21 Best Places to Go Kayaking in Canada 2024

Kayaking is a great way to explore Canada’s many waterways and enjoy its natural beauty.

Canada has more coastline and waterways than any other country in the world. This makes it a prime destination for kayakers who want to explore its many rivers, lakes, and seas.

Kayaking is also a great way to enjoy Canada’s natural beauty, which features everything from towering mountains to pristine forests.

I was born and raised in Canada. I usually kayak outside of Canada, but since returning in 2020, I’ve been challenging myself to paddle more of Canada’s lakes, beyond Lake Muskoka.

If you’re looking for the best places to go kayaking in Canada, here are 17 of the best spots.

🚣 This is my favourite kayak tour in Canada!

21 Best Places to Kayak in Canada

1. Lake Louise, Alberta

This is one of the most beautiful places in all of Canada and is unsurprisingly a very popular destination for tourists.

Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park in Alberta and is world-renowned for its emerald waters and glacier-capped mountains.

Most people paddle around the lake itself, which is about 3km long.

For a longer trip, you can paddle to nearby Moraine Lake, which is about 6km away.

There are many different companies that offer kayaking tours on Lake Louise as well as canoe and SUP rentals if you feel like going out on your own. The best time to kayak here is from June to September when the water is warmer and there are fewer crowds.

🚣 I recommend this tour of Lake Louise with a kayak rental add-on

2. Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

Johnstone Strait is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Canada, located in British Columbia between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

The strait is about 80km long and is known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and challenging paddling conditions.

Most people paddle Johnstone Strait as part of a multi-day trip, camping along the way.

On a kayak in Johnstone Strait, you’re likely to see killer whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

There are many different tour companies that offer kayaking trips in Johnstone Strait, as well as rental companies if you feel like going out on your own.

🚣 I recommend this tour of the Victoria Harbour and Johnstone Strait!

3. Churchill River, Manitoba

Churchill River is located in northern Manitoba and is one of the best places to kayak in the province.

The river is about 1,000km long and flows through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Churchill River is a popular place for kayaking trips to see wild beluga whales.

The beautiful scenery and wildlife make Churchill River a must-visit kayaking destination in Canada.

Pair your kayaking adventure in Churchill with a tour to see polar bears. It’s a proper wilderness adventure!

🚣 Spot belugas and polar bears on this Churchill adventure tour!

4. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to kayak in Ontario.

The park is located about 3 hours north of Toronto and covers an area of over 7,000 square kilometers.

There are over 2,400 lakes in Algonquin Provincial Park, as well as countless rivers and streams.

One of the most popular kayaking destinations in the park is Canoe Lake, which is about 10km long.

The best time to kayak in Algonquin Provincial Park is from May to October when the water is warmer and there are fewer crowds.

I love visiting in early September when the leaves are about to change. There’s a crispness in the air that makes for the perfect weather.

Algonquin Park is also a great place for canoe trips – with many people portaging throughout the summer.

🚣 Camp and kayak in Algonquin Park on this tour

5. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy is located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and is one of the best places to kayak in Atlantic Canada.

The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world, which can reach up to 16m (52 feet) in some areas.

This makes for some interesting kayaking conditions as you can paddle in the same place for hours and then come back an hour later to find that you’re walking on the ground.

The Bay of Fundy is also a great place to see wildlife, including humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

There are many different kayaking tours available in the Bay of Fundy, as well as rental companies if you want to explore on your own.

You only want to kayak at high tide. Even experienced paddlers avoid the time between tides when the powerful currents are too much to fight against.

I especially like kayaking around Hopewell Rocks, then returning at low tide to walk in the caverns.

6. Ottawa River, Ontario

The Ottawa River is located between Ontario and Quebec and is one of the best places to kayak in Eastern Canada.

The river is about 1,900km long and flows through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Ottawa River is a popular place for kayak trips and paddle board tours.

The open waters here are great for beginners, while the rapids are perfect for those looking for a thrill. These are more popular on a rafting tour or white water kayaking.

There are many different kayaking tours available on the Ottawa River, as well as rental companies if you want to explore on your own.

🚣 Hike and kayak the Ottawa River on this epic tour!

7. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia and is one of the best places to kayak in Western Canada.

The islands are home to the Haida people, who have a rich culture and history.

Haida Gwaii is a popular place for kayaking trips as it offers a unique paddling experience.

The islands are covered in old-growth forests and there are many different species of wildlife. You may even spot wild black bears!

