Looking for somewhere to go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding in Toronto? You have more options than you might think.
One of my favourite things about living in Toronto is that I don’t have to leave the city to spend time outdoors. Within an hour on the TTC, I can be paddling along the quiet Humber River, floating through the Toronto Islands, or enjoying skyline views from Lake Ontario.
I’ve paddled several of Toronto’s best routes myself, and each one offers something different. Some are better for beginners, while others are better if you’re looking for a longer adventure or want to get out onto open water.
This guide covers the best places to go paddling in Toronto, where to rent equipment, and which spot I’d recommend depending on how experienced a paddler you are.
On one of my paddling excursions around Toronto in summer 2026!
Quick Picks: The Best Places to Go Paddling in Toronto
| If you’re looking for… | I’d recommend |
|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Humber River |
| Best skyline views | Toronto Islands or Biidaasige Park |
| Best downtown option | Harbourfront |
| Best wildlife | Biidaasige Park or Humber River |
| Best for experienced paddlers | Cherry Beach |
Where Can You Go Kayaking, Canoeing, or Paddle Boarding in Toronto?
From calm rivers and marshes to Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands, there are plenty of places to get out on the water without leaving the city. These are the five places I’d recommend, along with where to rent equipment or book a guided tour.
1. Humber River
If someone asked me where to go paddling in Toronto for the first time, I’d probably send them to the Humber River.
The river is calm, easy to navigate, and lined with trees for much of the route. It’s hard to believe you’re still in Toronto once you’re out on the water.
One thing I really enjoyed was paddling all the way down to where the Humber River meets Lake Ontario.
As you approach the lake, the water opens up and the skyline starts to appear in the distance. The wind usually picks up here, so I’d only recommend heading onto the lake if you’re comfortable paddling in small waves.
On the way back, we spent time exploring the Humber Marshes. We saw plenty of birds, lily pads, and even a turtle!
- Rental: Toronto Adventures Humber River Paddling Centre (book in advance)
- Good for: Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, beginners
2. Toronto Islands
If you’re looking for skyline views, the Toronto Islands are my favourite place to paddle. The channels between the Toronto Islands are usually sheltered from wind, making them much calmer than paddling in Toronto Harbour.
There are lots of little waterways to explore, and it’s easy to pull up at one of the beaches if you want to take a break or go for a swim.
The best part, though, is looking back toward downtown. Seeing the skyline from the water is a perspective you just don’t get from the mainland.
To paddle around the Toronto Islands, you’ll first need to take the Centre Island ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, near Queens Quay.
The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and ferries operate year-round, with more frequent departures during the summer.
Once you arrive on Centre Island, you can rent a kayak or canoe from the Toronto Island Boathouse, or a stand up paddle board from Toronto Island SUP.
- Rentals: Toronto Island Boathouse (first come first served) & Toronto Island SUP (book in advance)
- Good for: Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, beginners
3. Biidaasige Park & the Lower Don
One of Toronto’s newest paddling experiences starts at Biidaasige Park.
Rather than renting equipment yourself, you can join a guided paddle with Don’t Mess with the Don, a Toronto charity dedicated to protecting the Don River and advocating for healthier ravines.
The tours take you around the Lower Don River (which weaves through Biidaasige Park) while guides share stories about the river’s ecology, history, restoration work, and the challenges it continues to face today.
I really like this experience because it isn’t just about getting out on the water. You leave with a much better understanding of one of Toronto’s most important waterways and the people working to care for it.
If you’re interested in Toronto’s natural history or local conservation, I’d put this high on your list.
- Guided tour: Don’t Mess With the Don
- Good for: Learning about the Don River, guided experiences, first-time visitors
4. Toronto Harbourfront
Paddling through Toronto Harbour feels completely different from anywhere else on this list.
You’ll be sharing the water with sailboats, ferries, water taxis, and the occasional seaplane, all while the skyline towers overhead.
Because you’re out on open water, conditions can change quickly. Wind can create waves that require a bit more effort than paddling on the Humber River or around the Islands.
If you’re comfortable on the water, though, this is one of the most memorable places to paddle in Toronto.
- Rental: Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre
- Good for: Skyline views, experienced beginners, kayaks and canoes
5. Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is a popular launch point for kayakers and paddle boarders. If you stay close to shore, the water is usually fairly calm and works well for beginners.
More experienced paddlers sometimes use Cherry Beach as the starting point for paddling over to the Toronto Islands. It’s a much longer trip that crosses an active shipping channel, so I’d only recommend it if you’re confident on the water and have the proper safety equipment.
For most visitors, spending a couple of hours exploring the shoreline around Cherry Beach is more than enough.
- Rental: Paddle Pirates
- Good for: Paddle boards, kayaks, intermediate paddlers
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Kayak or Canoe in Toronto?
Rental prices vary depending on where you go and how long you’d like to paddle, but in general, you can expect to pay between $30 and $45 per hour for a single kayak or stand up paddle board.
Tandem kayaks typically cost $45 to $60 per hour, while canoe rentals are usually $40 to $60 per hour.
If you’re planning to spend several hours on the water, it’s worth checking whether the rental company offers half-day or full-day rates, as these are often better value than paying by the hour.
Which Toronto Paddling Spot Should You Choose?
I’ve enjoyed paddling in a few different parts of Toronto over the years, and each one offers something a little different.
If you asked me where to start, I’d probably recommend Biidaasige Park. The guided paddling tours with Don’t Mess with the Don combine time on the water with learning about the Lower Don River, its ecology, and the work being done to restore it.
I came away with a much deeper appreciation for a part of Toronto I’d overlooked for years. And, you get to enjoy beautiful views of downtown Toronto from the water.
If you’re visiting Toronto for the first time, I’d head to the Toronto Islands. The water is usually calm, the skyline views are hard to beat, and there are plenty of quiet channels to explore at your own pace.
For an easy afternoon surrounded by nature, I’d choose the Humber River. It’s one of the most relaxing paddles in the city, and it’s easy to forget you’re still in Toronto.
If you’d rather be right in the middle of the action, Harbourfront offers a completely different experience. You’ll paddle alongside sailboats and ferries with views of downtown Toronto all around you.
And if you’re looking for more of a challenge, Cherry Beach is a good choice. You can stay close to shore for an easier paddle, or, if you’re an experienced paddler, make the longer crossing toward the Toronto Islands.
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