Canada · CANOES & KAYAKS

15 Kayak Trips in Canada to Build a Day Around

31 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
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

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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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

6.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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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

7.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

8.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

9.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

10.Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

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

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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Algonquin Park 3-Day Deluxe Camping & Canoeing Adventure - Day one: paddling from Canoe Lake to camp
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Algonquin Park 3-Day Deluxe Camping & Canoeing Adventure

11.Algonquin Park 3-Day Deluxe Camping & Canoeing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $368

Paddle into Algonquin Provincial Park with an English-speaking guide such as Baz, camp beside a lake, and enjoy supplied tents, sleeping gear, meals, wildlife walks, a wilderness sauna, campfires, and a sunrise canoe ride with hot chocolate. Expect real backcountry conditions, bugs, portaging, and weather-dependent wildlife sightings.

“Great experience overall, baz a great guide and we were lucky to share the whole thing with a great group of people. Super organised”

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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise-Hike/Canoe/Sightsee - Leaving Banff or Canmore without the parking headache
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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise-Hike/Canoe/Sightsee

12.Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise-Hike/Canoe/Sightsee

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 9h 30m · from $152

Ride from Banff or Canmore in a small 14-passenger van to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Choose more time at either lake, hike at your own pace, bring a paddle board, or rent a canoe. Guides including Corey, Yannick, Dave, and Mike add local stories and practical trail advice.

“Our guide Leslie was superb. And we were very lucky with the weather.”

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Vancouver: Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure Boat Tour - The first seal site near Pam Rocks
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Vancouver: Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure Boat Tour

13.Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 39 reviews · 5 hours · from $116

From Horseshoe Bay, Sea Dragon Charters takes you to Howe Sound’s Pam Rocks seal colony for guided snorkeling and kayaking. You get a wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, snacks, hot soup, and cold drinks. Choose water activities or stay aboard for sightseeing.

“One of the best experiences I had during my visit to Canada. Everyone was super friendly and professional. I would love to go again one day!”

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Saint John: Guided Kayaking Tour of St. Martins Sea Caves - Paddling beneath the St. Martins Sea Caves
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Saint John: Guided Kayaking Tour of St. Martins Sea Caves

14.Saint John: Guided Kayaking Tour of St. Martins Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 38 reviews · 2 hours · from $74

Join Bay of Fundy Adventures for a small-group kayak trip from St. Martins Harbour to the famous sea caves. Guides such as Mike and Liz teach basic paddling, explain Fundy geology and local history, and help you handle currents along the red-rock coast.

“What a fun way to experience the Bay of Fundy tides! Mike and Liz did a fantastic job showing us the sea caves. They provided high quality equipment (kayaks that tracked well, new high quality spray skirts and paddles, etc.) They covered paddling techniques and safety info so even a beginner could feel confident and comfortable in the water. The scenery was spectacular and our guides gave us interesting information as we paddled. Believe me, if you’re in New Brunswick you definitely want to do a kayak trip with this outfitter. They know the area and can share it with you like only a local could do. Book it. You’ll…”

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Toronto Islands: Sunset Canoe Tour - Climbing into the Voyageur-style canoe
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Toronto Islands: Sunset Canoe Tour

15.Toronto Islands: Sunset Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 38 reviews · from $61

Meet your English-speaking guide by the Centre Island clock tower, then paddle a stable Voyageur-style canoe through lagoons, the Bird Sanctuary, Donout Island, and beneath a 1905 bridge. Alex, Peter, or another certified guide provides instruction and commentary as Toronto’s skyline glows at dusk.

“I cannot endorse this activity enough. We had a fantastic and enthusiastic guide who made it so fun for all of us!!”

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New in Canoes & Kayaks

★ 4.6Toronto Islands: Voyageur Canoe TourFrom $3510 reviews
★ 4.7Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Kayaking TourFrom $1299 reviews
★ 5.0Saint John River: River Relics Kayak TourFrom $837 reviews
★ 5.0Revelstoke: Guided Canoe Tour with SnacksFrom $865 reviews
★ 4.7Sea-Kayaking Tour in Orleans IslandFrom $6515 reviews
★ 4.3Mont-Tremblant: Self guided kayak/paddleboard on Rouge RiverFrom $5116 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching TourFrom $3608 reviews
★ 4.9Moraine Lake (Opt.Canoe) & Lake Louise Small GroupFrom $1088 reviews
★ 5.0Algonquin Park: Deluxe 4-Day/3-night Canoeing/CampingFrom $3215 reviews
★ 4.9Algonquin Park: Canoe Camping SafariFrom $51916 reviews

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