The Boathouse river tours return to Stratford

The Boathouse is able to run their boat tours alongside the Avon River as of late August.

The S.S. Juliet is set to sail once again.

The Boathouse announced via social media on Aug. 24 that boat tours returned and that both walk-in and online booking options are available. The boat tours were on hold earlier this summer amid low water-levels due to Lake Victoria draining. Kellan Herr, co-owner of the Boathouse, said that many customers are eager to cruise the Avon River on the S.S. Juliet again.

"So far, we haven't been able to do the full tours. We haven't been able to go all the way to the Festival City Bridge, but we've been going up to the festival and looping back then, so it's been really great,” Herr said. “Getting a lot of phone calls, getting a lot of bookings online. People are happy to be able to bring their families down and go see the water."

As the Boathouse lost nearly all of August and late July for its tours, the business is hoping to expand its season a bit longer than usual. Herr said the Boathouse received a grant through Destination Stratford that would help with extension. The grant would cover costs of heaters for the patio and evening events such as a Silent Disco on the water.

The Boathouse will also host Light Up the Night Kayaking’s PJ Paddle on Sept. 20 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Herr said the Boathouse is also grateful for the community support during the tough time.

“There're so many people that came down to support us whether it was through gift cards or putting a bucket of water in or just coming down, (when they) wouldn't normally come down, for a hot dog, hamburger or ice cream. So we were really thankful for everybody that showed their support,” he said. “It really showed what Stratford is and what the community is.”

More information including upcoming events can be found online by visiting https://www.facebook.com/avonboathouse.