Canada · CANOES & KAYAKS

Canoe & Kayak Trips in Canada: 15 Paddles Worth Booking

43 tours  ·  from $29

A big voyageur canoe on a glacier-fed lake and a sea kayak among seals are two different days out. These 15 compare water, group size, how much paddling you actually do and what it costs.

Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour - What the 90-minute trip feels like
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Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

1.Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 303 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Join Hydra River Guides at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute guided paddle on the Bow River. You’ll learn simple strokes, travel upstream in a 12-seat canoe, then relax on the return while watching for elk, bald eagles, ospreys, loons, geese, and muskrats. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Our family had an incredible time canoeing down the Bow River. The views were incredible, the water was beautiful, and our guide Darby was great. Highly recommend this excursion for anyone visiting the area!”

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From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure - The van ride from Toronto
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From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure

2.From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 291 reviews · 12 hours · from $179

Leave Toronto at 7 a.m. for a full day in Algonquin Provincial Park. With a guide such as Mike or Joe, you will canoe on Canoe Lake, hike scenic trails, swim near Popcorn Island, visit Ragged Falls, and look for wildlife. The small group has up to 11 people, but the drive takes about three hours each way.

“Super good and met different people from different countries to enjoy the hiking. A special experience to me and will recommend to anyone❤️”

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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - Starting at the Banff Canoe Club
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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

3.Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 286 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67

Join a certified English-speaking guide such as Mardi, Abbey, Brie, or CJ for a gentle 90-minute canoe trip from the Banff Canoe Club. You’ll learn paddle basics, hear local history and wildlife facts, watch the shore for elk, beavers, loons, or eagles, and finish with lemonade. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Fun canoe ride that was easy to paddle. Guide was very helpful and provides lots of information regarding the park.”

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Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour - Launching from a wild beach
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Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour

4.Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend about six hours kayaking Cape Chignecto with a certified guide, a homemade picnic, and a small private group. Paddle past colorful cliffs, a sea arch, and the Three Sisters rock spires, with timing that reveals the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides. Double kayaks are used, and the tour suits paddlers age 10 and up.

“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…”

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Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour - Watching harbor seals at Pam Rocks
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Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour

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

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

From Horseshoe Bay, Sea Dragon Charters takes you to Pam Rocks for a five-hour seal encounter by boat, snorkel, and kayak. Guides such as Robin, Emma, Emily, and Erin have helped participants feel safe and prepared, while captain Kevin has earned praise for his calm, friendly approach. Wet suits, kayaks, snacks, soup, and hot drinks are included.

“A must-do experience while visiting Vancouver!!! We had a magical time. We got to see and snorkel with the cutest seals. Kayaking was beautiful. We saw a deer, bald eagles and many more seals! Even got to jump off the top of the boat at the end. The Captain, Emily and Emma were awesome. Loved our day!”

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Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group - Leaving the sandy beach at Pyramid Lake Resort
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Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group

6.Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $165

Join Wild Current Outfitters for a calm 2.5 to 3-hour canoe trip on Pyramid Lake near Jasper. A certified local guide such as Mike or Travis leads the paddle, shares stories about wildlife and local culture, and stops for hot drinks, fruit, and home-baked treats. Morning and early evening departures are available.

“This canoeing adventure was one of the highlights of our trip to the Canadian Rockies. Mike was a very knowledgeable and fun guide. My husband and I have canoed a lot, and after this first outing, Mike was able to set us up with a canoe to explore 2 other nearby lakes during our visit. We'd highly recommend this trip to anyone wishing to get a taste of nature up close. We saw loons and osprey during our trip. A gem!”

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River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - Paddling upstream with your guide
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River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

7.River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 153 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute paddle on the Bow River in a large shared canoe. Guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus lead the way, explain local wildlife and history, and keep the outing relaxed. You paddle upstream, float back, and finish at the club.

“Our guide Furgus was amazing. He was very funny and entertained us throughout! It was very unique calming experience.”

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Banff: Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour - Why the evening timing works so well
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Banff: Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour

8.Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour

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

Join an English-speaking guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute evening paddle up the Bow River in a 12-seat canoe. You will learn about local habitats and conservation while watching for elk, bald eagles, beavers, muskrats, and osprey. Guides such as Cam, Amelia, and Marti add humor and clear paddling advice.

