Four people stand up paddle boarding on Lake Superior.

Lake Superior | Destination Ontario

Stand up paddle boarding in Ontario

Four people stand up paddle boarding on Lake Superior.

Lake Superior | Destination Ontario

SUPing involves standing on a surfboard with a long paddle to propel and guide you.

It requires balance and strength, and beginners often find it helpful to start by kneeling on the board. Once you have the confidence and skill, standup paddleboarding is a fun and invigorating way to explore Ontario’s waterways.

Experienced SUPers can simply rent a paddleboard and hit the water. If you’d like more guidance, opt for a rental with an initial instruction session or choose a completely guided experience.

Once you’ve found your footing and balance, get on board with stand up paddling trends like SUP yoga and sunset SUPing.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Naturally Superior Adventures

Perched on the shores of Lake Superior, at the mouth of the Michipicoten River, Rock Island Lodge offers spectacular views of the wild lake and access to the calm waters of the river.

In conjunction with Naturally Superior Adventures, guests can book two-hour lessons covering all the basics plus SUP equipment to enjoy for the rest of the day. The lodge also offers comfy B&B accommodations, a unique Geo Dome shelter and the option to set up tents on the beach.

Ottawa Region

Urban Ocean

Join Urban Ocean for a SUP lesson or a special event, such as a sun-saluting stand up paddle board yoga class in the heart of Ottawa. Strengthen your core and find your zen as dusk colours the heritage sites and parliament buildings around you.

Once you’re limber and relaxed, head up to Copper Spirits & Sights, the rooftop lounge at the Andaz Hotel, for cocktails, snacks and a view of Canada’s capital like no other.

Locations: SUPing on the Ottawa River, Rideau River, Rideau Canal and Mississippi River

Ottawa SUP

Ottawa’s new mobile stand up paddle boarding operator offers lessons and rentals at six different locations across the city.

Services will rotate throughout the summer so check the schedule to see where the nearest SUPing opportunities are for you. Book rentals and lessons in advance online.

Locations: Ottawa locations include Mooneys Bay, Brantwood Park, Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Britannia Beach Petrie Island and Linda Thom Park

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Killarney Outfitters

For those with the skills to paddleboard without a guide, Killarney Outfitters provides SUP equipment rentals in Killarney Provincial Park at George Lake Main Beach or for a delivery fee to access Johnnie Lake, Carlyle Lake or Georgian Bay at the Chikanishing Creek boat launch. Glide along the crystal clear waters and gaze upon the area’s famous pink granite cliffs.

Bring your camping gear and make it an overnight trip. If you’d prefer less rugged lodging, a luxurious waterside stay awaits at the Killarney Mountain Lodge.

For a world-famous taste of Killarney, head to Herbert Fisheries, named one of the best fish and chip restaurants in Canada.

Location: 1076 ON-637, Killarney

Find Your Wild

Choose from half-day fun floats or full-day riverboard adventures from Arrowhead Provincial Park with Find Your Wild. Both trips are fully guided and outfitted, with dry bags, snacks and water provided.

Add a SUPing adventure to your camping or cabin stay in Arrowhead or consider one of the resorts in and around Huntsville, like Deerhurst Resort.

Location: Based in Huntsville

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Deep Roots Adventure

Deep Roots Adventure offers a variety of unique and customized outdoor experiences, as well as watercraft and equipment rentals, in the Haliburton Highlands area.

Arrange half-day, full-day or multi-day stand-up paddle board rentals from the Kingscote Outpost location at Algonquin South Gate.

Location: Based at 4071 Elephant Lake Road, Harcourt

Greater Toronto Area

A man stands beside SUP boards holding two paddles.
Toronto Island SUP | Destination Ontario

Toronto Island SUP

Toronto Island SUP has a SUP board and an adventure waiting for you, from early morning paddle-birding and SUP yoga to Sunset Safaris. 

Just a short paddle from Toronto’s bustling Harbourfront, the Toronto Islands seem like a world away with calm lagoons surrounded by quiet forests and gardens. Paddling the Islands is especially magical at dusk. An LED torch lights the way as you catch glimpses of the illuminated city skyline. 

Location: Meeting spot is on Ward’s Island

iPaddle Adventures

Plan a paddle on Lake Ontario at Woodbine Beach with SUP equipment from iPaddle Adventures.

In addition to rentals, ask about lessons and group classes for boarders of all skill levels. Take part in a guided SUP yoga class, sunset or sunrise paddle or a serene full moon paddle.

To fuel up before or after your paddle, Toronto Beach Club has an amazing upscale brunch or pop over to Inmigrante on Queen Street East for fresh tacos and margaritas.

Location: Kew-Balmy Beach, Toronto

Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA

Run by First Nations sisters, Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA is on a mission to connect people of all nations to the water.

A variety of SUP classes and excursions are offered at downtown Toronto’s waterfront and the Scarborough Bluffs from June to September. There is also the flexibility for private and group events.