It’s best to join kayaking tours from Vancouver Island to get an informative tour as you learn more about the fur traders that once traced these same routes.

8. Yukon River, Yukon

The Yukon River is one of North America’s great rivers, slicing through the heart of the Yukon Territory in northwestern Canada. It is a wilderness river, home to grizzly bears, eagles, and caribou. The river provides an excellent opportunity to experience true wilderness kayaking.

A trip down the Yukon River will take you through some of the most remote and beautiful country in North America. The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife.

The area was used in the Klondike gold rush, when gold miners arrived in droves in search of fortune. Today, the Yukon River is a popular destination for adventure seekers from all over the world.

The Yukon River is a great place to paddle if you are looking for an adventure. It is a challenging river, with Class III rapids in places. The river is also very long, so you will need to be prepared for a multi-day trip if you want to do it all.

The best way to get to the river is by helicopter or seaplane.

🚣 I recommend this tour of the Yukon with a kayak excursion!

9. Moraine Lake, Alberta

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The crystal clear water is a deep blue, and the mountain scenery is breathtaking. The lake is located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies.

The best way to experience the beauty of Moraine Lake is by kayak. You can paddle right up to the glaciers that feed the lake, and get a close up view of the massive mountains that tower over the water.

The lake is located in a remote area, so you will need to be prepared for a self-supported trip. There are no roads to the lake, and it is only accessible by hiking or paddling.

🚣 I recommend this tour of Banff and Moraine Lake!

10. Lake Superior, Ontario

The world’s largest freshwater lake is a true kayaking paradise. Lake Superior is so big that it has its own weather system, and the waves can get as high as six meters. The scenery is stunning, with rocky cliffs, forests, and islands.

The best way to explore Lake Superior is by kayak. You can paddle for days and never see the same thing twice. There are many outfitters that offer guided kayak tours, or you can go on your own and camp on one of the many islands.

Be wary of the strong winds and waves on Lake Superior, and be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

11. Athabasca River, Alberta

The Athabasca River is one of the great rivers of the Canadian Rockies. It originates in the glaciers of Jasper National Park, and flows north for 1,600 kilometers before emptying into Lake Athabasca.

The river is a mecca for whitewater kayakers, with rapids ranging from Class I to Class V. The scenery is stunning, with mountains, forests, and glaciers.

A trip down the Athabasca River is not for the faint of heart. It is a challenging river, and you will need to be prepared for whitewater kayaking. The best way to get to the river is by helicopter or sea plane.

🚣 I recommend this kayak tour!

12. Discovery Island, British Columbia

Discovery Island is a small island off the coast of Vancouver. It is part of the Gulf Islands, and is a popular destination for kayakers and canoeists. The island has beautiful beaches, forests, and hiking trails.

It’s a lovely day trip from Vancouver. You can paddle around the island in a few hours.

Sea kayaking trips to Discovery Island are available from many outfitters in Vancouver.

🚣 Spot eagles and seals on this epic kayak tour!

13. Georgian Bay, Ontario

Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron located in Ontario, Canada. It is distinguished from the rest of the lake by its clearer water and its many rocky islands.

The shores of the bay are dotted with charming towns and villages, as well as numerous parks and nature reserves. The waters of Georgian Bay are perfect for kayaking, with numerous sheltered coves and bays to explore.

The Georgian Bay coastline is also a paddler’s paradise, with over 30,000 islands to explore. Many of these islands are part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, which offers stunning scenery and excellent camping facilities.

I recommend packing an inflatable kayaking and touring Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.

🚣‍♀️ I recommend this inflatable kayak

14. Lake Muskoka, Ontario

Lake Muskoka is a large lake in the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada. The lake is dotted with many small islands and is bordered by forests of birch and pine.

The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports. It is also a popular destination for cottage owners from Toronto and other parts of southern Ontario.

Book one of the cozy cottages or pack your sleeping bag and go camping to make the most of these open waters for kayaking.

Muskoka is a great destination for kayakers of all levels of experience. There are many sheltered coves and bayous to explore, as well as some open water crossings.

I recommend starting your Muskoka kayaking adventure in Bala, which is located at the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region. From Bala, you can explore the many islands of Lake Muskoka, as well as the larger lakes of Rosseau and Joseph.

Stick to the edges of the lakes, as the middle can get very choppy and feel more intense than sea kayaking trips.

15. Deep Cove, British Columbia

Deep Cove is a small community in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is located at the east end of Indian Arm, a finger-like inlet of Burrard Inlet.

