Kayak Edmonton: Guide to Paddling, Renting, and 9 Best Spots
Photo from Pixabay
Nestled along the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta, Edmonton has become a thriving city with an ambiance perfect for kayaking. It's a great combination with over 160 kilometers of trails and nearby Elk Island National Park for water sports-loving people, while many highly recommended kayak and canoe rental spots can be found in this city.
Let’s find out why you must have a kayak Edmonton journey.
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a kayak location, ensure that the location still allows for kayaking and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
What’s So Special About Edmonton?
The vibrant capital of Alberta, Edmonton, is a city that overflows with exciting activities and invigorates, both physically and culturally. Among the myriad, great draws to the fantastic Northern Lights and multiple festivals held annually; Edmonton is a city that celebrates both nature and culture's beauty.
Besides swimming, this lovely river city offers opportunities to experience kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding for ultimate fun in its beautiful waters.
Top 9 Unforgettable Destinations for Kayaking Edmonton
Here are 9 top Edmonton kayaking locations that paddle lovers should give a try.
1. North Saskatchewan River
North Saskatchewan River runs right through Edmonton City, offering a pretty breathtaking view for outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Straightforward rapids
- Skill Levels: Recommended for intermediate to advanced levels
- Launching Points: Whitemud Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park/Buena Vista Park, Dawson Park
- Amenities: Clean piers and fishing points
- Unique Features/Activities: The nearby Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, and John Janzen Nature Centre provide experiences about area history, nature, and wildlife
2. Astotin Lake
The lake is located in Elk Island National Park 63 kilometer east of Edmonton. You will find the lake's serene coves and gorgeous wooded islands ideal for your inflatable paddle board or kayak exploration.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Gentle waters
- Skill Levels: Suitable for children in shallow areas, ideal for beginning to intermediate paddlers.
- Launching Points: Elk Island National Park
Notes: Be cautious of potential blue-green algae in summer
3. Telford Lake
About 36 kilometers south of Edmonton, Telford Lake is a popular destination for kayaking Edmonton as it is close to the capital, especially as it usually melts the ice before other nearby lakes.
Photo from Flickr
- Water Type: Calm waters
- Skill Levels: Best for beginners
- Launching Points: Leduc Boat Club
- Amenities: Races and paddling programs
- Unique Features/Activities: Watch dragon boat races and go birding.
Notes: Swimming is not advised because of leeches and other critters.
4. Pigeon Lake
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, located southwest of Edmonton, offers a wide range of year-round kayaking activities. You can also have a fishing kayak Edmonton trip here. Hiking, camping, and sailing are also popular.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Varied, including a few shallow spots. Be cautious while paddling close to the little rock island
- Skill Levels: Suitable for novice to intermediate paddlers
- Launching Points: Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
- Amenities: Kayak and boat rentals
- Unique Features/Activities: Visit the neighboring public and private beaches, such as Ma-Me-O Beach and Sundance Beach.
5. Big Lake and the Sturgeon River
Big Lake is located in St. Albert, approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Edmonton. The shoreline offers great access to the Sturgeon River—a great place to enjoy a quiet kayak Edmonton paddle.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Usually tranquil with mild current
- Skill Levels: Suitable for novice to advanced paddlers
- Launching Points: Downtown St. Albert, Riel Recreation Park
- Amenities: Kayak rentals with paddling tutorials
Notes: In the summer, low water levels can make paddling difficult.
6. Islet Lake
Islet Lake is renowned for its serene surroundings and abundant animals. This little lake is ideal for spending a day on your kayak or stand up paddle board due to its verdant woodlands and multiple islands that provide a peaceful environment.
- Water Type: Tranquil water
- Skill Levels: Ideal for beginning to intermediate paddlers
- Launching Points: Around 110 meters from the parking lot
- Amenities: Water pumps, picnic tables, fire pits, and outhouses at the staging area
- Unique Features/Activities: 200 bird species and muskrats, motorized boats are not allowed.
