Kayaking in Canada: Top Spots for Beginners and Pros Alike

Home to the longest coastline in the world, Canada is most definitely the destination for all kinds of water-related activities. With so many pristine lakes, from East coast to West coast, adventure-loves can indulge in any water activity they like. Canada has over 2 million lakes that you can choose form to do activities like kayaking and canoeing, the two most popular water activities in the country. Learn more about the top spots for kayaking in Canada.

The Best Locations for Kayaking in Canada

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Canada’s oldest provincial park, Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, is the perfect place for kayaking and canoeing. The park itself is huge, spanning 7630 square kilometers, with over 1500 lakes and 1200 kilometers of streams and rivers. You can paddle or canoe as a beginner or pro in these waters. You can be a part of a group and go kayaking or explore the area in the water by yourself.

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Haida Gwaii is one of the best locations for kayaking in the world. What draws even advanced paddlers to this destination is that it is an island that is almost untouched by humans. Kayaking in Haida Gwaii will let you see abundant wildlife, including seals, killer whales, sea lions, black bears, and a variety of sea birds.

The Ottawa River, Ontario

The Ottawa River, Ontario, is a popular location for whitewater kayaking. It’s a famous spot where kayaking pros do flips and tricks in the water. If you are not into this thrilling activity and need something milder, there are so many options for you at this location. You can take a recreational kayak and paddle along the calmer sections of the Ottawa River.

Deep Cove, British Columbia

Deep Cove, in North Vancouver, is where you can experience kayaking not far from the city. Just 17 kilometers from downtown Vancouver, this spot is ideal for paddlers at any level. With its calm and sheltered water, Deep Cove is a perfect spot for beginners to kayak. You can explore the cove on your own or explore the area through a guided Vancouver kayaking tour.

Athabasca River, Alberta

Athabasca River, originating at the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, Alberta, is another perfect spot for kayaking. The river flows for 1231 kilometers up to Lake Athabasca is Saskatchewan. With views of the majestic Rockies and lush forests, kayaking in the Athabasca River makes way for an amazing paddling experience. You can also catch a glimpse of elk, deer, and other wildlife in the surrounding forest.

False Creek – Vancouver, British Columbia

False creek, in Vancouver, lets paddlers have a more suburban kayaking experience. Paddlers are more likely to experience the harbor front lifestyle as opposed to seeing whales and other types of wildlife. However, you can take a break from kayaking whenever you want and enjoy some delicious food and drinks at a nearby restaurant. You can also witness a beautiful urban sunset while paddling at dusk.

The East Coast of Newfoundland

The East Coast of Newfoundland is an untouched area of wilderness that is a beautiful sight to see. Kayaking in these pristine lakes give you 1 different experience out of all. You are exposed to a wide variety of wildlife, including different types of whales like Humpback, Minke, and Finback, and sea birds, and many more. Depending on the time of year you go kayaking, you may even see some icebergs.

Churchill River, Manitoba

Churchill River is a one-of-a-kind kayaking destination that is located in the heart of Canada’s Arctic region. It is no surprise to come across beluga whales at this location. Churchill is also popular as the polar bear capital of the world. Kayaking in the pristine waters of this river gives you the chance to get up and close with amazing wildlife of the region. You also get excellent panoramic views of the surrounding tundra and rugged coastline.

Vargas Island – Tofino, British Columbia

Vargas Island is situated just 3 kilometers off Tofino, in British Columbia. Kayaking in this destination gives you the chance to catch a glimpse of unique wildlife, including coastal wolves and whales. It is the perfect place to do multi-day paddling trips as a highly-experienced sea kayak paddler.

Johnston Strait, British Columbia

Johnston Strait, in British Columbia, is another one of the top places to Kayak in Canada. It stretches about 80 kilometers between the mainland and Vancouver Island. This part could be challenging to paddle. However, the location comes with excellent panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and abundant wildlife. Humpback whales frequent the area in summer along with orcas, dolphins, seals, and sea lions.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise, in Alberta, the jewel of Banff National Park, is an iconic destination famous for its bright turquoise water. A great way to explore the lake and its surrounding landscape is to go kayaking. The iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise operates an onsite boathouse that offers canoe rentals from the end of May up until October 9^th. You can rent a canoe and experience Lake Louise, Banff, and its surroundings in a unique way.

Yukon River, Yukon

Kayaking in the Yukon River, however remote it is, is a rewarding experience. It paves way for some amazing views of majestic mountains, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests. Kayaking the Yukon River might even give you a chance to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights shining in the sky in the Canadian Arctic.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Bay of Fundy, in New Brunswick, is a great place to kayak along some of Canada’s most fascinating coastline. It has the highest tides in the world, with a range of 16 meters. Adding to this, its diverse wildlife and distinctive coastal geology, makes it the ideal location to go kayaking. In Hopewell Rocks Park you can kayak amongst the large sandstone rock formations called flowerpot rocks.

Bonaventure River, Quebec

Bonaventure River, in Quebec, stretches over 128 kilometers and is the river with the clearest waters in North America. It features class I and II rivers for those with different levels of experience in paddling. Peeking from the side of your kayak would give you sights of salmon swimming in the clear water.

Conclusion

Canada’s large number of lakes, spread across every part of the country, makes it the perfect destination for water-related activities. Kayaking and canoeing are among the top water-related activities Canada. These top spots for kayaking in Canada are ideal for both beginners and pros alike.