“Lovely canoe trip up the Bow River. Knowledgeable and friendly guide Jon. Picked out a bull elk on the bank”

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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise– Hike, Canoe or Sightsee - Moraine Lake: choose 90 minutes or three hours
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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise– Hike, Canoe or Sightsee

9.Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise– Hike, Canoe or Sightsee

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $156

Spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights. Your local guide drives a 14-passenger van, shares park stories, and helps you choose between extra time at either lake. Bring snacks, water, and hiking shoes. Canoe rentals cost extra.

“Very enjoyable. Operator/guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant. The lakes were beautiful. Definitely recommend.”

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6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - Canoe Lake, quiet corners, and local stories
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6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip

10.6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $107

Join a naturalist guide such as Enzo, Andrew, Diego, or Jim for a six-hour Algonquin canoe outing. You will paddle two lakes, carry the canoe over a short portage, hike to a lookout, eat a bakery sandwich, and swim or cliff jump if conditions allow. Four-seat canoes make it workable for families with children aged seven and up.

“Die Tour ist klasse, jedoch für Ungeübte wie mich recht anstrengend. Wir sind etwa 13 km gepaddelt und durften das Kanu zweimal knapp 300 m zum nächsten See tragen. Der Picknick-Aussichtspunkt ist grandios, die Verpflegung verblüffend üppig, der Abstecher zum Seerosenarm des Joe Lake fantastisch. Negativ blieb einzig hängen, dass trotz mehrfacher Interessebekundung fast aller männlichen Paddler das zugesagte Klippenspringen entfiel, weil es unser ansonsten großartiger Guide Blake so beschloss. Schade! Ansonsten war es eine perfekte Tour.”

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Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - What the 90-minute route feels like
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Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

11.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 big-canoe trip on the Bow River. No paddling experience is needed, and your guide handles navigation while you work as a team. Watch for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, herons, and possibly bears. Guides such as Cam, C.J., John, Jacob, and Nieve have been praised for lively local stories.

“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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Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna - Arriving at Anse-au-Foulon
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Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

12.Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 3 hours · from $182

You’ll learn ice canoeing near Anse-au-Foulon with guides such as Elliot, Paul, Felix, and Pascale. Expect 30 minutes of instruction, about 90 minutes on the St. Lawrence using oars and crampons, hot chocolate on the ice, photos, snacks, and a panoramic sauna afterward. It is safe and welcoming, but physically demanding.

“Julian and team did a wonderful job hosting our family of 5 (including 3 kids) on the ice canoes! Given the timing of the season, we didn’t encounter a lot of ice but had a great time on the water and in the sauna after. A great way to see a different part of Quebec!”

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Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour - Meeting at the pebbled beach beside Canoe Lake
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Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour

13.Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 71 reviews · 6 hours · from $106

Spend six active hours with an English-speaking guide on Algonquin’s Canoe Lake. You’ll learn basic paddling, cross a 300m portage, eat a Henrietta’s Pine Bakery sandwich, swim or cliff jump, and hike to a scenic lookout. Guides such as Diego and Enzo add stories about Tom Thomson, local cabins, plants, and wildlife.

“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!”

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Tadoussac: Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure - Paddling beneath the Saguenay cliffs
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Tadoussac: Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

14.Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 61 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $58

From Anse-de-Roche, you’ll paddle a double kayak along Quebec’s Saguenay Fjord for two to three hours with an English- or French-speaking guide. Expect steep cliffs, quiet water, seabirds, seals, and a possible beluga sighting. Wetsuit, boots, flotation jacket, paddle, and safety gear are included.

“Activity was not bad but not the best kayaking”

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Ottawa: Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings - Meeting Sylvie and getting on the water
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Ottawa: Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

15.Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

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

Paddle the quiet inlets of Grandmaître Ecological Reserve, about 20 kilometers from downtown Ottawa. Sylvie, a French and English speaking guide, explains the area and turtle conservation while helping you spot turtles, herons, muskrats, and other wildlife. Choose a single or double kayak, then visit a small nature exhibit and nearby trails.

“So much fun! Saw lots of Turtles, Muskrats, saw some Herons, and Kingfishers. Great activity to do!”

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