Canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddling

With over half a million lakes, rivers, waterways and thousands of kilometres of coastline, Ontario is connected by water. Get out and enjoy spectacular canoeing, kayaking and SUPing in one of the world’s greatest freshwater destinations.

Get inspired

Shaping up your paddling or kayaking trip in Ontario? Get inspired by our related articles.

Stand up paddle boarding in Ontario

Grab your board and take a leisurely paddle on these SUP excursions.

Read moreStand up paddle boarding in Ontario

10 iconic rivers to canoe in Ontario

Ontario is a dream destination for avid paddlers looking for wild river action, as well as anyone keen to experience canoeing for the first time.

Read more10 iconic rivers to canoe in Ontario

Guided wilderness paddling with Naturally Superior Adventures

Witness the majesty of Lake Superior for yourself on a fully guided and outfitted wilderness paddling and back country camping adventure.

Read moreGuided wilderness paddling with Naturally Superior Adventures

Find adventure on the Trans Canada Trail

Spending time in nature is the ultimate therapy, which makes the Trans Canada Trail more popular now than ever before.

Read moreFind adventure on the Trans Canada Trail

Beginner’s guide to kayaking in Ontario

Here is an overview of where and when to go kayaking and a list of great guides, outfitters and instructor.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to kayaking in Ontario

Beginner’s guide to surfing in Ontario

Here are some surf shops that’ll set you up with all the gear, accessories, advice and lessons you’ll need to catch your first-ever Great Lakes waves.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to surfing in Ontario

Beginner’s guide to canoeing in Ontario

Find some of the best places and seasons for beginners to canoe and get an overview of what you’ll need to get started.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to canoeing in Ontario

Francophone outdoor activities

Experience Ontario’s wilderness playground, filled with all kinds of Francophone outdoor activities and attractions.

Read moreFrancophone outdoor activities

Three kayak day trips near the Blues Highway 61

Discover the amazing kayaking routes just off the famous Highway 61 close enough to Thunder Bay to do in a day.

Read more Three kayak day trips near the Blues Highway 61

Kayaking the 1000 Islands

Explore Ontario’s 1000 Islands by Kayak and learn about the area’s Indigenous past.

Read moreKayaking the 1000 Islands

Group of Seven inspired paddling trips

Explore Ontario’s gorgeous landscapes made famous by the Group of Seven by canoe and kayak.

Read moreGroup of Seven inspired paddling trips

Best Ontario Parks to visit this fall

During the autumn season, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to these parks to witness the breathtaking beauty of vibrant fall colour.

Read moreBest Ontario Parks to visit this fall

Guide to scuba diving in Ontario

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid diver, you’ll love the unique scuba diving experiences in Ontario.

Read moreGuide to scuba diving in Ontario

Outfitters and equipment rentals for Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

Here is a handy list of some of the great outfitters and equipment rental companies in or close to key parks in Ontario.

Read moreOutfitters and equipment rentals for Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

Where to go river tubing in Ontario

What better way to beat the heat and have a blast with your kids than by floating down a scenic river in an inner tube.

Read moreWhere to go river tubing in Ontario

Specific spots

Ready to dive into a specific spot known for paddling and kayaking? Here are some related things to do.

Wilderness Tours

Wilderness Tours is Canada’s largest whitewater rafting and adventure resort company as well as the Ottawa River’s oldest and first rafting company.

Read more Wilderness Tours

Killbear Provincial Park

Killbear Provincial Park’s proximity to Toronto, only three hours away, has made the park extremely popular with visitors from around the world...

Read more Killbear Provincial Park

Kelso Conservation Area

Kelso Conservation Area is 3 square km outdoor recreation park set along the rocky Niagara Escarpment that packs in a lot of outdoor fun. With...

Read more Kelso Conservation Area

Port Stanley Beach

Port Stanley Beach is the heart of the quaint town of Port Stanley in the Municipality of Central Elgin in Southwest Ontario. The beautiful beach...

Read more Port Stanley Beach

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Discover Bon Echo Provincial Park, home to such wonders as Mazinaw Lake (the 7th deepest lake in Ontario) and the hundreds of Indigenous...

Read more Bon Echo Provincial Park

Lake Wilcox Park

Lake Wilcox Park features the city of Richmond Hill’s largest body of water, Wilcox Lake. The park and lake offer various outdoor recreational...

Read more Lake Wilcox Park

Algonquin Outfitters

Algonquin Outfitters is an outdoor adventure company and store that takes you into the wilderness or equips you to get there on your own. The...

Read more Algonquin Outfitters

Frontenac Provincial Park

Where the wilderness meets the lakes, Frontenac Provincial Park in southern Ontario is filled with incredible scenery and wildlife, back-country...

Read more Frontenac Provincial Park

Last updated: January 6, 2023

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