago, okay? Like, one time we took the cruise, it actually went near some really pretty islands near Washago; really, it’s one of the prettiest things imaginable; yet, the guides provided us info, too it’s almost not real, about the lake’s history, wildlife, so, basically, you end up getting a mini-lesson on the region.

Why Pick This One?

The big draw tends to be that the wide variety this group gives you is unlike most other choices. So, like, some people may enjoy smaller cruises, well Orillia Boat Cruises kind of offers that grand lake feeling. If you and your group plan to view, potentially, various parts of Lake Couchiching and some neighboring areas; in other words, if that is the intent; you will be glad you took it, right?

3. Kawartha Voyageur Cruises (Day Trips from Washago)

Kawartha Voyageur cruise

Third on the list tends to be Kawartha Voyageur Cruises. These, typically, depart from towns that are not Washago but I’m here to tell you that they often feature special day trips that start from there. One popular option, it’s almost amazing, may involve cruising along a bit of the Trent-Severn Waterway, a really unique engineering wonder, basically. So, you travel through locks and lift-locks; seriously, it’s so unusual to observe, basically. Anyway, while I wouldn’t rate it as ‘action packed’ you are more than welcome to feel chilled.

They usually include commentary that, really, focuses, maybe, too heavily, sometimes, on the history and function, possibly, literally, too often, of the waterway. Actually, they give insight you just will not get anywhere else. Usually you are just going to have a good relaxing ride for the day.

Why Pick This One?

Here’s where the appeal is: Kawartha Voyageur gives you, usually, what tends to be an extremely specialized kind of cruise, too it’s not like you can actually even compare. Most tourists, usually, go see a lift lock up close! Honestly! Like, it will, usually, impress, especially if you’re just keen on engineering or regional history, in the same way; they are the folks, very, you, honestly, must contact!

4. Rent a Pontoon Boat at Lake Couchiching

Lake Couchiching pontoon boat rental

If you’d actually rather be your own captain; literally; too it’s almost, very often, one of those situations where you are on your own time, honestly; why don’t you think about a pontoon rental? Some businesses actually do provide rentals directly on Lake Couchiching near Washago; anyway, it’s the ideal method that some families want to use to easily experience and view the lake.

In fact, we decided on a rental last spring; very, that, it’s almost hard to describe, let me think. That is, until, our kiddos liked nothing more, I guess, very, in other words, than swimming right off the boat; in fact, we idled at one of the quiet bays. Usually you could pack lunch for everyone too it’s actually very helpful. Anyway, ensure to have all necessary safety gear; actually I should have written that first; because as a matter of fact you are still in command, sort of.

Why Pick This One?

So, in order to describe it in one breath; independence; very much, this. While your tours can sometimes have certain rigid timetables that really kind of force some action onto you; in that case, with a rental pontoon, more or less, you, basically, set your own schedule. Now you are more than capable of going, in that case, precisely where, in other words, you really wanna go and view those areas you actually like.

5. Canoe and Kayak Tours on the Severn River

Severn River kayak tour

Okay, last but actually, technically not, really, least are canoe and kayak excursions. Now, like, in Washago, some spots supply directed paddling tours up and down the Severn River. So, you will often get up very close, more or less, with what could be some amazing wildlife and undisturbed greenery; still, that alone could make it worth trying.

Okay, last month, too it’s almost weird to tell you, but I, like, took a sunrise kayak trip; for example, that light you observe from the water is gorgeous! If you look closely; arguably, but not certainly, very closely; there is a really skilled guide too it’s that interesting; actually I did actually end up noticing new plants; of course it turns out some are native, really, even still right in this spot!

Why Pick This One?

Very much; an intimate method of seeing everything; clearly, a paddling tour simply just brings it a bit closer; actually, it’s one thing some other types do not provide. Like your giant boat; in that case, too slow. So, arguably, if you are extremely focused to the nature and that feel; like your calm moment you try to find to make peace; you definitely should make the effort to select it, definitely!

I, mean, after seeing this detailed view, you and others should already feel fully capable of easily picking some good options here! It, turns out, comes down to all of your personal style and desire. Whether with an unskippered rental, an unpressured cruise, but if any kind; a Washago, by the way, trip always gives out incredible water-related experiences!