16 Best Islands In The World For Kayaking

Islands hold special appeal for paddlers. The best islands in the world for kayaking are alluring for their remoteness, great beaches, humbling headlands, unique wildlife and so much more. The mere sight of an island on a map—or, better yet, an island viewed across a watery expanse—leads us to dream and wonder what’s there.

Besides the tangible attractions, there’s simply something special about paddling a complete circle and the sense of fulfillment when you get back to where you started. This global list represents a mere fraction of the best islands for kayaking. It’s a place to get started, and a place to realize there’s never enough time to experience them all.

an overturned canoe sits on the bank at a campsite under a vivid night sky with northern lights

14 Magical Places To Paddle & See The Northern Lights

view of Philip Edward Island in Ontario — Photo: Ryan Hodnett/Wikimedia Commons

1 Philip Edward Island, Ontario

Located on the doorstep of Ontario’s beloved Killarney Provincial Park, Philip Edward Island is a classic Georgian Bay sea kayaking destination with a wide range of paddling options. Most trips begin from the Chikanishing River, where you will need an Ontario Parks permit to park your vehicle (backcountry camping permits are not required) at the launch.

It’s possible to explore the western edge of Philip Edward on a day trip, but watch the weather carefully to safely navigate stretches of open water. Better if you can set aside four to six days for a wilderness kayak trip to experience all of Philip Edward Island by paddling about 50 miles around its perimeter—an ideal Great Lakes sea kayaking trip for intermediate paddlers. Along the way you’ll experience countless glacier-polished offshore islands, reedy dead-end channels rich with fish, amphibians, birds and wildlife, amazing camping and more. Nearby Point Grondine Park, managed by local Indigenous people, offers a unique perspective on this ancient place.

an island in the Great Lakes — Photo: Ryan Hodnett/Wikimedia Commons

2 Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, Ontario

An archipelago of more than 600 islands stretches from the Sibley Peninsula (aka the Sleeping Giant), east of Thunder Bay, to the Slate Islands in northern Lake Superior. Known as the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, this is the largest expanse of protected freshwater in the world. You couldn’t imagine a better destination for sea kayaking.

Touring options range from novice-friendly day trips in the sheltered islands off the quaint village of Rossport; to multiday trips among the Slate Islands, a group of islands located about seven miles offshore that were created by an ancient meteor impact and feature unique geology, great fishing and a population of woodland caribou; to a wilderness expedition for experienced kayakers involving a 75-mile journey from Sibley to Rossport that includes many open water crossings, rugged scenery and outstanding solitude. All-inclusive guided tours are available in all cases.

a lighthouse on Grand Island in Michigan — Photo: Thomas K/Pexels

3 Grand Island, Michigan

Located on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Grand Island lives up to its name with great beaches, sea caves and backcountry campsites for weekend sea kayaking trips. Access the island from the community of Munising, located on highway M-28. It’s a short ferry ride to the island or a moderate crossing for experienced sea kayakers—just be sure to check the weather in advance. There are 21 designated campsites on the island, with reservations required between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Local outfitters offer guided day and overnight kayak trips to Grand Island.

Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island — Photo: Lesly Derksen/Unsplash

4 Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island is an iconic sea kayaking destination on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. With over 750 miles of coastline, the island features a little (or more accurately, a lot) of everything, including endless beaches and rugged headlands on the exposed west side, and tide-washed channels on the east side, which is part of the Inside Passage. The island is accessible by ferry, serviced by BC Ferries, or by air.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced paddler, it’s hard to find a better introduction to Vancouver Island than Clayoquot Sound. This large, island-choked bay on the west side of the island has great options for day trips to old-growth cedar forests and multiday expeditions to remote surf-washed beaches, headlands and hot springs. The community of Tofino is the gateway to Clayoquot Sound, and is home to several sea kayak outfitters.

Buildings sit on a rocky spit on Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick — Photo: Graham Hobster/Pixabay

5 Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick

Located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick’s Grand Manan Island provides a unique perspective on one of the most dynamic marine environments in the world. An abundance of zooplankton forms the foundation of the food web, attracting four species of whales (including the exceedingly rare North Atlantic right whale), porpoises, dolphins, seals and more. Along the shoreline and above the water, bird-watchers can revel in adding many species of seabirds to their life list.

Of course, it’s all better from a kayak—and local tourism operators offer guided kayak trips at Grand Manan Island. The island is accessed by ferry, with plenty of options for accommodations and great food when you arrive.

view from the Prince of Wales Island in Alaska's Panhandle — Photo: Bradley Morris/Unsplash

6 Panhandle Islands, Alaska

A cluster of mountainous, fjord-carved islands in the Alaskan Panhandle makes up the north end of the Inside Passage. The towns of Juneau and Haines are gateways for experienced sea kayakers to encounter the misty passages, monstrous glaciers, majestic forests and incredible marine life of Chichagof and Admiralty islands. Farther south, the communities of Ketchikan and Sitka are starting points to explore Prince of Wales Island and Tongass National Forest. The Alaska kayak route options are practically endless, ranging from day trips to all-inclusive, guided adventures to epic wilderness expeditions.

7 Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is located near the border of South Carolina and Georgia, part of a sandy delta formed at the mouths of the Bull River and Tybee Creek, close to the city of Savannah. Tybee is a renowned winter destination for sea kayakers looking to develop their skills in rough, yet warm, waters, including surf and tidal currents. Outfitters provide rentals and certified instruction, as well as guided trips, to help you learn more about this unique coastal environment.

a view of the San Juan Islands in Washington State — Photo: E Thorsen/Pixabay

8 San Juan Islands, Washington

Washington’s San Juan Islands make up the southern end of the Inside Passage. The San Juans are noted for their temperate climate and moderate precipitation, offering a distinctive Mediterranean feel in the Pacific Northwest. Besides lush forests of unique arbutus trees, shell beaches and a laid-back vibe, the area is also home to seals and orca whales. Guided sea kayaking day trips and overnight adventures are available for novices and families.

clear waters in the Florida Keys — Photo: Charles Jackson/Unsplash

9 Florida Keys

Dry Tortugas National Park is an amazing place to kayak at the tip of Florida. Part of the famous Florida Keys, about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas offers camping options on Garden Key, great paddling opportunities, world-class snorkeling, a historic fort and some of the best beaches in America. This marine park consists of seven magical islands, surrounded by aquamarine waters, incredible coral reefs and colorful fish.

