Canada · CANOES & KAYAKS

Top 15 Kayak Trips in Canada

42 tours  ·  from $29 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 kayak trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour - Paddling up the Bow River first
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Banff

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

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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From Toronto: Algonquin Park Canoeing & Hiking Adventure - Meeting at 7 a.m. and leaving 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

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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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - Starting at the Banff Canoe Club
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Banff

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 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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Three Sisters Sea Kayaking Day Tour - The morning at Advocate Harbour
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews

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 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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Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour - Snorkeling with a wetsuit and guide
Boat Tours in Vancouver, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Vancouver

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’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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Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group - Wildlife watching without a script
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Jasper

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 hours paddling calm Pyramid Lake in a 25-foot cedar strip canoe with a local guide such as Mike or Travis. You’ll get safety instruction, warm layers, rain gear, wildlife and Jasper stories, plus a beach stop with hot drinks, fruit, and home-baked treats. Morning and early evening departures are available.

“Went on the morning tour and had a really great time. Mike is lovely, really friendly and knowledgeable, the lake is beautiful and so quiet and peaceful. Really recommend this tour if you're staying in Jasper.”

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River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - The Banff Canoe Club meeting point
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Banff

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 guided paddle on the Bow River. In a big canoe, your group stays together as guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, or Fergus share stories about wildlife, waterways, and Banff’s past. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Great experience, knowledgeable guide and the group effort of rowing was excellent. Very much enjoyed this excursion.”

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Banff: Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour - Learning the paddling rhythm
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Banff, Wildlife & Bear Tours, Wildlife Tours in Banff

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 a professional guide for a 90-minute evening paddle up Banff’s Bow River in a 12-seat canoe. You’ll learn about elk, beavers, eagles, and local conservation while taking in mountain views. Guides such as Cam, Amelia, and Abbey are known for warm, lively commentary. Wildlife is possible, not promised, so come for the river as much as the animals.

“Zoe was a very knowledgeable guide - giving info about the area, wildlife. We saw ospreys and beavers actually transporting branches . Beautiful river surrounded by majestic mountains.”

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Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise– Hike, Canoe or Sightsee - The ride past Vermilion Lakes and Mount Rundle
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking in Canmore, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tours, Lake Louise Tours in Canmore, Tour Reviews, Tours in Canmore

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. 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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Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park - Meeting at Wolf Street and Bow Avenue
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Banff, Wildlife & Bear Tours, Wildlife Tours in Banff

Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

10.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 wildlife outing on the Bow River. You’ll paddle a 12-seat canoe with a guide such as Cam, Nieve, Jacob, C.J., or John, watching for elk, beavers, bald eagles, bears, loons, herons, and ducks. No paddling experience is needed, and the trip returns to its starting point.

“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
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Quebec City

Quebec City: Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

11.Ice Canoeing with Hot Chocolate & Sauna

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

Join guides such as Julien, Paul, Elliott, or Felix for a three-hour ice canoeing outing near Quebec City. You’ll learn to row, push over ice with crampons, pause for hot chocolate on floating ice, and finish in a riverside Nordic sauna. It is scenic, social, and physically demanding.

“Such a fun and challenging experience. The guides were amazing at their jobs and so friendly. So glad we chose to do this tour on our visit to Quebec City. Highly recommend. Would do again for sure.”

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Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour - Learning the basics before leaving shore
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Tour Reviews

Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour

12.Algonquin Park: Guided Canoe Day Tour

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

Spend six active hours on Algonquin’s Canoe Lake with a guide such as Diego or Enzo. Learn basic paddling, cross a 300m portage, eat a sandwich from Henrietta’s Pine Bakery, swim or cliff jump, and hike to a lookout. Expect wet feet, changing weather, and a friendly small-group outing for ages seven and up.

“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 - Getting ready at Anse-de-Roche
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tadoussac

Tadoussac: Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

13.Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

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

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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Ottawa: Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings - Meeting the guide and getting on the water
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

14.Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle Sightings

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

Paddle the calm inlets of Grandmaître Ecological Reserve, about 20 kilometers from downtown Ottawa. Your bilingual guide, often Sylvie, teaches you how to spot turtles and explains local conservation work. The 2 to 3 hour outing includes a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and dry bag, with single and double kayaks available.

“This was one of my highlights of our stay in Ottawa. Sylvie was a fantastic tour guide, from making sure our kayaks where the correct size, and supplying safety vests to showing us the wonderful wildlife. It is an incredibly relaxing spot, but very close to the city. We felt very safe at all times and even though the weather was very hot Sylvie still managed to show us a range of wildlife. Thank you, all 3 of us had a wonderful time.”

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Algonquin Park 3-Day Deluxe Camping & Canoeing Adventure - Fire skills, wildlife lessons, and a serious camp dinner
3-Day Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews

Algonquin Park 3-Day Deluxe Camping & Canoeing Adventure

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

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

Spend three days canoeing into Algonquin Provincial Park with guide Baz or another accredited guide. Your tent, sleeping gear, canoe, meals, and camp equipment are supplied. Expect a 200-meter portage, wildlife walks, campfire cooking, a wilderness sauna, optional cliff jumping, and a sunrise paddle with hot chocolate.

“Experience was awesome! Lots of canoeing, great food, beautiful lakes, sauna was a cool experience too! Baz is a very experienced guide. So down to earth and very knowledgeable! I would definitely recommend.”

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★ 4.5Adult Single Kayak Rental7 reviews
★ 5.0Daily SUP Paddleboard Rentals Package in Metro VancouverFrom $3318 reviews
★ 4.5Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe TourFrom $6913 reviews
★ 5.0Banff National Park- Double Kayak Experience17 reviews
★ 5.03 Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip – Moose & Beaver SafariFrom $55527 reviews
★ 4.6Toronto Islands: Voyageur Canoe TourFrom $3510 reviews
★ 4.7Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Kayaking TourFrom $1299 reviews
★ 4.7Small Grp: Emerald Lake (Optional Canoe) & Takakkaw FallsFrom $8719 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

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