With a history steeped in fur trading and logging, Canada’s lakes and rivers not only offer a unique perspective of our country’s history, but also of our landscape and wildlife.
This summer, interact with animals, spend time in the outdoors, and gain an understanding of First Nations and early European culture by canoeing, kayaking—or even paddleboarding—one of Canada’s many waterways.
We’ve handpicked the best canoe and kayak tours that you can take in Canada—whether you’re interested in just spending one day on the water, or your entire summer paddling along.
Every year between May and September, a limited number of visitors are permitted to paddle the 10 lakes of Bowron Lake Provincial Park in Northeastern BC. The 116-kilometre circuit includes lakes and rivers, with short portages in between and the Caribou mountains as a backdrop.
There’s no better way to explore the “Canadian Galapagos” than from directly on the water. Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, this area north of Vancouver Island and south of Alaska is popular with kayakers. Ecologically unique, there are plenty of opportunities to see marine animals and visit Haida cultural sites. A number of tour operators exist in the area, offering guided canoe and kayak expeditions.
Only accessible by air, the Wind River is ideal for novice or experienced canoers, since there’s little flat water. The route in northern Canada offers remote wilderness, gentle whitewater, and plenty of opportunities for day hikes in a mountainous landscape.
Many of the islands in this Lake Ontario park are sheltered from the wind with lower speed limits for boats, which makes them ideal for kayak expeditions. In addition to sunken ships and historic castles, the area is rich in First Nations history.
Originally a major fur trading route for the First Nations people, the Athabasca offers hundreds of kilometres of untouched wilderness in northern Alberta. Historical sites dot the riverside, which runs from Athabasca to Hinton. With some rapids throughout, this route is best suited to novice or intermediate paddlers.
Although this area in Quebec offers some of the clearest river water in North America, few people seem to know about it. With opportunities to see plenty of salmon, a trip down the Bonaventure River only takes about five days. CIME Aventures is one of the tour operators that specializes in the area.
Located at the heart of Aulavik National Park of Canada, the Thomsen River is one of the most northerly navigable waterways and is famous amongst canoers. Only accessible by aircraft, the river flows through Banks Island, which is home to muskoxen, white wolves and arctic foxes.
With such a poetic name, it’s difficult to resist the allure of kayaking, canoeing or even stand-up paddleboarding down this stretch of water. With mountain views and calm waters, this is a perfect trip for beginners.
With such a poetic name, it’s difficult to resist the allure of kayaking, canoeing or even stand-up paddleboarding down this stretch of water. With mountain views and calm waters, this is a perfect trip for beginners.
