Canada · CANOES & KAYAKS
A shortlist to send to whoever is planning: 15 canoe & kayak trips that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Paddle the Bow River in Banff National Park with a guide, spot wildlife, and learn Native history in about 90 minutes for $69.84.
“This canoe ride was awesome. We saw a lot of wildlife as we rowed upstream and relaxed downstream on the Bow River.”
Toronto to Algonquin in one day. Canoe Canoe Lake, swim near Popcorn Island, hike to Ragged Falls, and spot wildlife.
“We started from Ripleys aquarium a little late, as guest were delayed at a previous pick-up location due to high traffic caused by an aweful accident. However, our guide Mike did all he could to get us out of the city into the national park. Unfortunately the AC stopped working at some point, so it got quite warm. The drive is long, but I think it's worth the time. We had a lunch at Canoe Lake (not included) and did a canoe tour. Then we went to another lake were we could enjoy the cool water. We went to the visitor center of alongquin park (very good exhibition) and had…”
Canoe the Bow River in Banff National Park on an easy 90-minute tour, with guides, wildlife spotting, and big Rocky Mountain views for $67.
“It was a good experience. Our guide was Cam he was very knowledgeable about the area and included everyone on the boat.”
Kayak Nova Scotia's Three Sisters by tide, with a private guide, cliff paddling, and a beach picnic from Cape Chignecto.
“We originally planned this trip for a Wednesday but upon arriving to Nova Scotia, we quickly realized the weather here is quite fickle.. The kayaking company called us a couple days in advance warning of wind and asked if we would be able to reschedule—we did. DEFINITELY do this excursion and prioritize it! Give yourself the flexibility in your travel schedule to reschedule if needed. Bring layers as the hot sun + cold water + wind can mess with your body temperature. Bring sunscreen. Water shoes recommended, otherwise you don’t get very wet. Very patient guides, everyone stays at the same pace. I don’t kayak regularly and this was very…”
Snorkel and kayak with Vancouver harbor seals at Pam Rocks, with wetsuits, snacks, and small-group guidance on a 5-hour boat tour.
“The tour was good, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. The captain was chatty and had lots of great stories.”
Paddle Pyramid Lake in a cedar canoe with a local guide in Jasper. Small group, calm water lessons, snacks and warm drinks included.
“Going out, on there own made canoe was perfect, it was beautiful. We started with the lake to our selves it was stunning, our guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I would recommend to go early in the morning”
Float the Bow River in Banff National Park on a big canoe tour, with paddle and life jacket, easy paddling, and great local guides.
“Tim was an awesome guide with tons of useful and interesting information. He made this canoe ride super memorable. Thanks Tim. I highly recommend for anyone. It wasn’t that hard paddling at all since there were 8+ people rowing.”
Evening big-canoe wildlife tour on Banff's Bow River. Paddle, learn habitat facts, and watch for bald eagles, elk, and beavers.
“Zoe was a very knowledgeable guide - giving info about the area, wildlife. We saw ospreys and beavers actually transporting branches . Beautiful river surrounded by majestic mountains.”
Small-group day trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Canmore or Banff, with flexible hiking, canoeing or paddle time.
“It was worth getting up at 3 am to travel to Lake Moraine. Our guide was awesome. He shared a lot of facts about the area. Good time.”
Guided 6-hour Algonquin canoe trip with real paddling, portaging, a hike, swimming, possible cliff jumping, and a picnic lunch.
“A lot of paddling.Tough but Great way to enjoy the lack and learn about histories of the area. Beautiful lack and wonderful tour guide.”
Paddle the Bow River in Banff on a guided big canoe for easy wildlife spotting, comfy teamwork, and local stories in about 90 minutes.
“John, our guide, knew the history and fauna associated with the Bow River and told us many interesting stories along the way. The views from the water are breathtaking!”
Ice canoeing on the Saint-Lawrence with crampons, hot chocolate on floating ice, and a panoramic Nordic sauna. Small group in Quebec City.
“Noe and Max are great. An experience you should do at least once in your life. 10/10”
Paddle Canoe Lake, portage 300m, jump off cliffs, then hike for lookout views in Algonquin Park, with lunch and guide stories.
“Goed verzorgde lunch op een mooie plek en eveneens daar waar men de lake in kon om te zwemmen, springen of duiken. Gids Diego was heel aardig en vertelde e.e.a. op specifieke plaatsen met ook enige humor. Fijne dag gehad!”
Guided sea kayaking from Anse-de-Roche in Tadoussac on the Saguenay Fjord. Wetsuit included, wildlife spotting, 2 to 3 hours.
“Activity was not bad but not the best kayaking”
Kayak Victoria Harbour in a small group, learn safety and paddling basics, and spot downtown landmarks, wildlife, and seaplanes for $74.35.
“our Guide Taylor was very knowledgeable about the Harbor we toured. She fixed up everyone with pfd's and we wasted no time getting to the safety speech and basic's of paddling.”
Six time zones of days out, sorted by the kind of day.
