Top 8 Kayak Trips in Canada

1.Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

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

Meet your guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute Big Canoe trip on the Bow River. You’ll learn basic paddling, work upstream, then relax on the return while watching for bald eagles, elk, ospreys, loons, geese, and muskrats. Guides such as Abbey, Maddie, Cam, Darby, and Jesse add local stories and good humor.

“Our guide, Ethan, was OUTSTANDING!! He made the experience fun & so memorable!! We could not ask for a better guide. I only gave 4 stars because it was more strenuous than I thought it would be. But still fun & LOVED Ethan!”

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2.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 guides such as Mike, Joe, or Brian, you’ll canoe on Canoe Lake, hike a trail chosen for the group, swim near Popcorn Island when conditions allow, and visit Ragged Falls. The small group is limited to 11 people, but expect about six hours of driving.

“This was a highlight of my trip to Canada! We were lucky that our visit coincided with the height of the autumn colours and the views were just magical. The canoeing and hiking were great fun and Mike answered all our questions and ensured everything ran as planned. 100% recommend!”

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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 Mardi, Abbey, Brie, or Alex, explains canoe skills, wildlife, local history, and First Nations context while you take in the Rockies. The tour suits families and first-time paddlers, though cool weather calls for warm layers.

“Our tour and tour guide, Brie, were both amazing! The tour was well run, and on time. We were given an orientation on critters that live in the area along with safety guidelines and instructions on the proper way to hold a canoe paddle and how to paddle once we were in the water. The canoe ride itself was smooth with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Brie was informative, entertaining and educational. She spoke in a loud clear voice, so we could all hear her very well. She provided many fun facts of the local wildlife and mountain life and made suggestions of places to include in our itinerary.…”

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4.Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour

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

Spend about six hours kayaking from Advocate Harbour along Cape Chignecto’s colorful cliffs. Certified guides such as Ethan and Rashid share local geology, Mi’kmaq stories, ecology, and edible seaweed. You’ll pass through an arch, see the Three Sisters rock spires, and stop for a homemade picnic on a secluded beach.

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

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

From Horseshoe Bay, you’ll cruise to Pam Rocks in Howe Sound to watch harbor seals, snorkel, and kayak in their natural setting. Wetsuits and gear are supplied, and no experience is needed. Guides such as Kevin, Robin, Emma, Erin, and Emily have helped make the trip friendly and well organized, with sightseeing-only places available.

“Amazing experience! We went out on the boat on a sunny day. Stopped at two different seal colonies. The guides were very respectful and showed us how to behave in the water. Not too close to the seals with a good distance and they might come to us by curiosity. Some were curious and played with our fins whilst some of them just swam in the water. It was amazing to see them in their natural habitat. Snacks were provided as well and the guides answered all the questions we had. It really was an amazing experience”

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6.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. Choose more time at either lake, hike to viewpoints such as Lake Agnes Tea House, or rent a canoe at your own cost. A local guide drives a 14-passenger van, shares park and wildlife facts, and handles Moraine Lake access.

“We were driven by Yannick who was the best tour guide we've ever had. He shared information with us with remarkable enthusiasm (despite leading this tour on a daily basis). Super easy to talk to!!! We enjoyed the amazing sunrise after Yannick took us to the viewpoint and previewed the highlights. He left us to enjoy the sunrise and met us back at the van with hot chocolate.”

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7.Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

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

From Anse-de-Roche, you’ll paddle a double kayak through the 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. Wetsuits, boots, flotation jackets, paddles, and safety gear are provided.

“Activity was not bad but not the best kayaking”

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8.Guided Kayaking Tour of St. Martins Sea Caves

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

Launch from St. Martins Harbor and paddle beneath red sea cliffs into the famous St. Martins Sea Caves. Your English-speaking guide provides safety training, gear, geology, and local history. The small group is limited to 12, and the route can include bald eagles, seals, porpoise, covered bridges, fishing boats, and the world’s highest tides.

“It was very rewarding and great learning about the geology of the cliffs and caves. The knowledge of the leaders was great and enjoyable to learn about. We would highly recommend this family and friends and would do this againg ourselves.”

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