Paddling

Even better, many of these amazing waterways are just a short drive from urban centres, making them perfect for day trips or spontaneous weekend camping or lodge getaways.

It's time to do the things you have been dreaming about. It doesn't matter what you choose—just get out and explore. Plan your Ontario adventure now.

Get inspired

Start dreaming and scheming with these inspiring roundups of the many world-class paddling opportunities Ontario has to offer.

• The Ultimate Ontario Paddling Bucket List
• Where are the Best Lakes in Ontario for Paddling?
• Discover These 9 Enchanting Blue-Water Lakes in Ontario
• Ontario's Best Rivers for Paddling Day Trips
• 11 Must-Do Paddling Day Trips in Ontario Parks
• 8 Sublime Ontario Paddling Hotspots Only Locals Know About
• Discover Ontario’s Least Busy Canoe Routes
• 18 Excellent Alternatives to Algonquin Park
• 5 Best Fishing Destinations in Ontario Only Accessible by Paddle
• 8 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Paddle in Ontario
• 17 Stunning Photos That Will Make You Want to Canoe in Ontario
• 9 Videos That Will Make You Want to Paddle in Ontario

Already know which type of paddling you plan to do? Get specific with our guides geared to each paddlesport.

Canoeing & kayaking

• The Complete Guide to the Best Canoe & Kayak Trips in Ontario
• Discover The Best Places To Go On A Canoe Trip In Ontario
• The Top 10 Types Of Canoe Trips Offered In Ontario
• 11 Of The Best River Canoe Trips In Ontario
• 9 Best Day Trips by Canoe and Kayak in Ontario
• 14 of the Best Places to Kayak in Northern Ontario
• Remote Islands You Can Kayak to in Ontario
• Everything You Need to Know About Fly-in Canoe Trips in Ontario

Paddleboarding

• 13 Spectacular Places to Paddleboard in Ontario This Summer
• 8 of the Best Paddleboard Camping Trips in Ontario
• 10 Enlivening Paddleboard Yoga Clinics & Retreats in Ontario
• 7 Incredible Destinations for Paddleboard Surfing in Ontario

Rafting & tubing

• 11 Best River Floats in Ontario for Lazy Summer Days
• 14 Best River Rafting & Tubing Companies in Ontario

Ontario’s best destinations

Ontario is home to some of the world’s top paddling hotspots. Below is just a sample of the best and most popular paddling destinations in our province.

French River

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning a French River Canoe Trip
• 7 Must-Stay Campsites on the French River
• Paddle the French: A Canadian Heritage River
• Paddling With Ghosts On The French River

Georgian Bay

• Ultimate Guide to Canoeing on Georgian Bay
• 6 Incredible Places to Kayak on Georgian Bay
• Backcountry Camping on Georgian Bay
• Guide to Camping on Philip Edward Island

Killarney

• Your Killarney Canoe Trip Guide
• 10 Sublime Lakes In Killarney Provincial Park
• Killarney Magic: Explore Its Timeless Beauty

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

• Ultimate Guide To Canoe Tripping In Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
• The Canoe Tripper’s Guide to Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
• Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Park: Spectacular Wilderness, Pristine Lakes, Old Growth Forests

Lake Superior

• 7 Dazzling Lakes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
• 7 Enchanting Places to Paddle on Lake Superior
• Guide to Canoe Trips in Lake Superior Provincial Park
• Lake Superior Provincial Park: The Greatest Lake's Greatest Hits
• Kayaking Lake Superior’s Spectacular Water Trail
• Guide to Paddling the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
• Lake Superior: 5 SUP-erior Destinations

Missinaibi

• Ultimate Guide to Paddling the Missinaibi River
• Paddle the Missinaibi: Explore a Canadian Heritage River

Mississagi

• Ultimate Guide to Paddling the Mississagi River
• Mississagi River: A Rugged Landscape of Ancient Hills and Sparkling Waters

Quetico

• Paddling Quetico: Everything You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Quetico’s Best Canoe Trips
• 8 Alluring Lakes in Quetico Provincial Park You Need to Visit

Temagami

• Ultimate Guide to Canoe Tripping in Temagami
• Guide to Planning a Whitewater Canoe Trip on the Temagami River
• 6 Best Canoe Routes in Temagami
• 8 Stunningly Beautiful Lakes in Temagami You Need to Visit

