Before visiting the city, I had no idea that it was possible to go canoeing in Toronto! Yes, an island paddling adventure is possible within the city.
So there I was, slowly drifting away from the mainland, with the CN Tower and the rest of the skyline growing smaller in the distance.
Up ahead were the Toronto Harbor Islands, a chain of islands across the harbor from the city. It took less than an hour to go from the heart of the city to what felt like an entirely different world over in the islands.
A handful of companies in Toronto rent out kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards for those who want to get out on the water. Read on for the details about paddling in Toronto!
Canoeing in Toronto: Guided Tours
Illuminated Night Paddle Tour: Why not paddle in the dark, in kayaks that glow in the dark? The tour starts before sunset and ends at night. It runs all year long! Check pricing and availability here.
Toronto Islands Voyageur Canoe Tour: Here’s a 1-hour guided canoe tour in the Toronto Islands that goes past the Bird Sanctuary. Check pricing and availability here.
Toronto Islands Sunset Canoe Tour: Get the coolest views of Toronto at twilight with this 90-minute canoeing tour. Check pricing and availability here.
Kayak, Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard Rental Companies in Toronto
Here’s the latest pricing, as of early 2024. These companies are only open during the warmer months, typically June through September.
Paddle Toronto: Provides rentals, classes, and guided tours for kayaking and canoeing. Their prices start at $50 for a 2-hour kayak rental and $70 for a 2-hour tandem kayak.
Toronto Adventures: Offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided tours. Pricing here is cheaper: just $35 for a two-hour single kayak, $40 for two hours on a stand up paddleboard, and $60 for two hours in a canoe. The difference is that these rentals take place on the Humber River, which is not as scenic as the harbor.
Toronto Island SUP: Specializes in stand up paddleboarding but also has kayak rentals in the Toronto Islands. Both kayaks and paddle boards are just $30 for the first hour and $10 per hour after that. This company also lessons and SUP yoga classes.
Paddle Pirates: Here’s one of the few place to kayak and paddle in Toronto year-round, even during the winter! Paddle Pirates not only has kayaks and paddleboards ($60 for two hours), they also have waterbikes, three-seat kayaks, and “megaboards” that can hold several people.
iPaddle Adventures: iPaddle offers kayaking and SUP, both starting at $30 for one person. They also cater to repeat SUP customers, with discounts for 5- and 10-session packages.
Toronto Beach Kayak: Rentals here are $35 for the first hour, or $55 for two hours. Try a private kayak lesson, starting at $100 CAD.
Canoeing in Toronto: My Tour Details
My tour was part of a group canoeing excursion with Paddle Toronto. Check out their website – they organize group kayak and canoe tours.
In our case, they gathered us together, provided some basic instruction and introduction to the islands (and life jackets), and then we set off together on the journey.
The best thing about canoeing in Toronto is that by paddling to the islands, you can explore crevices along the shores that you could never otherwise get to.
Canoeing in Toronto has another benefit: The great photos! With the CN Tower and several recognizable buildings, Toronto has a very cool skyline. Some of the best pics you can take of the skyline are via the water.
How a Toronto Kayaking Tour Works
Paddle Toronto rents canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards, so guests have several options. If you choose to go with a kayak or canoe tour, you’ll meet up with your group.
You will be given everything you need, including a lifejacket and paddle. Be sure to have some sunscreen, and water and a camera if you desire!
Paddle Toronto also offers lessons. So if you’re not comfortable heading out across the water on your own, go for the lesson instead to keep things simple! They have beginner and intermediate lessons for canoeing and standup paddleboarding.
As of this writing, kayak rentals cost $50 CAD for a single kayak for two hours or $70 for four hours. For a tandem kayak for two people, you’re looking at $70 for two hours or $90 for four hours.
Prefer canoes? A canoe (suitable for two or three people) costs $75 for a two-hour rental, or $95 for four hours. Paddle Toronto opens at noon on weekdays and 10 am on weekends.
Canoeing and kayaking in Toronto are very cool. Here’s a link explaining the history of Toronto Island, how it formed geologically, and the history of development and business on the island.
And here’s a good explanation about the different islands. Toronto is very lucky to have such a great nature area so close to its downtown. Not many big cities have that!
Watch for Wildlife on the Water
Wildlife in the Toronto Island area includes Great Blue Herons, Painted Turtles, Swans, Belted Kingfishers, Beavers, Minks, Muskrats, Great Egrets, Raccoons, Black-Crowned Night Herons, and Double-Crested Cormorants.
To distinguish between the different types of swans: Mute Swans have orange beaks, while Trumpeter Swans have black beaks. Trumpeter Swans are native to Canada, while the Mute Swans were introduced from England.
For more Toronto fun, see the Bata Shoe Museum, the Church & Wellesley LGBTQ neighborhood, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Note: If you’re looking for more fun activities in the area, London, Canada is a two-hour drive west of Toronto. Check out our list of things to do in London, Ontario!
Have you ever done any paddling before?
