Paddle Boarding Kingston: Discover 6 Best Spots and Rental Places

Paddle boarding Kingston is rising in popularity as it offers a variety of wonderful and diverse experiences. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this historic town boasts crystal clear waters, stunning vistas, and calm conditions that even beginner paddle boarders can fall in love with. There are also plenty of areas to quench your thirst for travel alongside paddle boarding spots, including a great collection of waterside restaurants, wineries, biking trails, and museums.

Let’s head on to discover the best spots and rental places in Kingston for your next on-the-board dream adventure.

DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.

Top 6 Best Places for Paddle Boarding Kingston

Locating the ideal paddleboarding Kingston spots is a challenge because there are so many amazing options. Your preference and paddleboarding skill level will determine your preference, but here are the best options for a start.

1. St. Lawrence River

The St. Lawrence River forms part of the border between Canada and the United States.

Source: Flickr

Its mix of calm stretches and challenging rapids, various waterfront activities, and scenic beauties of charming old towns and coves offer a one-of-a-kind paddling experience.

• Skill level: all skill levels
• Access points: Jacques Cartier State Park in Morristown, Parc Marie-Victorin in Quebec City, and Old Port of Montreal
• Type of water: flat water, with some light currents in certain areas
• Best time to paddle board: June-August when the water is warm, but Fall months if you want to whale-watch
• Weather conditions: depending on the areas; some have a cool summer, while others can be quite hot with rough wind
• Rental places: plenty along the St. Lawrence river, including KSF and Crysler Park Marina

2. Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Next up in our paddle boarding Kingston top spots is the popular Rideau Canal in Ottawa. As you glide along this 202-km long UNESCO World Heritage Site in the lush green setting, you can spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife.

Larry Farr - Unsplash

The sights of historic buildings and bridges are also a real feast for the eyes. Paddle the full length of the canal or in sections you love then set up your camp for a good rest.

• Skill level: all skill levels, but more ideal for beginners
• Launch points: there are a good bout of public launch ramps in lock stations and campgrounds
• Type of water: calm and flat water in most sections. Kingston and Ottawa ends are mostly free from rough winds. Colonel By Lake may be a bit rough, and the Upper Brewer Locks may have a bit of traffic
• Best time to paddle board: Summer months are calmer, and weekday mornings are great for avoiding traffic
• Weather conditions: Lots of sunny days with light winds but nothing too extreme
• Rental places: Ahoy Rentals, Pattinson’s Paddles, and Dow’s Lake Pavillion are two popular options, and most marinas and local communities along the canal have supply stores

3. The Kingston Waterfront, NY

The Kingston Waterfront is 8 kilometers of both near-shore calm waters and challenging open water. It’s an excellent spot for paddle boarding in Kingston with natural beauties and a vibrant hub for learning the city's history with museums and historical sites.

• Skill level: depending on the sections, beginner to experienced
• Launch points: Lake Ontario Park, Wolfe Island Ferry Dock, Kingston Point Park, and Rondout Creek
• Type of water: calm and flat in some areas (mostly near the shore), and wavy and choppy in others
• Best time to paddle board: year-round, and early mornings and late evenings are often more peaceful
• Weather conditions: be informed of occasional storms
• Rental places: Ahoy Rentals Kingston, A Day Away Rentals

4. Frontenac Provincial Park, Ontario

There are many amazing adventures you can have in the park, both on your paddle board and on foot. Established in the 1970s, this 5000-acre park offers serene lakes, rugged terrains, lush green forests, and stunning trails that are wonderful for a weekend trip paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, and camping.

• Skill level: all skill levels
• Launch points: Big Salmon Lake or South Otter Lake
• Type of water: clear and calm
• Best time to paddle board: summer is good for paddling in Frontenac. The weather is warm and great for swimming. Remember to avoid mosquito season (late spring)
• Weather conditions: keep an eye out for strong winds and thunderstorms before launching
• Rental places: bring your own board or look for a rental place in the nearby towns

5. Millstone River, NJ

The Millstone flows approximately 62 kilometers through Somerset and Mercer counties before joining the Raritan River in the town of Manville. Its long history and recreational opportunities attract locals as well as visitors year-round.

• Skill level: beginner to intermediate
• Launch points: various points, but most popular is Lake Carnegie or Rocky Hill
• Type of water: calm with gentle and visible waves, but some sections are not recommended for getting into the water
• Best time to paddle board: spring and summer months
• Weather conditions: clear skies with light winds, perfect for intermediate paddle boarders and beginners to practice
• Rental places: Local recreation shops in the area should have paddle boards for rent. You can check with Princeton Canoe and Kayak Rental

6. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario

Home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, Sandbanks Provincial Park is an ideal location for paddle boarding near Kingston. It has 3 beautiful pristine beaches - the famous Dunes beach, Outlet beach, and Lakeshore beach - with easy access points to the water.

