Kayak & canoe · CANADA KAYAKING TOURS
The 15 best canada kayaking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join Hydra River Guides at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute Big Canoe trip on the Bow River. You’ll learn basic paddling, travel upstream, then relax on the return while guides such as Abbey, Maddie, Cam, and Darby share stories about Banff, wildlife, and the river. No canoeing experience is needed.
“This canoe ride was awesome. We saw a lot of wildlife as we rowed upstream and relaxed downstream on the Bow River.”
Spend a full day in Algonquin Park with an English-speaking guide such as Mike, Joe, or Brian. The $179 tour includes transport, park fees, canoe rental, and a life jacket, with about six hours for canoeing, hiking, swimming, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Expect a long three-hour drive each way and bring your own food.
“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…”
Join a certified guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle upstream on the Bow River. You will learn basic canoe technique, hear local stories, and watch for elk, beavers, loons, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Guides such as Mardi, Kate, Abbey, and Alex bring plenty of humor and useful facts. No canoeing experience is needed.
“It was a well organised outing and the guides were great fun. Our guide was Jade and she was very knowledgable and helpful. Would certainly recommend but be prepared to put a little work in to get your canoe going!”
Spend about six hours kayaking Cape Chignecto from Advocate Harbour. You’ll paddle colourful cliffs, pass through an arch, visit the Three Sisters rock spires, and stop for a homemade picnic in a secluded cove. Guides such as Ethan and Rashid add local geology, Mi’kmaq stories, ecology, and safety instruction. Double kayaks are used throughout.
“Unforgettable Kayaking Tour at The Three Sisters! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the pleasure of joining a kayaking tour at The Three Sisters yesterday July 31, 25 and it was absolutely magical. The scenery was breathtaking. Towering C statues, clear pristine waters, and the kind of coastal beauty that stays with you long after you leave. Our guide, Ethan, made the experience even more memorable. He shared fascinating stories rooted in folklore and Indigenous history, weaving them into the landscape around us. His knowledge of local ecology, wildlife, and edible plants was impressive—we even got to try different types of seaweed, which were surprisingly delicious! Ethan was funny, engaging, and clearly pa...”
From Horseshoe Bay, Sea Dragon Charters takes you by boat to Pam Rocks in Howe Sound, where you can snorkel and kayak near harbor seals. Guides including Robin, Emma, Emily, and Erin have led past trips. Wetsuits, gear, snacks, soup, and drinks are included, and you can stay aboard if you prefer sightseeing.
“Had the most amazing day with the crew. Fantastic knowledge, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The seals were so so cute, coming right up to us. An absolutely delightful afternoon”
Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute big-canoe trip on the Bow River. You’ll paddle with your group, travel upstream, then float back while guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus share stories about wildlife, waterways, and Banff’s past. No canoeing experience is needed, and the tour returns to its starting point.
“My wife had always wanted to paddle a canoe on a river in Canada. This tour scratched her itch. The equipment was in good condition. The guides were first class. No one told the bears though, so we didn't spot any on the shores.”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Cam, Amelia, or Abbey for a 90-minute evening paddle up the Bow River in a 12-seat canoe. You’ll learn about animal behavior, conservation, and safe wildlife viewing while watching for elk, beavers, osprey, muskrats, bald eagles, and perhaps a coyote or bear. No canoeing experience is needed.
“Really well organised activity on a lovely evening on the Bow River. Our guide, Bree, was knowledgeable and friendly. On the return paddle to the canoe club, we were lucky enough to see 2 young black bears running along the riverside path.”
This 9 to 10 hour tour takes you from Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Banff to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in a 14-passenger van. Choose more time at either lake, then hike, canoe, or sightsee. Guides such as Corey, Yannick, Lenka, and Radek share local tips and help you plan your day.
“Bring snacks and water! We enjoyed both places, but Lake Moraine was more beautiful of the two. Corey was very knowledgeable and able to answer all of our questions.”
Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute wildlife outing on the Bow River. You’ll paddle as a team in a 12-seat canoe while a guide such as Cam, C.J., John, Jacob, or Nieve shares local history, animal facts, and conservation advice. Wildlife is possible, not promised, but the mountain views are guaranteed.
“This was a wonderful tour! The views were incredible and our guide, Nieve (spelling?), was fantastic! She gave us lots of local history facts and made every effort to make the trip as individual as possible. I would definitely book this trip again a the views from the water were just incredible!”
Spend three hours learning the Quebec tradition of ice canoeing with French, English, or Spanish-speaking guides. You will paddle, push across ice floes in crampons, stop for hot chocolate and pastries, and finish in a riverside sauna. Guides such as Elliott, Paul, Julien, and Mik have earned praise for clear instruction and calm support.
“Fantastic experience, finding yourself in the middle of the St. Laurent on blocks of ice, drinking a mug of hot chocolate while watching the riverbank passing before you, by, it's truly incredible. The teams of guides are enthousiaste and very friendly.”
Paddle Canoe Lake with guides such as Diego or Enzo, cross a short 300-metre portage, enjoy a Henrietta’s Pine Bakery sandwich, try cliff jumping, and hike to a scenic lookout. You need to be comfortable paddling for several hours and getting knee-deep in water. Aquashoes can be rented for $5.
“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!”
From Anse-de-Roche, you’ll paddle a double kayak through the Saguenay Fjord with an English or French-speaking guide. Expect steep cliffs, quiet water, seabirds, seals, and a possible beluga sighting. The 2 to 3 hour trip includes a wetsuit, boots, paddle, flotation jacket, and safety gear.
“Activity was not bad but not the best kayaking”
Join Sylvie and the Riverview Mobile Kayak Rental team for a 2 to 3 hour paddle through Grandmaître Ecological Reserve, about 20 kilometers from downtown Ottawa. You’ll use a single or double kayak, follow sheltered inlets, look for turtles and birds, and learn about local conservation in English or French.
“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.”
Paddle into Algonquin Provincial Park with a guide such as Baz, camp beside the lake, and spend three days canoeing, watching for wildlife, eating hearty meals, and sleeping in supplied tents. The trip includes a short portage, beaver habitat, a wilderness sauna, campfires, and a sunrise canoe ride with hot chocolate.
“Great experience! Baz was a great host, amazing food, and awesome people to spend the weekend with! The views of Algonquin Park and activities planned each day were priceless experiences we will never forget. We look forward to returning with our kids in the future! This is a must do experience for all!”
Join a professional guide in a big canoe on Banff’s Bow River for about 90 minutes. You’ll paddle as a team, hear stories about local history, wildlife, and conservation, then return to the Banff Canoe Club for refreshments. Guides such as Cam, Ethan, Emily, and Andrew are known for lively, clear commentary.
“Our guide was a lot of fun and knowledgeable He was very skilled and informative I always felt safe .”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
