Canada · CANOES & KAYAKS

15 Kayak Trips in Canada to Build a Day Around

57 tours  ·  from $29

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 kayak trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour - Why the guide makes or breaks the outing
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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 trip up and back along the Bow River. You’ll paddle a 12-seat Big Canoe with no experience required, watch for elk, bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and muskrats, and hear local stories from guides such as Abbey, Maddie, Cam, and Darby.

“Fun trip with great views. Phone safe (you will not get wet). Some exertion as you paddle upstream, but not too intense. Stephanie is great.”

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From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure - The six-hour drive from Toronto
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From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure

2.Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure

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

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide, often Mike, Joe, or Brian, traveling from Toronto to Algonquin Park. Canoe on Canoe Lake, swim near Popcorn Island, hike scenic trails, visit Ragged Falls, and watch for moose and other wildlife. Expect six hours in the park and six hours on the road.

“Very great Tour and awesome views. Different from what I expected but definitely worth the day.”

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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - The safety briefing makes first-time paddling easier
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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 Banff Adventures at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle on the Bow River. Your English-speaking guide, such as Abbey, Brie, CJ, or Mardi, handles safety, paddling tips, local stories, and wildlife facts. The tour suits families and beginners, with lemonade served afterward.

“Ethan our tour guide was awesome!! We had a great experience and would definitely go again”

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Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour - Starting at Advocate Harbour
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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

Paddle from Advocate Harbour along Cape Chignecto’s colorful cliffs with a certified guide, passing a sea arch and the Three Sisters rock spires. The six-hour private tour includes gear, photos, geology and Mi’kmaq stories, plus a homemade picnic on a secluded beach. Double kayaks only.

“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 - Cruising north through Howe Sound
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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, you cruise to Howe Sound’s Pam Rocks to watch harbor seals, then snorkel and kayak near the colony in provided wetsuits and gear. Guides such as Robin, Emma, Emily, and Erin help you stay safe. You can also remain on the boat and enjoy the views.

“Well organised, very friendly and professional. Knowledgeable guides and skipper. A great half day out for the whole family. Nothing was too much trouble and no experience needed. Even the seals enjoyed it!”

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Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group - The paddle around Pyramid Lake
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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

Spend about three peaceful hours paddling Pyramid Lake from Pyramid Lake Resort in a stable 25-foot cedar strip canoe. Guides such as Mike and Travis share local stories, wildlife tips, and Jasper lore before a beach stop with hot drinks, fruit, and home-baked treats.

“Lovely, clear lake to paddle around. We learned lots about the lake history, animal habits and habitats, and local culture. Very knowledgeable and personable guide. Gorgeous scenery.”

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River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - The return float, when the river takes over
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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. No experience is needed, and guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus add local stories about beavers, mountains, wildlife, and Banff’s waterways. You paddle upstream, then float back.

“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.”

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Banff: Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour - Paddling up the Bow River for 90 minutes
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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 guides such as Cam, Amelia, or Marti for a 90-minute evening paddle from the Banff Canoe Club. You will share a 12-seat canoe, learn about local wildlife and conservation, and look for bald eagles, elk, beavers, muskrats, and osprey.

“It was a fun activity. Didn’t see any wildlife but still fun!”

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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise– Hike, Canoe or Sightsee - Vermilion Lakes and the Bow Valley drive
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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 in a 14-passenger van from Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights. Choose more time at either lake, then hike, rent a canoe, or sightsee independently. Guides such as Corey, Yannick, Lenka, and Radek add local tips along the way.

“The views are amazing! Something you didn’t think existed. Hikes are awesome and well worth the struggle! Our tour guide was awesome.”

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6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - Canoe Lake: reflections, wildlife, and quiet corners
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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 small group at Canoe Lake for up to 16 km of guided paddling, short portages, a lookout hike, wild edible samples, lunch, swimming, and optional cliff jumping. Guides such as Enzo, Andrew, Diego, and Blake lead the route, which suits families with children aged 7 and older.

“A unique experience. Even in the rain, it remains a very pleasant canoe ride. Watch out for mosquitoes. You should definitely not forget to protect yourself. The guide was perfect, very erudite, but also thoughtful when the return started to be more difficult with fatigue. We were 2 people over 60 and people in their 70s still fit.Auto-translated”

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Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - Floating back with time to watch the banks
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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 a guide from the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute paddle upriver and float back on the Bow. You’ll share a 12-seat canoe, learn wildlife etiquette, and look for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, herons, and more. Cam, C.J., John, Jacob, and Nieve have all guided this outing.

“A nice easy paddle upriver and then a leisurely float back down. We were fortunate to see two bears, one chasing the other. We also saw beaver, weasel and ducks. Jacob was great at getting us all working together and was able to keep us entertained as we went along. It was definitely worth the time and money.”

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Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna - The 30-Minute Safety Class
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Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

12.Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

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

Join expert guides for a three-hour ice-canoeing outing on the St. Lawrence River. Learn to row and use crampons to push across ice, pause for hot chocolate, and finish in a riverside sauna. French, English, and Spanish guidance is available.

“Honestly, I never been to Quebec so I just googled online activities to do in Quebec. My husband and I decided to book this ice canoeing tour because we wanted something special for our honeymoon. Turns out, this was the most exciting experience of our trip. I enjoyed everything about this tour. The crew were super professional, helpful and welcoming XD. The view was breathtaking, I was not good at it as it was my first time canoeing but everyone made it so easy for me. The hot chocolate and chocolate cake we had was a big plus. Got pictures taken for my photo album without having to bring my…”

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Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour - Canoe Lake by paddle, not by motor
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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

Paddle Canoe Lake with guides such as Diego or Enzo, cross a short 300m portage, eat a Henrietta’s Pine Bakery sandwich, swim or cliff jump, and hike to a scenic lookout. Expect several hours outdoors, knee-deep water, and gear that may get wet.

“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 - Wildlife to watch for along the route
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Tadoussac: Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

14.Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

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

You’ll launch from Anse-de-Roche for a guided double-kayak trip along the Saguenay Fjord. Expect steep cliffs, quiet water, seabirds, seals, and the chance of belugas. English and French guides lead the outing, with kayaks, wetsuits, boots, and safety gear supplied.

“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 set up
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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

Meet Sylvie and paddle Grandmaître Ecological Reserve near Ottawa, where calm inlets shelter turtles, herons, muskrats, and ducks. You get a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, dry bag, and local tips in English or French. The 2 to 3 hour outing suits beginners and includes time for the Petrie Island exhibit and trails.

“Sylvie was an incredibly good guide and a lovely person. She showed us many turtles and other animals. The tour was a lot of fun and a unique experience in the best weather! We would book again at any time.”

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New in Canoes & Kayaks

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★ 4.5Vancouver Island: Full-Day Kayak Tour from Telegraph CoveFrom $16614 reviews
★ 5.0River Relics Kayaking Adventure23 reviews
★ 4.0Half-Day Orleans Island Small-Group Sea Kayaking TourFrom $5924 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Sea-Kayaking Excursion on St. Lawrence RiverFrom $6615 reviews
★ 4.5Kayak/Paddleboard Rouge River – Self Guided Descent7 reviews
★ 5.0Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE SightingsFrom $6316 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Kayak Tour in Downtown Ottawa and GatineauFrom $966 reviews
★ 5.03-Day Algonquin Park Canoe TripFrom $4938 reviews
★ 5.0Medway Lakes Canoe Trip 3-DayFrom $83112 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak the Bay of Fundy Sea CavesFrom $7620 reviews

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