• Skill level: all skill levels
• Launch points: the beaches
• Type of water: calm and flat water, but it can get very busy with lots of traffic
• Best time to paddle board: summer months when the weather is warm, and the water is the clearest
• Weather conditions: hot and humid summer, cold winters, and look out for rough winds even on sunny days
• Rental places: there are shops within the park that have all sorts of amenities, from food to gear rental

7. The Thousand Islands

The collection of 1800 islands located on the St. Lawrence River is a unique set of geographical beauties. The islands range from rocky outcrops to inhabited areas with homes and cottages.

Amanda - Unsplash

From luxury resorts to the best mother nature has to offer, the Thousand Islands promise nothing but a wonderful paddleboarding Kingston experience.

• Skill level: all skill levels; beginners can paddle in sheltered coves and bays while experienced paddlers can venture further out in the open waters
• Launch points: the water is accessible by car, boat, and public transport Some common launch points are in Gananoque, Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Boldt Castle
• Type of water: relatively calm, but with how diverse it is, there are areas with currents and waves
• Best time to paddle board: peak season is from July to August when the weather is nicer, but you can enjoy a leisure paddle board adventure in September as well. Avoid crowded hours of late mornings and early afternoons
• Weather conditions: the area is subject to unexpected changes in temperatures and wind conditions, so do your research before launching
• Rental places: check out 1000 Islands Kayaking Co in Gananoque and Ahoy Rentals

Where Can You Rent SUP in Kingston?

Paddle boarding in Kingston is a fantastic experience. Renting a SUP might not be a big deal for experienced paddlers of the area, but for a first timer, there is just one option too many.

Here are some of our suggestions.

• Ahoy Rentals: It’s been a popular name in the paddle-boarding Kingston scene. They have everything from kayaks and paddleboards to bikes and pedal boats. The staff is friendly and knows their stuff, but the choices for paddle boards can be a bit limited during peak season. The price range is from $20 per hour to $60 for a full-day rental.
• Trailhead: Its location is convenient for many paddlers in Kingston. They offer SUP lessons and rentals for newcomers. Their for-sale SUPs tend to be on the pricier side, but the quality and convenience can be worthwhile for some. The price range is from $20 on weekdays to $90 on weekends.
• Boutique de la Baie: They offer a variety of rental services along with SUP in a beautiful bay area. SUPs come in a variety of styles and sizes for different skill levels. Peak seasons may require advance reservations. The price range is from $20/hour to $66/6 hours with the options for lockers and flotation vests.

However, it’s better to have your own SUP. Rental costs add up quickly, and it’s not guaranteed that you can rent the one you want all the time. Having your own paddle board offers more flexibility and freedom of choice.

Check out iROCKER SUPs. There are a wide range of boards, from styles and types to prices.

Safety Tips When Paddle Boarding in Kingston

Having fun paddleboarding requires ensuring safety, just like with any other outdoor sport.

Practicing these safety tips is essential to have a memorable, thrill-filled, and exciting day of paddle boarding in Kingston.

• Always wear a floatation device, even if the water appears flat and current-free
• Make sure to do your research before heading out into the water. There might be high winds and sudden storms that can make paddle boarding dangerous
• Practice gear safety by checking for flaws and any defects - both on your SUP and your clothing - before launching
• Know your waters. This means learning the way of the currents, the temperature, and the behaviors of the currents
• Inform someone of your whereabouts and schedule beforehand when paddle boarding in spots outside the cell coverage area.

Enjoy Paddle Board Journey in Kingston with iROCKER

You’ve got your pick for the best paddle boarding Kingston spot. Now, it’s time to up your game with a great SUP board with iROCKER.

From seasoned to newbies, everyone can have their share of an unforgettable experience in the waters of Kingston with an iROCKER SUP board. They are sturdy and come with dual and triple-layer construction. Plus, there is fast shipping and a flexible return policy, so you can get all you need for a perfect paddle-boarding adventure in Kingston.

For more new and unique paddle boarding spots to launch your next adventure, get Blue Adventures today! Download the app now and paddle your way to unforgettable experiences.

Paddle Boarding Kingston FAQs

An all-round paddle board is a versatile option that works well with the waters of Kingston. It’s stable enough, with great maneuverability and good tracking, for a leisurely glide in the calm water near the shore and an active adventure in the open waters. You can start with a classic BLACKFIN MODEL X or an IROCKER CRUISER.

While they share some key techniques, ocean SUP and lake SUP are not the same. Regardless of whether you’re switching from ocean paddle boarding or not, to get better at lake paddle boarding, you have to understand the environment and get a board that works best for it.

All lakes have their own rules and guidelines. Make sure you adhere to them before engaging. Also, remember to always practice safe paddle boarding.

3. What are other locations to paddle board in Ontario, Canada?

Algonquin Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park are two great destinations for paddle boarding in Ontario, both for beginners and experts.

Jason Ng - Unsplash

The old and famous Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its stunning lakes, such as Lake Opeongo and Cedar Lake. Its calm and serene water makes it a perfect place for peaceful paddle boarding and camping.

Finding a place that can beat Killarney Provincial Park in terms of natural beauty is hard. The park features the famous Killarney Lake, which is surrounded by beautiful pink granite cliffs and offers calm waters for paddle boarding.