Turquoise waters and white sand meet on Carmen Island in Baja — Photo: Wilfredo Rodriguez/Wikimedia Commons

10 Carmen Island, Baja

Carmen Island is located in the heart of Mexico’s Loreto Bay Marine Park, in the Sea of Cortez. Warm water, great beaches, and an incredible contrast of marine and desert ecosystems define a Baja sea kayaking trip. Paddlers may encounter plenty of wildlife in the sea and on land, including dolphins, blue whales, sea turtles and bighorn sheep. The shoreline is a stunning mix of beaches, sea caves and cliffs. Maximize your experience of this rich area—and simplify the logistics—by signing up for a guided trip.

huts and water walkways at Glover's Reef in Belize — Photo: Kimon Berlin/Wikimedia Commons

11 Glover’s Reef, Belize

Belize is a kayaker’s dream, with over 450 islands, known as “cays,” pinpricking the Great Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea. Glover’s Reef is one of Belize’s best places to kayak, providing amazing options for kayak tours to explore other cays and short paddles to access world-class snorkeling sites. With incredible clear water, fantastic marine life and friendly people (including outfitters and guides), paddlers would be hard-pressed to find a better destination than Belize for a winter trip.

Turquoise waters of Exuma Cays in Bahamas — Photo: Nick Rickert/Unsplash

12 Exuma Cays, Bahamas

The Exuma Cays are made up of 365 islands and cays of various sizes, from tiny sand spits to Great Exuma, a strip of limestone and sand measuring about 40 miles in length. With so many islands to explore, each with its own charm, there’s plenty of variety when it comes to Bahamas kayaking. You can travel with a guide or rent from a local outfitter to plan island kayak trips with a mix of camping and lodge accommodations. The Bahamas are an ideal destination if you’re looking to combine paddling with snorkeling and time on some of the best beaches in the world.

Steep fjord walls of Svalbard, Norway — Photo: Håkon Grimsted/Unsplash

13 Svalbard, Norway

There aren’t many islands more remote than Svalbard, which translates from old Norse to “cold edge”—an apt name for a place of polar bears, pack ice and midnight sun. This Norwegian archipelago rises from the Atlantic north of 71 degrees latitude, featuring a rugged shoreline of barren rocks rising to jagged peaks. Svalbard is a bucket-list destination for paddlers who love to see the world from a kayak. You’ll definitely want to sign up for a guided trip to experience these polar waters, and kayaking features prominently on several adventure cruise options.

colourful waters of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand — Feature photo: Lesly Derksen/Unsplash

14 Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park is located at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island—a bucket-list destination for adventurers of all types. Abel Tasman features some of New Zealand’s best kayaking, with expansive beaches and an incredible coastline that’s serviced by water taxis to allow DIY paddlers the opportunity to customize their own kayak trips, ranging from hours to days on the water.

Plenty of options for guided kayak trips in Abel Tasman are available as well, making the area suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Besides kayaking, the park is a biodiversity hot spot with a rich array of seabirds (including little blue penguins—the world’s smallest species of penguin) and lush, tropical flora.

View of the Tasman Peninsula on Tasmania, Australia — Photo: JJ Harrison/Wikimedia Commons

15 Tasman Peninsula, Australia

The Australian state of Tasmania provides a stark contrast of rocky cliffs and fine-sand beaches, especially on the Tasman Peninsula. This is truly a life-list destination for sea kayakers, with amazing paddling and the opportunity to see migrating humpback and southern right whales throughout the austral summer. Various options are available for guided day trips and luxurious multiday adventures.

beach view of the Yasawa Islands in Fiji — Photo: Max Antonov/Unsplash

16 Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Home to the famous Blue Lagoon, the Yasawa Islands capture just about everything you’d expect from Fiji: 20 paradisiacal islands with palm-clad beaches, cerulean waters, incredible fish and wildlife below and above the sea, and friendly communities that live the wonder of “island time.” Paddling options range from resort-based day trips for recreational kayakers to expeditions with island-to-island crossings, up to 10 days in length.

Feature photo: Lesly Derksen/Unsplash

The Robots Are Coming For Your Rental Business

KAYAKOMAT, a subsidiary of Swedish kayak maker Point 65, has already dispensed 75,000 kayak and SUP rentals from automated kiosks this year, making it the biggest paddling livery on the planet.

So if you were wondering if the robots might one day take over the paddling business, maybe they already have.

First Canadian Self-Serve Kayak & SUP Rental Stations Open

The robots are coming for your rental business

“Having started KAYAKOMAT in 2021, we currently have about 250 stations in operation in eight countries, growing at a pace of three to six stations per week,” says Richard Öhman, Point 65 CEO and founder of KAYAKOMAT. “We expect to pass 600 stations this time next year.” While most of those stations are in Europe, Öhman’s robotic minions established a beachhead in Canada last summer, and if all goes to plan they’ll land on U.S. shores next year.

a woman rents a kayak from an automated Kayakomat stand — Kayak rental: there’s an app for that. | Feature photo: Kayakomat

Automated kayak and SUP rentals are already common in some parts of the United States. Upstate Kayak Rentals has a dozen automated locations in New York. PADL has 50 SUP vending stations across Florida. Rent.Fun has 41 automated kayak rental stands throughout the United States. But while KAYAKOMAT is already the world’s biggest paddlesports rental company, its American competition has a distinct side-hustle vibe. Take Whenever Watersports, whose motto is “Making watersports more accessible, one kiosk at a time.” So far they’re up to two.

How the service works

Still, there’s no denying the appeal of self-serve paddling kiosks. City, state and provincial parks in particular love the idea of providing a new recreational amenity with little to no staff involvement. That’s a big part of the pitch to investors, too. None of the 12 KAYAKOMAT affiliates in Canada owns the prime waterfront land where their kiosks are located. Instead they partner with parks or private campgrounds. Most don’t even pay rent, says Tim Rosadiuk, a Point 65 dealer in Alberta who manages KAYAKOMAT’s Canadian operations.

