Stand up paddle boarding in Ontario
Lake Superior | Destination Ontario
As the name implies, SUPing involves standing up on a surfboard with a long paddle to propel and guide you. Safety equipment includes a personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle and a throw rope. The sport requires balance and strength, beginners often find it helpful to start out kneeling on the board. Once you have the confidence and skill, stand up paddling is an invigorating way to explore Ontario’s waterways.
Learn the basics of SUPing on a guided outing. Once you’ve found your footing and balance, get on board with stand up paddling trends like SUP yoga and sunset SUPing.
Grab your board and take a leisurely paddle on these SUP excursions.
Sunset SUP on Lake Superior and Michipicoten River
Perched on the shores of Lake Superior, at the mouth of the Michipicoten River, Rock Island Lodge is treated to the best of both worlds with spectacular views of the wild lake and access to the calm, warm waters of the river.
In conjunction with Naturally Superior Adventures, the lodge offers two-hour lessons covering all the basics, followed by the use of SUP equipment for the rest of the day. There are comfy B&B accommodations at the lodge, a unique Geo Dome shelter or you can set up your tent on the beach.
SUP sunset yoga on the Ottawa River
Join Urban Ocean for a sun-saluting stand-up paddle board yoga class in nature’s water studio, 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 all limber and relaxed, head up to Copper Spirits & Sights, the rooftop lounge at the Andaz Hotel, for cocktails, snacks and a view like no other of Canada’s capital. Urban Ocean also offers a variety of other SUPing experiences.
Georgian Bay SUP training
Located near Parry Sound, Ontario Sea Kayak Centre offers stand up paddle courses and lessons on gorgeous Georgian Bay waters. There’s nothing quite as splendid as the receding rays of sun shimmering on the water all around you.
Wake up to more sparkling views at Harmony Outdoor Inn, a wooded, waterfront glamping resort and B&B oasis.
The annual Women on the Water Festival is a fun weekend (September 8-10, 2023) of kayaking and SUPing instruction for women looking to improve their paddling skills.
SUP tours of Toronto Islands
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. The Islands are especially magical to SUP to at dusk, your way illuminated by an LED Torch Paddle, while catching glimpses of the city skyline.
Toronto Island SUP has a SUP board and an adventure waiting for you. If you crave even more island time, there are a few local B&B’s on Ward’s and Algonquin Islands.
SUP lessons and rentals on Lake of the Woods
Explore the waters of one of Northern Ontario’s most magnificent wilderness lakes on a SUP board. Based on the shores of Lake of the Woods, Green Adventures is a nature-based outdoor tour company founded by Kenora native, Scott Green. SUP rentals and lessons are included in the various adventures offered.
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 firehall over 100 years old.
SUP the shores of Wasaga Beach
One of the best ways to explore the world’s longest freshwater beach is from the water. Free Spirits Tours provides stand up paddle board excursions that offer the ultimate vantage point to enjoy views of Wasaga Beach drenched in the warm hue of summer.
After dark, Blue Mountain Village heats up with vibrant dining, shopping, live music and great accommodations.
Stand up paddle board floats in Muskoka
Choose from half-day fun floats or full-day river board adventures from Arrowhead Provincial Park with Find Your Wild. Both trips are fully guided and outfitted, with drybags, 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.
Connect to the water on Lake Ontario
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.
Grand River SUPing tours
Get a fresh perspective of the mighty Grand stand up paddling with Grand River Rafting Company. Stand up paddling offers you a higher vantage point from which to gauge the water and see what’s up ahead. And you’re rewarded with lovely river and shoreline views. SUPing lessons are available, as well as three amazing SUPing routes. Camping is also an option at the end point of two of the trips.
Last updated: September 14, 2023