7. Black Nugget Lake
Black Nugget Lake is a lesser-known location for kayaking. Around 89 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, this lake offers a more intimate kayaking experience with its winding rivers and quiet corners.
- Water Type: Usually tranquil, occasionally weedy and algae-filled, protected from strong winds
- Skill Levels: Suitable for beginners to advanced paddlers
- Launching Points: Black Nugget Lake Campground
- Amenities: Cookhouses, picnic shelters, and a guest boat launch at the campground
- Unique Features/Activities: Perfect for birdwatching and camping
8. Muir Lake
Quiet Muir Lake lies about 40 kilometers west of Edmonton and is a true sanctuary for lovers of wildlife, especially paddlers, birdwatchers, and fishermen.
Photo from Flickr
- Water Type: Usually calm and clear
- Skill Levels: Perfect for paddlers of all levels
- Launching Points: Launching point and dock near the lake
- Unique Features/Activities: Go birdwatching while kayaking
9. Hastings Lake
Hastings Lake is an ideal location for kayakers seeking a quiet getaway in the middle of nature. It is located about 46 kilometers east of Edmonton. Split into two halves connected by a little channel, the northeast basin is more popular.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Usually calm, but the connecting channel might be clogged and shallow
- Skill Levels: Appropriate for beginners to advanced paddlers
- Launching Points: Range Road 203 and Range Road 204
- Amenities: Limited facilities
- Unique Features/Activities: See beavers, muskrats, and a variety of ducks
Popular Edmonton Kayak Rentals
Rent kayak Edmonton and enjoy the freedom of exploring the water at your own pace!
- Rural River Rentals Ltd.
This business rents out different kinds of kayaks and SUPs. You can have a single kayak rental Edmonton option for $65 per day with reservations. Also, they provide guided excursions to picturesque locations, including the North Saskatchewan River.
- Get Fit Rentals
This rental company specializes in high-performance SUPs and inflatable kayak Edmonton versions. Kayak rentals begin at $60 per day with exceptional customer service.
- Glow Flow Kayaks
This company offers a glow in the dark kayak Edmonton experience for $50 per hour per kayak. With guided tours and Bluetooth speakers, you will have a special evening trip.
To enhance your comfort level, consider getting an iROCKER Inflatable Kayak.
Edmonton Kayak Store Options
Are you ready to take a dip in the water? Check out the best kayak stores Edmonton for top-notch kayaks and service!
- iROCKER
Our specialty is inflatable paddle boards and kayaks for fishing and leisure use. Paddling accessories are also available to enhance your water adventure's convenience.
If you already possess a paddle board and want to go kayaking, the iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit can help you convert it.
- AQ Outdoors
Located in Calgary and Edmonton, AQ Outdoors sells a range of watercraft, including leisure and whitewater kayaks. In addition, they provide excursions with rentals, courses, and kayak lessons Edmonton.
- Ocean Sports
Edmonton kayaks and accessories are available from Calgary-based Ocean Sports. They also offer gear services and rentals.
Additional Outdoor Activities in Edmonton and Nearby
Apart from kayaking, Edmonton provides an array of outdoor pursuits rich in the area's scenic splendor and vibrant culture.
- Go cycling in Edmonton
Discover more than 160 kilometers of charming routes and unpaved paths inside Edmonton's stunning river-valley park system.
- Go hiking in Elk Island National Park
Hikers love Elk Island National Park. Why not stroll along peaceful trails? You will see different animals and inhale the park's lovely atmosphere while observing the stunning landscape.
- Take part in Edmonton Festivals
There are a lot of festivities going on in Edmonton. You can enjoy the exciting atmosphere during the International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Folk Festival, not to mention many other music, art, and cultural events.
Ready for Your Kayak Edmonton Adventure?
There are many opportunities and amazing destinations for you to enjoy kayaking in Edmonton. To improve your experience, choose iROCKER's inflatable kayak designed for simplicity and portability. Its spacious design and easy use make it perfect for you to kayak Edmonton waters.
Plan your kayak trip today to experience Edmonton's allure from the water!