Locations:
1575 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
52 Bluffers Park, Scarborough

Niagara Region

Paddle Niagara

West of Toronto, Paddle Niagara offers stand up paddling lessons and rentals as well as sunset and full moon excursions on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

The Socials for Locals events offer paddlers a way to foster a community on the water with a group paddle followed by brunch and beverages.

Round out your trip with an overnight stay at Victorian-era Prince of Wales Hotel or White Oaks Resort & Spa and a winery visit nearby.

Location: Based in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Southeastern Ontario

Ahoy Rentals

The historic St. Lawrence River is a top destination for watersports enthusiasts. From its choppy channels to calmer bays and inlets, this world-famous river is a wonderland for SUP paddlers.

Based out of Kingston, Ahoy Rentals provides individual or group lessons for those who want to improve their paddle boarding skills. SUP and safety equipment rentals are available for paddlers of all skills plus great advice and tips for planning your paddling excursion with suggestions like picnic locations and historic sites to visit.

Great accommodations in Kingston include The Frontenac Club with outstanding views of the river or The Smith Hotel, a new, unconventional boutique hotel full of highly modern suites set in a 19th-century church.

Location: 21 Ontario Street, Kingston

West Lake Water Sports

Add SUPing to the list of activities for your Prince Edward County summer getaway.

Stand up paddle boards are available by the hour, half-day and full-day. The rental office is open from 9:00 a.m. to dusk to take full advantage of the long summer days on the water.

Location: 191 Winns Drive, Picton

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Kawartha Adventure Rentals

The Kawarthas Lakes region is known for its abundance of lakes and rivers, including the heritage Trent Severn Waterway. It’s also popular for camping, cottaging and outdoor recreation, including SUPing.

Kawartha Adventure Rentals provides equipment rentals and a convenient paid delivery and pick-up service at several water access points across the Kawarthas. You can also opt for pick-up and drop-off at their Woodview store.

For a luxurious getaway, book a night at one of the area’s full resorts, like Viamede or Elmhirst's Resort and enjoy a lakeside cottage with farm-to-table dining.

Location: based at 6401 Highway 28, Woodview

Wild Rock Outfitters

Wild Rock Outfitters is an outdoor sporting store in downtown Peterborough that also offers equipment rentals.

Both the sit-in and sit-on-top kayak models for rent are versatile, lightweight, and perfect for a day of paddling on one of the many nearby lakes.

You’ll need to pick it up and drop it off during store hours. Free parking is available.

Location: 169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough

Northwest Ontario

Green Adventures

Explore one of Northern Ontario’s most magnificent lakes on a SUP board.

Green Adventures is a nature-based outdoor tour and equipment rental company on Lake of the Woods. SUP rentals include PFD and a water-proof bag.

Round out your day with a local craft brew from Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. The brewery and taproom are located in a heritage fire hall over 100 years old.

Location: Norman Bay at Lake of the Woods Marina, 625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Free Spirit Tours

Join Free Spirit Tours for a guided stand up paddling adventure on the Nottawasaga River in Wasaga Beach. Start with an intro on the equipment and SUPing instructions before setting out on the river towards Jack’s Jake. Look for swans, osprey, bald eagles, turtles and beavers along the way.

After dark, nearby Blue Mountain Village heats up with vibrant dining, shopping, live music and great accommodations.

Location: Meet at the Wasaga Sports Park at 1888 Klondike Park Road, Wasaga Beach

Blu Wave SUP

One of the best ways to explore the world’s longest freshwater beach is from the water. 

Based in Wasaga Beach, Blu Wave SUP provides stand up paddle boarding rentals, lessons and guided excursions, including SUP yoga, sunset paddles and SUPnSIP social paddles.

Location: 818 Mosley Street, Unit 4, Wasaga Beach

iSUPSaugeen

ISUP is a mobile, eco-therapy outfitting company focused on providing the best inflatable stand up paddle board experiences and adventures in Saugeen Shores and the South Bruce Peninsula.

With health and wellness as a strong driver, iSUP provides private lessons, group lessons, sunset sessions and night-time paddle boarding with LED lit boards.

Location: Bruce and Grey Counties

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Grand River Rafting Company

Get a fresh perspective of the mighty Grand on a stand up paddling excursion with Grand River Rafting Company.

Stand up paddle boarding offers you a higher vantage point from which to gauge the water and see what’s up ahead. Plus you’re rewarded with lovely river and shoreline views.

SUPing lessons are available, as well as four amazing SUPing routes. Ask about camping as an option at the end point of the trip.

Location: Based near Paris with start locations at various sites along the Grand River

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

SurfSup Eco Shop

Well-known in the local surfing community, SurfSup provides hourly surf and stand up paddle board rentals on the coast of Lake Huron.

You’ll also get up-to-date information on water, wind and weather conditions. Gear up with wetsuits, boots and gloves to hit the waves on cooler days.

Location: 80 Courthouse Square, Goderich

Last updated: June 12, 2024

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