KAYAKOMAT is unique in that it supplies everything—the kiosks, phone app and technical support, plus boats and gear—to affiliate partners. The company’s Canadian affiliates pay a one-time fee of $6,000 Canadian ($4,500 USD) and purchase the kiosk for $3,600 Canadian ($2,700 USD). Operating costs come to about $15,000 Canadian ($11,300 USD) per year, including access to the smart lock system and smartphone enabled booking app, a quiver of 12 Point 65 kayaks or SUPs, and insurance purchased from a third-party provider.

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all Point 65 kayaks ]

There’s no line item for labor, of course. The robots handle that, with a little help from the human affiliate, who should plan to spend about four to eight hours a week wiping down kayaks, swabbing the kiosk and dealing with tech-challenged customers on the phone.

Rosadiuk purchases the boats wholesale from Point 65, then sells them to a third-party company that leases them to the affiliates. Affiliates get four brand-new boats from Point 65 each season (they pay shipping), and the used boats are sold into the local market with the proceeds split 50-50 between Rosadiuk and the operator. It’s kind of like credit default swaps, in the sense that nobody needs to understand exactly how it works as long as they’re all making money. And so far, they are. Rosadiuk says affiliates can expect to gross $20,000 to $40,000 Canadian ($15,000–$30,000 USD) per year.

Öhman says U.S. affiliates should expect a similar arrangement, though likely without a leasing company in the middle: An entrance fee of $5,000, monthly fees of $250 for software and $300 for hardware including boats, gear and smart locks, and insurance sold separately.

Self-serve shortcomings

So what’s not to like?

one solo kayak and one tandem kayak paddling on flat water

6 Questions To Ask Before Your Next Kayak Rental

Start with safety, says Teresa Patterson, a kayak guide and livery manager in Fort Worth, Texas. “When we get our insurance, we have to be rescue trained. We have to verify we have the right number and size of life vests, and we have to verify we’re not going to put anybody on the water in questionable conditions,” she says. “All that goes out the window with these kiosks.”

Labor savings and free rent may give automated kiosks a big financial edge, Patterson says, but the humans still have one ace up their sleeves. “They absolutely can undercut us, but we make up for that in service. We’re going to make sure you feel protected and safe and completely catered to.”

That’s one thing the machines can’t do. Yet.

Paddling Business cover mockup This article was first published in the 2024 issue of Paddling Business. Inside you’ll find the year’s hottest gear for canoeing, kayaking, whitewater and paddleboarding. Plus: how to beat the big box, forty years in the Four Corners, building the Paddlesports Trade Coalition and more. READ IT NOW »

Kayak rental: there’s an app for that. | Feature photo: Kayakomat

First Look: Aqua Bound’s New Aerial Paddles (Video)

Aqua Bound’s latest innovation is the Aerial paddle lineup, featuring Lam-Lok technology. This new development uses aramid thread to mechanically bond the paddle’s laminated blade layers, significantly boosting resistance to impact, abrasion and delamination, extending the paddle’s lifespan.

2024 Paddling Magazine Industry Awards: Winners Announced

First look: Aqua Bound’s new Aerial paddles

The Aerial lineup was released in the fall of 2023, and the Paddling Magazine team recently caught up with Brian Boyea, VP of Sales at Aqua Bound and Bending Branches, to learn more about the new technology.

Aqua Bound

Aerial Major Carbon

Experience unmatched durability with Lam-Lok™ U.S. Patent Pending technology. Lam-Lok™ mechanically bonds blade layers together with an aramid reinforcement. Significantly prolongs the paddle's life by resisting delamination, abrasion and impact. Carbon blades have a wide, flattened foam spine that simulates performance qualities of both foil and compression-molded blades. Available in fixed/adjustable lengths/offset angles, straight or crank shaft, and 1, 2, or 4pc.

Learn more

“The coolest thing about this is the aramid thread we’re using to stitch the blades together,” said Boyea. While a typical composite paddle is held together by layers of fiberglass or carbon and bonded with resin, Lam-Lok adds something new.

“What we’ve done here is before that bonding process, we’re stitching this aramid thread into the edge of the blade,” says Boyea. “That stitching is going to do a couple of things for us. It’s going to help impact resistance and it’s going to give us quite a bit of strength and durability on that edge. It’s also going to prevent delamination.”

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View Aqua Bound paddles ]

Durability has been the focus in developing these paddles. Aqua Bound consulted kayakers of all skill levels to identify common issues with current paddles, such as wear from frequent contact with rough surfaces.

Initially hand-stitched in prototyping, the Lam-Lok method was field-tested and found to be effective, with testers reporting exceptional durability of the prototypes even with extensive use. A specialized industrial sewing machine in now used for production.

In Aqua Bound’s testing, a typical composite blade ripped apart at 17 pounds of force. “Our final layup, where we have multiple layers of thread, ripped apart at 495 pounds of force,” adds Boyea.

The aramid thread is applied to dry fiberglass or carbon materials before resin application. The blade edges are stitched back and forth with more than 33 feet of aramid thread per paddle. According to a press release from Aqua Bound, in-house tests revealed the Aerial’s Lam-Lok technology provided five to 10 times better resistance to delamination and abrasion compared to other paddles on the market, including the brand’s own Whiskey and Tango models.

How To Rescue A Kayak In Whitewater

Everybody swims—it’s part of the sport, and whitewater kayaking is more of a team activity than we may credit it for. You want to strive to be a strong teammate on the river and know others have your back too. Among essential rescue techniques is the ability to wrangle a friend’s boat, and here to help is Simon Coward, owner of AQ Outdoors (AQ Outdoors is a paddling shop and school with locations in Calgary and Edmonton). The following is a transcript of Coward’s kayak rescue method of choice.

paddling out of the eddy to reach the kayak in the rapid — Timing your rescue to meet the kayak at the bottom of a rapid. | Image: AQ Outdoors

How to perform an effective kayak rescue in whitewater

Side-by-side-by-side creekboat comparison from AQ Outdoors.

