Explore Parks Canada one paddle at a time!

Discover the best spots for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), rafting, river canoe, or canoe camping. Lakes, rivers, swamps, bays, oceans: something for all tastes and all levels.

Explore calm waters by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a city lover, you'll find destinations that exceed your expectations and offer unforgettable experiences. From the water, you'll see nature in a new light!

Enjoy a day in the great outdoors in the heart of Montreal as you explore the calm waters of the Lachine Canal, a waterway where past and present meet. Alternatively, head to the Toronto region and visit North America's largest urban park, Rouge National Urban Park, or the Trent-Severn Waterway, a fascinating heritage destination.

For an accessible experience, discover Lake Édouard in La Mauricie National Park, Quebec. This lake has something for everyone, from easy beach access thanks to universal-access mats for people with reduced mobility, a picnic area with specially-adapted tables, and canoe rentals.

Visiting Atlantic Canada? Head to Kejimkujik or Kouchibouguac National Parks, and canoe on the waters where the Mi'kmaq paddled for thousands of years.

Paddle on the clearest waters of the southern Prairies in Manitoba! Take a trip to Riding Mountain National Park and see why Clear Lake lives up to its name. With sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, pure happiness awaits.

Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in the Northwest Territories and travel along the only land route to the Arctic Ocean! Go canoeing in the land of the pingos — strikingly distinctive hills that were once used as observation posts by Inuvialuit travelling in the region. 

No watercraft? No problem!

If you don't have a watercraft, several destinations offer a rental service. Help Parks Canada prevent aquatic invasive species from entering lakes by taking part in free watercraft inspection programs and cleaning your watercraft before it enters the water. 

Navigate Canada's oceans by sea kayak

Take inspiration from Canada's motto: A mari usque ad mare (from coast to coast) to quench your thirst for adventure.

Enjoy a breathtaking experience and paddle the giant Fundy tides in New Brunswick, or explore over 200 km of rugged coastline in Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you're a seasoned paddler, try navigating with the winds, tides and currents in Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec. You might even be lucky enough to spot marine mammals in their habitat and watch their natural behavior.

Cross over to the Pacific Ocean to see the waters of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia. Discover more than 800 islands and islets, explore ancient Haida villages, relax in natural hot springs, or watch some of the 20 species of whales and dolphins who call these waters home. 

Take the plunge and explore the Arctic Ocean side... Why not discover Oliver Bay in Nunavut's Sirmilik National Park, an arctic fjord that leads to Oliver Glacier. Spot whales and seals as they swim in the deep blue ocean, and camp in the heart of the tundra under the midnight sun.

Unsure about travelling solo? Take advantage of a guided trip!

Enjoy unforgettable moments gliding across the crystal-clear waters of Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Make Grande Île your base camp and go paddling through monoliths for the ultimate change of scenery. Paddle at daybreak, sunset, or even at night under the Milky Way, with bioluminescence as your backdrop. Or is it the Gaspé Peninsula that beckons you? Catch the sunset from one of Quebec's most beautiful sandy beaches on a stand-up paddleboard or go kayaking to marvel at an impressive seal haul-out in Forillon.

Leave everyday life in Ontario behind and escape to the islands of Thousand Islands National Park. Enjoy a hassle-free excursion in kayaks with experienced guides, who will take care of the introductory sessions, the equipment – even the refreshments. You'll be fascinated at every turn by sunken ships, iconic windswept pines, and landscapes steeped in First Nations history.

Or maybe you would prefer the Pacific Islands off the coast of British Columbia? The Gulf Islands are among the most beautiful and accessible on the planet. Despite its proximity to civilization, the rest of the world seems a million miles away from Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to spot orcas, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, or otters – all the ingredients for a unique excursion.

Enjoy a one-on-one with nature while canoe camping

Paddle during the day, then set foot ashore to sleep under the stars. Some parks are well-known, must-see destinations such as La Mauricie, Prince Albert, Pukaskwa, Kouchibouguac, Kejimkujik National Parks... but other places are hidden gems! Would you have thought of canoe camping on the Trent-Severn Waterway or on the Rideau Canal in Ontario? You can even treat yourself to a more luxurious night at one of the historic locks in the comfort of a teardrop shaped Ôasis, an oTENTik tent, or historic accommodations.

Let yourself be tempted by exceptional rafting routes or river canoe trips

Combine cultural experience with a whitewater challenge on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. Get your paddles ready for a 10-to-14-day trip on this legendary river runs through Nahanni National Park Reserve, surging over a drop in Nánnilycho (Virginia Falls), snaking through some of the deepest canyons in Canada. Seasoned paddlers should treat themselves to the Triple Header in Nááts'įhch'oh for an exhilarating whitewater adventure or visit Kluane National Park and journey down the Alsek River, a river fed by glacial meltwater from the second highest coastal mountain range in the world. The stretch of river that runs through Kluane is even classified as a Canadian Heritage River because of its exceptional example of the North's natural heritage.

Explore Ivvavik National Park in the Northwest Territories and get involved in conserving Canada's North. Travel down the Firth River with guides from the Canadian River Expeditions and scientists from Parks Canada. Take samples, study bird nests, and checkout surveillance cameras during your 132 km journey through a succession of canyons, ending at the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

Did someone say packrafting? Many intermediate and advanced courses are offered in Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories and in Kluane in Yukon. On your mark, set, go!

Everyone who visits comes home with a different story. Come find out what happens in yours... one paddle stroke at a time! Plan your visit today.