6 Wildlife Kayak Tours in Canada to Book Early

1.Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $105Our pick

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”

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2.Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 130 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67

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.”

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3.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

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!”

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4.Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $47Best value

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.”

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5.Snorkeling Seals Kayaking Scenic Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $66

Spend about three hours on Howe Sound with Captain Victor and the PNW Expeditions team. Watch for seals, starfish, seabirds, porpoises, and perhaps whales, then snorkel or kayak near the wildlife. Wetsuits, gear, kayaks, hot drinks, soup, and snacks are included. Summer offers snorkeling and kayaking; spring and fall offer kayaking only.

“Amazing tour filled with gorgeous scenery, up close sightings of seals and starfish, a great way to spend a day. Not too taxing but definitely something active, adventurous and a little more special than all the usual Vancouver tourist activitieRead more”

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6.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join Banff Adventures at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute guided paddle up the Bow River. Your English-speaking guide shares local history, wildlife facts, and stories about the scenery. Big canoes seat 12, making this a relaxed choice for families. Guides such as Bree and Ethan have been praised for clear, friendly instruction.

“We didn’t see a lot of wild life, couple of beavers. But our guide, Bree was so knowledgeable about the area, and the views from actually being on the Bow river were spectacular! Well worth the trip.”

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