3 Top Creekboats Go Head-To-Head

Simon here from AQ Outdoors, just checking in with a little tutorial on some best practices and the easiest ways to rescue kayaks. Over the last 20-odd years of teaching and such I’ve made lots of mistakes, I’ve learned from others, and I’ve seen others make mistakes, and some do really great rescues.

Basics of rescuing a kayak

This is very much about how to keep it as simple as possible. We’re going to start in flatwater how we might address this. My personal preference is to not clip the boat and to get the boat upright as soon as possible. If I get the boat upright and it has float bags in it, it’s much easier to manipulate—whether you’re clipping it, pushing it or bumping it. Ideally we want the boat upright and empty. It’s very easy to rescue at that point but you don’t always get that good of a bounce, well we usually don’t because people are usually upside down.

[ Paddling Trip Guide: View classes at AQ Outdoors ]

After someone swims, the boat is going to be upside down and have a bit of water in it, right, so with this, the most common way I see people try and right the boat is essentially to lean across, grab the gunnel on the other side, push down with this hand and right the kayak. And that works, however, once you get into moving water and it’s a bit more dynamic, that becomes a lot harder. Especially with larger boats and smaller people, it becomes very difficult.

man demonstrates how to perform a kayak rescue in whitewater — Simon Coward’s chosen method of righting a kayak. | Feature image: AQ Outdoors

A straightforward rescue technique

My preferred way of righting the boat if it is upside down, is just essentially to get alongside it, grab the inside gunnel, and slowly start to right it. Then, I lean away and push away. This way I actually have contact with my paddle the whole time—I don’t have to let go of it. And, it’s very quick and very easy to get the boat back upright again. Now we have a kayak, presuming there are float bags in the back, that’s very easy to push and manipulate and move around. It’s not always going to cooperate, sometimes it’s going to flip back over again.

So, super simple: get alongside it, grab, lean away, push the gunnel away, the boat’s right again and you’re off to the races.

directing the kayak while performing a rescue — A final push to right a fellow paddler’s kayak. | Image: AQ Outdoors

Rescuing a kayak in whitewater

Okay so I’m presuming I’m running safety at the bottom of this little drop. We’ve got our swimmer out, and this boat’s coming down. The first thing to think about is timing. When am I going to go out and get myself to the boat? I pop out [of the eddy] and I get alongside it. Now I’m going to grab the inside of the kayak and then push. I can spin it [the direction I want it to go] then I push the boat [toward shore]. It’s going to spin. It almost flipped there but there’s not that much water in it so it stayed upright.

Comparison of the Pyranha Ripper 2, Jackson Antix 2.0 and Dagger Rewind half-slice kayaks.

Comparing Three Of The Best Half Slice Kayaks On The Water Today (Video)

I haven’t had to clip the boat at all. So if there were any hazards I’m not at risk of flipping over and getting hung up. Basically I’ve got the boat to shore very quickly, very simply. Now I can get out, and I can empty the water out off the kayak and we can get the paddler back going again.

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View kayaks at AQ Outdoors ]

That’s it, a quick and simple way to rescue a whitewater kayak that doesn’t have a rider anymore. Obviously, it’s ideal that there are float bags in the back, but this method doesn’t require you to let go of your paddle. It doesn’t require you to clip onto the boat. It’s a quick flip push get it into the eddy and you’re off to the races.

AQ Outdoors offers retail and kayak instruction in Calgary and Edmonton. Learn more about their school and stores at AQOutdoors.com.

Simon Coward’s chosen method of righting a kayak. | Feature image: AQ Outdoors

10 Best Paddling Trips For Summer 2024

Sometimes headlines can be deceiving. Rather than highlighting specific trips, our list of best paddling “trips” for this year showcases regions with multiple world-class options for canoeing, sea kayaking and whitewater paddling. The result, we believe, is anything but deceptive. This article provides a comprehensive rundown of the best destinations to paddle in 2024.

Of course, curating a “best-of” list doesn’t come without challenges—and biases. We focused on places north of the equator so you can plan great adventures for this year’s summer and fall. We also targeted many of the amazing North American paddling hotspots (including one in Paddling Magazine’s backyard) that we love, as well as a few international destinations that we’re dreaming about. It’s time to start planning your own best paddling trip for 2024.

VIEW ALL PADDLING TRIPS

16 Best Islands In The World For Kayaking

canoeists paddle on an Ontario lake in summer — Photo: Destination Ontario

1 National Capital Region, Ontario and Quebec

For half a century, paddlers have been flocking to sign up for guided raft trips on the Ottawa River, in Canada’s National Capital Region. This anniversary is but one reason the Ottawa Valley is a renowned paddling epicenter that’s worthy of topping your list of dream destinations for 2024. Besides exciting whitewater rafting, you’ll also find great recreational kayaking options in view of Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa.

The mighty Ottawa River, and the nearby Madawaska River, are also home to some of Canada’s best kayak schools and summer camps for kids and adults. You will rapidly discover why the Ottawa River has been instrumental in the development of freestyle kayaking and continues to serve as a proving ground for the world’s best paddlers.

The East Gate of Algonquin Provincial Park is located within a two-hour drive of the nation’s capital, providing great access to a vast network of lake-to-lake canoe trips along with whitewater canoe tripping on the Petawawa River.

Meanwhile, on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, go paddleboarding on the Gatineau River at the picturesque village of Wakefield (30 minutes from downtown Ottawa) or reserve an island campsite at Parc regional du Poisson-Blanc (about a 90-minute drive from Ottawa) for an easy overnight canoe, kayak or SUP trip.

VIEW ALL ONTARIO & QUEBEC PADDLING TRIPS

an expedition canoe sits on a pebbly Northwestern Territories riverbank in sumer with dramatic mountain in background — Photo: Colin Field/Northwest Territories Tourism

2 Northwest Territories

From whitewater canoe tripping in the legendary Barrenlands on waterways like the Coppermine River, whitewater rafting through the deep canyons of the South Nahanni River, or sea kayaking the remote shores of Great Slave Lake, it’s little wonder why Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) is a bucket-list destination for all types of paddlers.