Wabakimi

• Ultimate Guide to Canoeing & Kayaking in Wabakimi
• Wabakimi Wilderness by Train

Woodland Caribou

• Ultimate Guide to Canoe Tripping in Woodland Caribou
• Why You Should Trip in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
• 10 Wondrous Lakes in Woodland Caribou Park

Best of the rest

• Biscotasi Lake Provincial Park
• Bon Echo Provincial Park
• Halfway Lake Provincial Park
• Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
• Magnetawan River
• Mattawa River
• Moose River
• Obabika River Provincial Park
• Restoule Provincial Park
• Solace Provincial Park
• Spanish River
• Steel River
• Sturgeon River Provincial Park

Local paddling guides

Traveling to one of these Ontario cities and towns? Our local guides will help you find everything necessary to book-end your trip with some fantastic paddling.

Lake of the Woods

• 7 Inspiring Places to Paddle Near Lake of the Woods
• 6 Dreamy Places to go Paddleboarding Near Lake of the Woods

North Bay

• 7 Amazing Places to Paddle Near North Bay
• 8 Amazing Places to Paddleboard Near North Bay

Learn more: Explore North Bay

Sault Ste. Marie

• 7 Superb Places to Canoe & Kayak Near Sault Ste. Marie
• 8 Superb Places to go Paddleboarding Near Sault Ste. Marie

Learn more: Explore Sault Ste. Marie

Sudbury

• 9 Enchanting Places to Paddle Near Sudbury

Learn more: Explore Sudbury

Thunder Bay

• 7 Superb Paddling Routes A Stone’s Throw From Thunder Bay

Learn more: Explore Thunder Bay

Timmins

• 7 Awe-Inspiring Places to Paddle Near Timmins
• 8 Idyllic Places to Paddleboard Near Timmins

Learn more: Explore Timmins

Paddling culture

Paddling is about more than dipping your blade into the water—it’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, forge new connections, and learn about our shared history on Ontario’s waterways.

Clubs & events

• Ontario Canoe and Kayak Clubs on Facebook
• Canoe, Kayak, SUP, and Raft Events in Ontario in 2024

Indigenous-led experiences

• Put these Indigenous-Owned Outdoor Adventure Companies in Ontario on Your Bucket List

Learn more: Experience Indigenous Culture

New Canadians

• Canoeing into Canadian Life: A Chinese Family Connects to Their New Homeland

Learn more: Canadian Canoe Culture

Path of the Paddle

• Experience the Best Canoe Tripping in Ontario Along the Path of the Paddle
• Path of the Paddle: The Omimi & Quetico Trails
• Path of the Paddle: The Maukinak Trail
• Path of the Paddle: The Animikii Trail
• Path of the Paddle: The Migizi & Iinoo Oowan Trails
• Mapping the Path of the Paddle

Group of Seven

• Paddling The Painted Landscape

Learn more: Group of Seven

Getting started

Are you a family with young children or a novice paddler just getting your feet wet? It’s important to start with the right information and padding skills to prepare for a safe and enjoyable outing.

Skills & safety

• Canoe, SUP and Kayak Laws in Ontario
• The Complete Guide to the Best Courses to Learn to Canoe and Kayak in Ontario
• How to Level Up Your Paddling Skills this Season
• A Guide to the Best Canoe Maps in Ontario

Kids & families

• 13 Survival Tips for Canoe Tripping with Children
• 7 Best Kid-Friendly Canoe Trips in Ontario
• 10 Easy Canoe Trips in Ontario
• Best All-Inclusive Canoe Trip Packages in Ontario
• Backcountry for Beginners: Grundy Lake Provincial Park
• Charleston Lake: A Perfect Park to Develop Your Backcountry Camping Skills

Rentals

• Where to Find Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Ontario
• Where to Find Paddleboard Rentals in Ontario

Where to stay

• Top 30 Resorts, Wilderness Lodges and Cabin Rentals for Paddlers
• Summer Getaways: 7 Ontario Cottage Vacation Rentals Near Canoe & Kayak Hotspots
• Glamping for Paddlers: Why Not Pamper Yourself?

Learn more:  
Plan Your Summer Trip  
Plan Your Fall Trip  
Where to Eat