Deep Cove is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The area is also home to many artists and craftspeople.

The waters of Indian Arm are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for kayaking. There are many coves and inlets to explore, as well as a number of small islands.

Deep Cove is also the starting point for the popular Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which takes visitors to the top of nearby Mount Seymour. From the top of the gondola, there are stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, I recommend paddling to Granite Falls, a set of waterfalls located about halfway up Indian Arm. The trip takes about 4-5 hours round trip and is suitable for paddlers of all levels.

This is a great day trip from downtown Vancouver.

🚣 I recommend this hiking and kayaking tour!

16. Baffin Island, Nunavut

Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest island in the world. It is located in the eastern Arctic, just north of Hudson Bay.

The island is home to a number of small towns and villages, as well as the capital city of Iqaluit.

Despite its remote location, Baffin Island is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The island is home to several national parks, as well as a number of glaciers and mountains.

Kayaking is a popular activity on Baffin Island, with many sheltered bays and inlets to explore. Iqaluit is a great base for exploring the island by kayak, as there are a number of outfitters located in the city.

One of the most popular kayaking destinations on Baffin Island is Auyuittuq National Park. The park is home to a number of glaciers and mountains, as well as stunning scenery.

To get to the park, you will need to take a chartered flight from Iqaluit. The flight takes about 2 hours and can be booked through one of the local outfitters.

I recommend planning a couple days for this adventure. Visit in the summer for a higher chance of good weather.

17. Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

Iceberg Alley is a stretch of coastline along the northeast coast of Newfoundland. It gets its name from the large number of icebergs that float down from Greenland each year.

The best time to see icebergs in Iceberg Alley is from late April to early June. However, icebergs can be seen in the area as late as August.

The town of St. John’s is a great base for exploring Iceberg Alley. From here, you can take a boat tour or go kayaking to get up close to the icebergs.

If you go kayaking, I recommend hiring a guide. The waters around icebergs can be dangerous and a guide will ensure you stay safe.

There are a number of boat tours that operate in Iceberg Alley. These range from small zodiac boats to larger cruise ships.

No matter how you choose to explore Iceberg Alley, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

You can even drink water from an iceberg in your kayak!

🚣 Kayak in Canada’s iceberg alley on this harbour tour in Newfoundland!

18. Toronto Islands, Ontario

The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands located in Lake Ontario, just off the shore of downtown Toronto. The islands are a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, canoe tours and windsurfing.

There are three main islands that make up the Toronto Islands: Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point. Centre Island is the largest and most popular of the three, with a number of beaches, restaurants, and attractions.

Ward’s Island is the smallest of the three islands and is mostly residential. Hanlan’s Point is home to a clothing-optional beach.

The Toronto Islands are accessible by ferry from downtown Toronto. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and departs every 30 minutes.

Or you can kayak from the mainland for a full day trip to the islands!

🚣 Kayak or paddleboard through the Toronto Islands on my favourite tour!

19. St. Lawrence River, Quebec

The St. Lawrence River is a large river that flows through the eastern part of Canada. It starts at the outflow of Lake Ontario and eventually empties into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The St. Lawrence River is an important waterway for both commercial and recreational boaters. The river is also a popular destination for kayakers, with a number of interesting places to explore.

One of the most popular kayaking destinations on the St. Lawrence River is Île aux Coudres. This island is located in the middle of the river and is home to a number of small villages.

To get to Île aux Coudres, you will need to take a ferry from the town of Baie-Saint-Paul. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

Once you’re on the island, there are a number of kayak rental companies located in the villages.

You can also get to the St. Lawrence on day trips from Quebec City.

The diverse marine life of the St. Lawrence River is another reason to go kayaking in this area. The river is home to a number of different fish, including salmon, trout, and sturgeon.

You may even spot a whale if you’re lucky!

🚣 I recommend this sunset kayak tour!

20. False Creek, British Columbia

False Creek is a small inlet in the city of Vancouver. It is located between downtown Vancouver and the Kitsilano neighbourhood.

The best way to explore False Creek is by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. There are a number of rental companies located around the inlet.

False Creek is one of the best kayaking destinations in Canada. The water is calm and there are a number of interesting places to explore.

Some of the highlights of kayaking in False Creek include Granville Island, Science World, and the Olympic Village.

If you’re looking for a more challenging kayaking experience, you can paddle out to English Bay or Burrard Inlet. These areas are located outside of the inlet and have more waves and currents.