A longtime commitment to adventure tourism has allowed the NWT to achieve a seemingly impossible balance of accessibility and remoteness: you can get to places like Yellowknife, Fort Simpson and Norman Wells on commercial flights, and a host of great outfitters will take it from there.

An incredible array of NWT guided paddling trips are available, from whitewater canoe expeditions for experienced paddlers to family-friendly raft and canoe trips in iconic destinations. NWT outfitters also offer canoe and gear rentals and trip planning services to help arrange floatplane charters to help make your dream a reality.

VIEW ALL NORTHWEST TERRITORIES PADDLING TRIPS

a canoe floats on a tranquil lake in northwestern Ontario — Photo: Destination Ontario

3 Northwestern Ontario

The vast region between Lake Superior, Hudson Bay, and the Manitoba and U.S. borders contains enough water and paddling routes to fill lifetimes. Northwestern Ontario is home to countless provincial parks that were seemingly purpose-built for paddlers. Quetico Provincial Park, a quick border crossing away from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area, gives a fantastic glimpse of the potential with thousands of kilometers of wilderness canoe routes.

Video: Why Northwestern Ontario Is Kayaking Paradise

Venture farther (and with the appropriate backcountry skills) and you’ll find the boreal wilds of Wabakimi, one of Ontario’s largest provincial parks, as well as the unique boreal-meets-prairies scenery of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. Both of these immense protected areas feature endless canoe tripping on lakes and wild rivers. Farther beyond, rivers like the Winisk draw expert canoe trippers to the Arctic waters of Hudson Bay.

The big lakes of Wabakimi and Woodland Caribou are alluring to sea kayakers, too. But kayakers will be spoilt for choice when they consider the paddling prospects of Lake Nipigon, Lake of the Woods, and of course the massive expanse of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

VIEW ALL NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO PADDLING TRIPS

4 Alaska

Alaska is a perennial destination on any outdoor adventure bucket list. The state shines for paddlers, with a well-established array of adventure tourism outfitters allowing just about everyone to experience the wilderness frontier safely and in comfort.

Sea kayaking in Alaska includes the deep, glacier-clad fjords of the northern Inside Passage, including Prince William Sound and Glacier Bay. These island-clogged waters feature iconic marine life like salmon and orcas, as well as jaw-dropping mountain views.

Plan a whitewater kayak trip near Anchorage for a more intimate view of the coastal range. Alaska whitewater rafting expeditions on the Alsek or Tatshenshini rivers, which flow through mountain-rimmed, glacier-clad corridors across the international border and into the Panhandle region, are truly trips of a lifetime. Or, venture into the deep wilderness of the interior for a canoe expedition on Alaska Wild and Scenic rivers like the Noatak, Koyukuk or Kobuk.

VIEW ALL ALASKA PADDLING TRIPS

canoeists paddle through early morning mist in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area — Photo: Paul Vincent/Explore Minnesota

5 Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is an obvious destination for where to go paddling in 2024. For starters, the immense Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness makes Minnesota a canoeing epicenter. Supported by great outfitters in towns like Ely and Grand Marais, the Boundary Waters ranks among the top places to canoe in the world, with thousands of miles of route options. What’s more, the million-acre area abuts Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park for trans-border canoe expeditions. Voyageurs National Park, with its headquarters in International Falls, Minnesota, is made up of mostly huge lakes that are perfect for multiday kayak trips.

Minnesota also fringes on Lake Superior’s northwestern coast, making it an ideal location to explore this inland sea by kayak. Day trips are available from Duluth and Grand Marais and you can also take the ferry to remote and mystical Isle Royale National Park to experience some of the finest freshwater sea kayaking in the world. If that’s not enough, Minnesota is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul offer some of the finest urban paddling in the world on countless lakes.

VIEW ALL MINNESOTA PADDLING TRIPS

two kayakers paddle past a rocky bluff while on a summer paddling trip in Maine — Photo: Visit Maine

6 Maine

View from behind people in a raft on a river

4 Rivers, 10+ Outfitters, Infinite Fun: Guide To Whitewater Rafting In Maine

Over 150 years ago, American author Henry David Thoreau ventured into Maine’s North Woods by canoe with an Indigenous guide and shared his experiences in a journal that’s become an iconic piece of outdoors literature. The experience of canoe tripping in Maine hasn’t changed much since then—the state’s pristine rivers and remote Appalachian lakes have a reputation as the crowning jewels of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Maine also offers outstanding whitewater canoe tripping on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, along with fine family paddling opportunities in wilderness areas like Rangeley Lakes. Not to be outdone, Acadia National Park is a dreamscape for sea kayaking in coastal Maine. Depending on their skill level, paddlers can explore secluded bays and visit historic lighthouses, or set out on overnight coastal tours into labyrinths of tide-washed granite islands.

VIEW ALL NEW ENGLAND PADDLING TRIPS

Kayaks beached on shore while people chat — Photo: Visit Kitsap Peninsula

7 Washington

With a diverse geography spanning the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific coast, it’s no surprise Washington offers plenty of opportunities for paddlers. Make 2024 your summer to sea kayak the bucolic San Juan Islands, where you can join a local outfitter for a day tour or rent kayaks and set off on weekend to one-week trips in Puget Sound.

Washington also abounds with whitewater, making it a great destination for a road trip. Rivers like the Skykomish are popular all-season runs in the Seattle area. The White Salmon near Hood River allows you to take in the scenery of the fabulous Columbia River Gorge.

There are plenty of good destinations for canoeing as well, including Lake Chelan, a ribbon-like body of water immersed in the North Cascades, Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, and Lake Wenatchee in the massive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

VIEW ALL WASHINGTON PADDLING TRIPS

small dog runs toward two kayaks on a sandy beach — Photo: Visit Wales

8 Wales, United Kingdom

Located on the west coast of Great Britain, Wales’ geography ranges from tide-washed coastal areas to the 3,500-foot-tall mountains of Snowdonia. For expert sea kayakers, a trip to paddle places like Anglesey is like experiencing Mecca: This is arguably the birthplace of modern British-style sea kayaking, where some of the finest paddlers have pitted their skills against immense tidal streams and surf. A wide variety of sea kayak skills courses are available for all levels of paddlers. Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned for its sea caves, hidden beaches and marine wildlife, making it another great destination for kayak touring.

