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.”
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.”
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 Grandmaître Ecological Reserve near Ottawa, learn from a bilingual guide, and hunt for turtle sightings, with a mini flora exhibit.
“our guide was very flexible, lovely personality and very knowledgeable about the surroundings and wildlife. Thus is a beginner friendly and relaxing activity. We stayed on the water and extra half hour.”
3-day Algonquin canoe camping with gourmet meals, wilderness nights, beaver habitat tour, and a sunrise paddle with hot chocolate.
“The tour was GREAT. Couldn't be better. Highly recommended!!! The guide was awesome. Accommodation, food, plan, everything was perfect!!!”
Guided Big Canoe trip on the Bow River in Banff National Park, includes paddles and life jackets, wildlife and history, refreshments.
“Gondola, Bear Trail, Big Canoe Tour, Cascade Garden, Blackfoot Dance Performance, FOOD FOOD FOOD Our family group ages from 9 to 74 had a thoroughly wonderful time. We’re cramming in as much as we can while we’re here. This was a much-delayed and rescheduled trip because of the pandemic. We are so happy we can travel again.”
Expedited Moraine Lake and Lake Louise day trip from Canmore and Banff, with flexible time, wildlife spotting, and optional canoeing.
“Our driver was excellent and had so much knowledge of the area.”
Six time zones of days out, sorted by the kind of day.
