Kayaking Ontario: 6 Spectacular Destinations and Rentals
Photo from Needpix
Ontario's stunning scenery and many thrilling activities make it a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy various water sports, from kayaking to stand up paddle board adventures. If you are thinking about visiting an aquatic wonderland, this is the ideal spot to go.
Whatever your experience level, you will maximize your waterfront experience here. This blog will take you on a tour to uncover six incredible kayaking Ontario locations and highlight some of the greatest kayak rentals in Ontario to get you started.
With their gorgeous scenery and distinctive experiences, Ontario's varied waterways are a kayaker's gold mine. Here are our top six picks.
DISCLAIMER:ย 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.
3 Best Places to Kayak in Southern Ontario
Southern Ontario has several gorgeous spots for paddling. Apart from kayaking Grand River Ontario, you must visit these 3 locations to enjoy the area's amazing natural beauty.
Sharon Creek Conservation Area
Located southeast of Delaware, Sharon Creek Conservation Area is an awesome venue for leisure paddlers to have their kayak Ontario trips. Surrounded by an uncommon tallgrass prairie environment and an old-growth forest, the 35.6-hectare reservoir offers a tranquil setting for a day of kayaking.
- Water Type: Calm waters
- Skill Levels: Beginner-friendly
- Launching Points: Designated areas in the conservation area
- Amenities: Picnic areas, mature woodlots, and a small wetland
- Unique Features: Paddling instructions and canoe rentals
Pinery Provincial Park
Transformed into a diversified ecology in the late 1800s, the unique Old Ausable River is located inside Pinery Provincial Park. Donโt miss the chance to kayak Ontario Canada on this slow-moving river and enjoy the stunning sights of the park's diverse animals and the internationally rare Oak Savanna ecosystem.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Slow-moving waters
- Skill Levels: Appropriate for all levels
- Launching Points: Park dock
- Amenities: Campsites, picnic areas, and scenic hiking trails
- Unique Features: Rare species of flora and fauna
Old Ausable Channel
The historic Old Ausable Channel at Grand Bend is a well-known river recognized for its environmental significance. This unique river provides a serene kayaking experience and the area's natural beauty and historical history.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm and shallow waters
- Skill Levels: Appropriate for all levels
- Launching Points: Entry points along the channel
- Amenities: Limited facilities, so get yourself prepared
3 Paradise for Kayaking in Northern Ontario
Traveling north will offer you an exceptional variety of kayaking opportunities in Northern Ontario's scenic environments. Below are 3 great kayak routes Ontario that will show you the finest scenes in Northern Ontario.
Mattawa River
Due to its difficult terrain and historical significance, the Mattawa River has long been used as an explorer and Indigenous peopleโs transit method. As a Canadian Heritage River, it allows Ontario kayak paddlers to see its intact beauty and discover its rich cultural history.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm waters
- Skill Levels: Appropriate for all levels
- Launching Points: Various entry points
- Amenities: Camping facilities at nearby Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
- Unique Features: Guided trips with Aboriginal guides sharing local traditions and culture.
Killarney Provincial Park
One of the destinations for the best kayaking in Ontario is Killarney Provincial Parkโrenowned for its vivid blue waterways and towering quartzite mountains. This makes it a popular kayaking lake Ontario location for skilled paddlers seeking a visually spectacular and unique time on the water.
Photo from Flickr
- Water Type: Clear and vibrant waters
- Skill Levels: Ideal for experienced paddlers (Intermediate to advanced kayakers)
- Launching Points: George Lake Campground
- Amenities: Campgrounds and dining options in the nearby town of Killarney.
French River
The French River, also known as the Canadian Heritage River, provides you with a chance to see breathtaking scenery and a wide variety of species. Navigating this accessible and picturesque river guarantees very unique kayak trips Ontario.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm waters with gentle rapids
- Skill Levels: Appropriate for all levels
- Launching Points: Various entry points
- Amenities: Visitor center, hiking trails, and facilities for day trips
- Unique Features: Opportunities for learning about the river's historical significance
Ideal Kayak Rentals Ontario Options
If you're planning to kayak in Ontario, several watercraft rental and kayak stores Ontario style can cater to your needs. Here are the top 3 rentals you can choose from.
- Algonquin Outfitters
It is a great option inside Algonquin Park for your Ontario kayaking vacation. Double kayaks and leisure kayaks cost CA$ 42.98 per day for hire. Besides renting kayaks, they also help plan trips and rent out safety gear to ensure a safe and fun experience.
- Raw Watersports
RAW Watersports is a great place to rent single and double kayaks in Windsor Essex County; hourly rates start at CA$25. They also give instruction and guided excursions, so it is a great choice to help you explore the beautiful local rivers.
- White Squail
This business is located in central Ontario and offers flexible rates for renting different types of watercraft, such as Ontario canoe and kayak, and inflatable sup board hire. To make your kayaking trip in Ontario even better, they also offer services to transport your equipment and guided tours.
For a more convenient and fun experience, check out the inflatable kayaks from iROCKER. Also, if you already have a stand up paddle board and want to try kayaking, you can use the iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit to switch easily.
Photo from iROCKER
Explore Kayaking in Ontario With iROCKER
Kayaking in Ontario provides amazing chances for adventure and fun. There are lots of places to go, from peaceful rivers to beautiful lakes. Whether you choose a custom iROCKER paddle boardย or rent a kayak, you will make memories that last forever on the water.
As you paddle through calm surroundings, you will see amazing animals, beautiful sights, and the relaxing sound of flowing water. Grab a paddle and start an exciting kayaking Ontario journey now!