For a mellower experience canoeists and recreational kayakers can paddle the smaller waters of Snowdonia National Park, including Llyn Padarn. Also in Snowdonia, the River Tryweryn with its class II to IV rapids is an example of the great opportunities for great whitewater kayaking in Wales. Finally, the River Wye is one of the U.K.’s longest waterways, with a rich human history ranging from ancient cave dwellings to Roman settlements and some of the country’s greatest biodiversity, including aquatic mammals and many species of birds. Canoeists can trace a 251-kilometer water trail along its entire course.

a canoeist paddles on calm lake under clouds — Photo: Image Bank Sweden

9 Scandinavia

Long summer days are but one attribute of paddling in Scandinavia. Between Sweden, Finland and Norway, there’s a huge array of experiences available for canoeing and kayaking. The Swedish backcountry offers multitudes of canoe routes amidst a classic landscape of lakes, rivers and boreal forest, with Pieljekaise National Park’s lakes and rivers reflecting the great opportunities for multiday trips in Swedish Lapland.

Not to be outdone, the Lakeland area in the central Finland interior features a similar landscape with multiple protected areas that are best explored by canoe, including Kolovesi National Park, Paijanne National Park and Linnansaari National Park, which is home to a unique population of freshwater ring seals.

Both Finland and Sweden offer outstanding sea kayaking, too. The fjords and islands of Norway’s Lofoten area, however, take coastal scenery to the next level with incredible seascapes and historic fishing villages clinging to the rocky shore. Globetrotting paddlers can go even farther by planning the trip of a lifetime to Svalbard, an extremely remote cluster of Norwegian Arctic islands home to glaciers, polar bears and reindeer.

VIEW ALL NORWAY PADDLING TRIPS

a kayaker paddles toward a bridge near a picturesque city in Portugal — Photo: António Duarte

10 Portugal

Portugal is an off-the-radar Mediterranean paddling destination that’s gaining recognition as one of Europe’s best places to kayak for its smooth-flowing rivers and idyllic pastoral scenery. The Douro River flows through a living picture postcard of sparsely forested hills, ancient homesteads and some of the planet’s best vineyards. The climate is mild, the people are friendly, and you can paddle inn to inn on guided canoe or kayak tours with local experts handling the logistics for a more immersive journey. Tributaries of the Douro, including the Mondego River, offer unique experiences on smaller watercourses with the same Old World feel.

VIEW ALL PORTUGAL PADDLING TRIPS

Feature photo: Travel Alaska

Best Nine Gear Boxes For Camping Canoeists

an arrangement of 9 different camping gear boxes on a green background — Protect your kit. | Feature photo: Mike Hewis

Settling on the right gear storage solution can make the difference between smooth paddling and a spoiled time on trip. Wondering how to choose? Whether you’re looking to protect your phone, your camera, your camp kitchen or your whole kit—we’ve got you covered. Below, eight weather-proof gear boxes go head-to-head against the OG wooden wanigan for gear storage supremacy.

black and white photo looking into a garage full of paddling gear at night with garage door open

Come As You Are: How Our Old Paddling Gear Tells The Stories Of Our Lives

RUX

RUX 70L

15.7” × 19.5” × 13.8” | $369 CAD | rux.life

Meet the RUX 70L, a gear storage companion that’s neither quite a box nor a bag. Crafted from flexible, waterproof TPU-coated 840D nylon, it adapts to your needs with aluminum corner stays that work like magic slap bracelets. Need a stiff box? Done. Want it flat for storage? No problem. Set up might require a quick video tutorial the first time, but the 70L is worth it. Most suited to frontcountry camping and portage-free paddling, the built-in grab handles and removable backpack straps make it a breeze to carry, while its wide, rigid opening ensures easy access. The RUX 70L is lightweight, rugged and weatherproof, and the Paddling Mag staff were all quite taken with it—until we checked the price tag. For $369, a paddler could buy 30 large Rubbermaid bins at $11.99 each and organize the whole gear room, not just the camp kitchen.

Buy from:

ALTITUDE SPORTS BACKCOUNTRY BESPOKE POST EVO MEC REI VALHALLA PURE OUTFITTERS
BUY DIRECT

wooden wanigan

The OG Wanigan

Meet the OG gear box, a timeless favorite that was the go-to for hardy voyageurs for a couple centuries. Still revered by trad trippers and canoe camp enthusiasts, many claim the wanigan is the real MVP on a trip. Need to haul food or oddly shaped essentials? It’s the go-to storage for cooking pots, large utensils, stove fuel, hatchet and bush saw. And the wanigan is not just mere storage, oh no—it moonlights as a makeshift bench or dining table for your wilderness feast. The wanigan pictured here weighs just under 10 pounds. It’s not featherlight, but fans swear by its durability and repairability. The classic wanigan is often DIY-ed with plywood and pine and is an affordable weekend project—for roughly $50, you too can tump around with a piece of history.

Recreational Barrel Works Wanigan Harness

Recreational Barrel Works

Wanigan Harness

$79.95 CAD | recreationalbarrelworks.com

Portages can be a pain, but they don’t have to hurt. The new Wanigan Harness from Recreational Barrel Works offers a comfortable solution for carrying traditional wanigans, the NRS Canyon and Boulder dry boxes (below) and many hard-sided coolers. The modern Wanigan Harness features shoulder straps and a cushy foam back pad. The combination of the two prevents the gear box’s bottom edge from digging into the paddler’s back. Weighing just one pound, it’s lightweight but can carry up to 65 pounds. Designed for camps, outfitters and individuals alike, expect the top-tier quality RBW is known for. Fits gear boxes from 18 to 29 inches long, 12 to 17 inches wide, and 10 to 17 inches tall.