🚣 I recommend this illuminated nighttime kayak adventure!

21. Ucluelet, British Columbia

Ucluelet is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The best way to explore the area around Ucluelet is by kayak. There are a number of rental companies located in town.

One of the most popular kayaking destinations near Ucluelet is the Broken Group Islands. This group of islands is located in Barkley Sound and is part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, run by Parks Canada.

The Broken Group Islands are accessible by boat or kayak from Ucluelet. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by kayak.

Once you’re in the islands, there are a number of different places to explore. Some of the highlights include beaches, forests, and caves.

🚣 I recommend this kayak tour!

Best Time to Go Kayaking in Canada

The best time to go kayaking in Canada depends on the location and weather conditions.

For example, coastal areas like Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are best paddled from May to September when the weather is warm and dry.

Inland lakes and rivers are typically paddle-able from June to August when water levels are ideal.

My favourite month to kayak is July for the still waters, warm weather, and easy ability to pop into the water for a swim.

It can be cold to kayak in Canada, even in the summer. I always recommend dressing in layers and bringing a dry bag for extra clothes and gear.

I recommend this dry bag

Paddling Conditions

Before heading out on a kayak trip, it’s important to check the paddling conditions. This includes water levels, weather, and tides.

Water levels can fluctuate depending on the time of year and recent precipitation. High water levels can make paddling more difficult as there may be obstacles in the water.

It’s also important to check the weather conditions before heading out. Wind and waves can make paddling more difficult and even dangerous.

Finally, it’s important to check the tide tables before paddling in coastal areas. Tides can create strong currents that can make paddling difficult or even dangerous.

What to Wear and Pack for Kayaking in Canada

The clothing you wear kayaking will depend on the weather conditions. In general, you should dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed.

Wool or synthetic fabrics are best as they will keep you warm even when wet.

I also recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun and wind.

If you’re paddling in cold weather, you may also want to wear a dry suit. A dry suit is a waterproof and insulated garment that will keep you warm and dry even if you capsize.

In terms of gear, you will need a few essential items for your kayaking trip.

First, you will need a life jacket. Life jackets are required by law in Canada and they could save your life if you capsize.

Second, you will need a paddle. Paddles come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes. You should choose a paddle that is comfortable for you to use.

Third, you will need a kayak. Kayaks also come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes. You should choose a kayak that is comfortable for you and suits your paddling style.

Finally, you will need a few other items for your safety and comfort. These items include a whistle, first-aid kit, map, and compass.

🚣‍♀️ I recommend this inflatable kayak

Wrap Up: Best Kayaking in Canada

As you can see, there are a number of great kayaking destinations in Canada.

Whether you’re looking for a calm and relaxing experience or something more challenging, there is a kayaking destination that will suit your needs.

Kayaking is a great way to explore the beauty of Canada. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your paddle and hit the water!

Did I miss any of your favorite kayaking destinations in Canada? Let me know by contacting me.

🚣 This is my favourite kayak tour in Canada!

FAQs:

Where can you go kayaking in Canada?

There are a number of great kayaking destinations in Canada, including coastal areas, inland lakes and rivers, and even the Arctic.

I recommend checking out the following kayaking destinations: Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Lake Superior, the Ottawa River, and Lake Muskoka.

Do you need a permit to kayak in Canada?

No, you do not need a permit to kayak in Canada. However, you may need a permit to camp overnight in some areas.

If you are kayaking in a national or provincial park area, you will also need a day parking pass. These are typically per person, with reduced rates if you have an annual pass.

Is kayaking popular in Canada?

Yes, kayaking is popular in Canada. In fact, Canada has some of the best kayaking in the world.

Most people in Canada live within a few hours of a kayaking destination, making it easy to get out on the water. Even if you don’t own your own kayak, there are many tour companies and rental agencies that allow for day or week kayak access.

Where is the best place to go kayaking in Canada?

There is no easy answer to this question as there are so many great kayaking destinations in Canada.

However, some of the most popular kayaking destinations include Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Lake Superior, the Ottawa River, and Lake Muskoka.

Is Lake Ontario good for kayaking?

Yes, Lake Ontario is a great place for kayaking. The lake offers a variety of paddling experiences, from tranquility to big waves.

The Toronto Islands offer sheltered spots for kayaking, while the open waters of the lake can be accessed from a number of different locations. On windy days, you may experience white caps and near-sea-level conditions.

There are also many different places to put in and take out your kayak, making it easy to find a route that suits your needs.

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