Pelican Products

1500 Case

18.50” × 14.06” × 6.93” | $248.95 | pelican.com

Pelican started in 1976 out of the California garage of founder Dave Parker when he began designing first aid kits. As the story goes, the durable and waterproof cases were a hit with divers, who tossed out the first aid supplies and used the cases to protect other valuables. From those humble beginnings, Pelican has become a go-to for military personnel, first responders and international river runners, protecting fragile equipment in the world’s harshest environments. Getting dropped, run over, submersed and facing TSA scrutiny unaccompanied is all in a day’s work for the waterproof and crushproof 1500 Case. The 1500 is an ideal size for photo and film enthusiasts toting multiple lenses. It is buoyant with up to 50 pounds and throws in a lifetime guarantee, too. Paddling Mag’s publisher has been using this eight-pound case for more than a decade.

Buy from:

AMAZON HENRY’S SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE VALHALLA PURE OUTFITTERS WALMART
BUY DIRECT

Yeti

LoadOut GoBox 30

20.4” × 14.8” × 11.3” × | $250 | yeti.com

A favorite among rafters, campers, hunters and tailgaters, Yeti needs no introduction. Their LoadOut GoBox 30 is a fully submersible beast with tie-down points and lock ports for any wild escapade. Team it up with Yeti’s many accessories—cargo trays and gear compartments—for an organized interior. Yeti’s Pack Attic accessory nests in the lid with three large zippered compartments for stashing small items. Use the hefty hauler handle for one-hand carries. The GoBox 30 weighs 12 pounds and is ideal for stowing the camp kitchen or food. The smaller 15 size has just enough room for fragile essentials, while the burly 60 is a full-on gear locker. The only complaint from Yeti fans? The GoBox comes in just four colors: white, orange, black and tan.

Buy from:

ACADEMY SPORTS AL’S AMAZON ATMOSPHERE BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S CAMPSAVER DICK’S SPORTING GOODS REI SCHEELS SPORT CHEK SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE VALHALLA PURE OUTFITTERS WALMART
BUY DIRECT

Otterbox

Waterproof Drybox 3250

8.32” × 5.09” × 2.51” | $39.99 | otterbox.com

Perfectly sized for stowing a phone, cash and key fob while on the water, Otterbox’s Drybox 3250’s padded foam interior protected our editor’s valuables while bouncing around the cockpit on a 52-day kayak trip last summer. As for the polycarbonate case itself, Otterbox claims you can “beat the living daylights out of it”—and honestly, we tried. Weighs less than a pound and is waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes. Paddling Mag’s designer has dreams of turning it into a mini fly fishing tackle box next.

Buy from:

AMAZON CAMPSAVER REI
BUY DIRECT

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all bags, boxes, cases & packs ]

NRS

Canyon and Boulder Camping Dry Boxes

Canyon: 26.75” × 16.75” × 16.75” | $170 | nrs.com
Boulder: 23.75” × 15.5” × 10.75” | $135 | nrs.com

The NRS Canyon and its little brother, the Boulder, boast 3.6 and 1.6 cubic feet of roominess inside, respectively. These rain-defying gear boxes won’t win gold in a flip test, but they sure can keep things dry. Just snug the straps tight to ensure a secure lid fit, and then forget about rain and splashing. The Canyon weighs 13.5 pounds, while the Boulder weighs 8.8 pounds. There aren’t handles, but you can rig your own with straps fed through the holes on each end. These polyethylene cases are essentially modern wanigans and perfectly sized for stashing your camp kitchen gear or a week’s worth of food. They’re affordable sidekicks whether in your canoe, at camp or on the road in a truck bed. NRS advises against turning these gear boxes into seats, as the compression might mess with the foam weatherstripping in the lid. Opt for gray or yellow to suit your style.

Buy Canyon from:

AMAZON AQ OUTDOORS BACKCOUNTRY OUTDOORPLAY

Buy Boulder from:

AMAZON AQ OUTDOORS OUTDOORPLAY
VIEW NRS PRODUCTS

S3 Cases

3500 and 6500

3500: 8.38” × 4.66” × 3.99” | $23.99
6500: 12.81” × 10.36” × 6.64” | $74.95

Waterproof and built to withstand the rigors of the most rugged adventures, S3 Cases’ gear boxes are built with tough injection molded ABS to keep your delicates safe. The one-pound T3500 model is perfectly sized to carry midsize items, like small medical kits, microphones, multiple cell phones and wallets, sunglasses, power banks and GPS units. The four-pound T6500 is more appropriate for storing large DSLR cameras, drones, laptops, and other compact and fragile equipment. Both models’ heavy-duty hinges and handle pins are extra tough and confidence-inspiring. Available in black, yellow and red at salamanderpaddlegear.com for paddlers in the United States and underwaterkineticscanada.com for paddlers in Canada.

Buy 3500 from:

AMAZON WALMART

Cover of the Spring 2024 issue of Paddling Magazine, Issue 71 This article was first published in the Spring 2024 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

Protect your kit. | Feature photo: Mike Hewis

Crossing Canada’s Most Dangerous Waterway By SUP

The notorious waters of Hecate Strait separate the islands of Haida Gwaii from British Columbia’s northern coastline. Renowned for strong winds, powerful tidal currents, frequent storms and shallow waters, Hecate is listed by Environment Canada as the most dangerous body of water on the entire Canadian coast and the fourth most dangerous in the world.

John Vaillant, author of The Golden Spruce, describes Hecate this way: “The Strait is a malevolent weather factory. During winter storms, waves can reach 10 to 20 meters and expose the sea floor. The result is one of the most diabolically hostile environments that wind, sea and land are capable of conjuring.”

Karl Kruger On The Transcendental Nature Of Paddleboarding

Crossing Canada’s most dangerous waterway by SUP

Generations ago, the Haida First Nation crossed the Strait routinely in great cedar canoes, up to 60 feet long and six feet wide. Carrying as many as 100 men, they were able to disappear back across Hecate’s moody waters where none dared follow.

The recent history of human-powered Hecate-crossings is scanter. Masset kayaker Chris Williamson made two attempts in the 1990s. One was successful; the other turned back at night by changing winds. Legendary painter Stewart Marshall from Sointula Island sailed a homemade kayak 200 nautical miles across southern Hecate in a storm, surviving for three days on popcorn and coffee before arriving at Cape St. James. In 2008, a group of four young Haida Gwaii men crossed in double sea kayaks as part of a fundraiser.

To put the challenge in perspective, in the 70 years since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed Everest, another 12,000 climbers have stood on the summit. In the same span, you could count on your fingers the number who have paddled across Hecate.

A first, unrealized attempt

I first met Norm Hann at a storytelling festival in 2016. Quiet and confident, Norm was a successful SUP racer, well-known for long coastal journeys in support of First Nations issues. I’d recently paddleboarded from Port Hardy to Tofino, and we had lots in common. When Norm called a few months later and asked if I’d consider trying to paddle across Hecate with him, my reply was an enthusiastic yes.

The next June, we met in Prince George, with plans of carrying on toward Haida Gwaii, and tackling Hecate. But with one storm after another crashing into the B.C. coast—and no end to the foul weather in sight—we reluctantly turned around.

Thank goodness because we weren’t ready. Not even close.

A few months later, I herniated a disc in my back. Unable to even walk for months, I was devastated. The dream of crossing Hecate seemed impossible. Little did I know, the five-year recovery journey would be a gift that left us a much stronger team, and much better prepared to tackle Hecate.

A key to crossing Hecate is choosing the right weather window. No one conquers the Strait. Rather, they sneak across in a rare moment of calm, always aware conditions could change in a heartbeat.

For summer after summer, we watched Hecate’s weather patterns, recording forecast wind and wave heights versus actual buoy observations. We learned what conditions preceded rare calm periods and how long the smooth waters lasted. Entire seasons would pass without a single favorable paddling day.

Man on a paddleboard on ocean on a gray day.

Bruce Kirkby Pushes The Limits Of SUP At Cape Scott

Where The River, Ocean And Mountain Gods Meet

As my body healed, Norm and I tackled increasingly challenging SUP expeditions together, first retracing a Gitgat Grease Trail in the Great Bear Rainforest, then rounding Cape Scott, Brooks Peninsula, and finally Cape Caution. We grew comfortable paddling side by side in rough waters, aware of what the other was thinking without words, and able to make decisions even while battered by wind and waves.

As the seasons passed, we trimmed our gear to the barest minimum and learned to load our boards so they could ride downwind swells, push through chop and land safely in surf. We experimented with a vast constellation of different boards before eventually designing our own expedition paddleboards: Norm with Sunova and me with Starboard.

At last, setting out across the Strait

In May 2023—six years after first planning to cross Hecate—Norm and I arrived in Prince Rupert by ferry, long after midnight. With rain pelting down, we pitched our tent in a dark corner of a parking lot, listening to the marine weather forecast on a crackling VHF radio. The frontal system lashing the North Pacific would dissipate over the next day, and just as we had hoped, a brief period of light and variable winds would follow. Game on.

Twenty-four hours later, we stood on the desolate shores of Rose Spit. Few words were shared as we loaded boards and double-checked GPS waypoints. Then we were off. With a brisk west wind at our backs, we knew there would be no turning back.

man sits on rocky West Coast shoreline near red tent and looks out over the Hecate Strait — Bruce Kirkby, safely tucked ashore on a rocky islet north of Banks Island, stares out across the eternity of Hecate Strait. | Photo: Norm Hann

Gusty winds pressed us over smooth waters, and we covered 7.5 kilometers in the first hour—great progress for fully loaded boards. Then Hecate began to show her capricious nature. Ocean swell built from the north, hitting us on our rear quarter. Then the ebb tide turned to flood, and an aggressive wind chop arrived, mixing with the swell and turning the ocean into a confused mess. Our progress slowed to five kilometers per hour. Then four. Then, a painful three and a half.

[ Plan your next B.C. paddleboarding trip with the Paddling Trip Guide ]

The minutes and hours crawled past. We spent a lot of time alone with our thoughts. I struggled not to concentrate on our speed—for it felt dishearteningly slow. Snacks and gulps of water were stolen between strokes. On those lonely waters, we saw nothing save a few gulls. Not a single whale or boat. For 12 hours, we never stopped paddling.

Eventually, the peaks of Stephens Island appeared through mists, inching closer. Twenty kilometers to go. Then 10. Dusk had descended by the time we reached the first rocky headlands. When we crawled ashore at last, neither of us could walk very well—or form complete sentences. But we shared the overwhelming joy of having finally achieved a long-sought-after goal. After setting up a tent, we used our last reserves to cook a freeze-dried meal, then collapsed into sleeping bags.

Norm Hann navigates the offshore islands and narrow waterways of B.C.’s north coast, en route to Kitkatla at the end of the expedition. | Feature photo: Bruce Kirkby

1...101112...567 Page 11 of 567

1 Philip Edward Island, Ontario

2 Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, Ontario

3 Grand Island, Michigan

4 Vancouver Island, British Columbia

5 Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick

6 Panhandle Islands, Alaska

7 Tybee Island, Georgia

8 San Juan Islands, Washington

9 Florida Keys

10 Carmen Island, Baja

11 Glover’s Reef, Belize

12 Exuma Cays, Bahamas

13 Svalbard, Norway

14 Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

15 Tasman Peninsula, Australia

16 Yasawa Islands, Fiji

The robots are coming for your rental business

How the service works

Self-serve shortcomings

Rumpl and OARS launch partnership

Hobie Reshaping the Path Forward

About Joel McBride

About James McBeath

About Hobie

First look: Aqua Bound’s new Aerial paddles

Aerial Major Carbon

How to perform an effective kayak rescue in whitewater

Basics of rescuing a kayak

A straightforward rescue technique

Rescuing a kayak in whitewater

1 National Capital Region, Ontario and Quebec

2 Northwest Territories

3 Northwestern Ontario

4 Alaska

5 Minnesota

6 Maine

7 Washington

8 Wales, United Kingdom

9 Scandinavia

10 Portugal

RUX

RUX 70L

The OG Wanigan

Recreational Barrel Works

Wanigan Harness

Pelican Products

1500 Case

Yeti

LoadOut GoBox 30

Otterbox

Waterproof Drybox 3250

NRS

Canyon and Boulder Camping Dry Boxes

S3 Cases

3500 and 6500

Crossing Canada’s most dangerous waterway by SUP

A first, unrealized attempt

At last, setting out across the Strait