Last Updated on September 7, 2025
Want to spend an afternoon in the outdoors? Here’s how to go canoeing in Toronto. Or if you prefer, paddling by kayak or SUP board!
One of the things I love about Toronto is how accessible green space is. Throughout the city there are plenty of quiet parks to explore. In the summer, this is a favourite way of mine to spend a day – meeting some friends to go walking and picnicking.
But when it comes to the outdoors, parks aren’t the only thing Toronto has to offer! You can also spend a day on the water. There are a couple ways to enjoy Toronto’s rivers, and Lake Ontario. For example, last summer I went on a sunset boat tour of Toronto.
It was a magical way to watch the sun go down, with incredible views of Toronto’s skyline. But another great way to enjoy Toronto’s waters is to go paddling!
Whether you are a Toronto local, or visiting the city, this guide covers everything you need to know to go kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddling in Toronto!
How to Go Paddling in Toronto
The two things you need to know before going paddling in Toronto is what kind of paddling you’d like to do, and where you’d like to do it. Let’s start with types of paddling:
Canoe
Canoes are narrow, keelless boats that have pointed ends. You propel them by paddling using a wooden paddle. Canoes are great because you can comfortably fit two people in them. And, if you’re planning to canoe to a spot for camping, you can fit your supplies (like a tent and food) in them as well. This is why canoes are used so much for backcountry camping in places like Algonquin Park.
Kayak
A kayak is a light and narrow boat that has both ends tapered to a point. Similar to a canoe, it’s propelled by a paddle – but for kayaks you use a double-bladed paddle. Unlike canoes, kayaks usually have a closed top except for an opening in which the paddler sits with their legs extended straight out in front of them. Usually a kayak is for one person, but it is possible to find two seater kayaks too.
Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
A stand up paddle board is a long and flat board (somewhat similar to a surfboard). A person can sit or stand on the board, and proper themselves using a long paddle. This paddling activity is also known as SUP. It’s a little more difficult to master than canoeing or kayaking, simply because you need to have solid balance!
I know lots of Torontonians who have their own paddling equipment. If that’s the case, there are plenty of spots where you can launch your canoe, kayak or SUP board. Don’t have your own equipment? Read on to learn the best Toronto spots for urban paddling, and where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP board.
4 Best Places for Paddling in Toronto
These are the four best spots to go paddling in the urban centre of Toronto. No car? No worries! All of these spots are accessible by public transport, foot, or bicycle. If you’d like to drive, there’s paid parking available.
1. Toronto Harbourfront
Paddling along Toronto’s Harbourfront is a unique experience because you’re right in the middle of the city, surrounded by its energy. Being out on the Harbour gives you some of the most impressive skyline views in Toronto, especially if you’re looking for that perfect photo op with the CN Tower and high-rises as your backdrop.
You’ll share the water with sailboats, ferries, and even the occasional seaplane, which makes it a lively spot to paddle. That said, it’s worth knowing that conditions here can be less predictable than in the sheltered rivers or Islands.
The open water of the Harbour can get windy, which creates waves and choppier conditions that require more effort and confidence to paddle through. It’s doable if you’re comfortable on the water, but be prepared for a workout compared to the calmer paddling spots around the city. If you’re up for it, though, it’s one of the most exciting places to get on the water in Toronto.
If you’d like to paddle the Harbour, you can rent a kayak or canoe from HarbourFront Canoe and Kayak Centre.
2. Toronto Islands
I love paddling around the Toronto Islands because the conditions are usually calm and sheltered, which makes it a comfortable spot for beginners and a relaxing escape for more experienced paddlers.
The waterways that weave between the Islands are quiet and scenic, with lots of little channels to explore at your own pace. If you feel like taking a break, you can pull up at one of the many beaches for a swim or just to stretch your legs.
And of course, one of the best parts about paddling here is the view—looking back across the Harbour, you get an incredible perspective of the Toronto skyline rising up behind the water.
To go paddling at the Toronto Islands, you’ll need to take the ferry to Centre Island. Ferries leave from Toronto Harbourfront every 15 minutes, and it’s only a 15 minute ride to reach the Islands.
Once on Centre Island, you can rent a kayak or canoe from Toronto Island Boathouse, or a stand up paddle board from Toronto Island SUP.
3. Cherry Beach Paddling
Cherry Beach is one of Toronto’s most popular paddling spots, partly because it’s so accessible and beginner friendly. The water is usually calm if you stay close to the shore, making it a great place to practice your skills or enjoy a short, easy outing without having to leave the city.
If you’re in the mood for more of an adventure, you can set out from Cherry Beach and make the longer trip over to the Toronto Islands. Just be warned that this route is definitely more challenging. It’s a long paddle, and it takes you across an active shipping channel.
Because of that, it’s best suited to experienced paddlers who are comfortable on the water, and you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing a personal flotation device before heading out. It’s a rewarding route if you’re up for it, but sticking to the shoreline is always a solid option too.
Rent a kayak or stand up paddle board from Paddle Pirates.
4. Humber River Paddling
The Humber River flows through the west end of Toronto, winding its way past parks and urban neighbourhoods before eventually spilling out into Lake Ontario.
It’s a calm, scenic waterway that feels surprisingly peaceful given how close you are to the city. Paddling here is easy and relaxing, with stretches of greenery along the banks that make you forget you’re in Toronto at all.
As you head toward the lake, you’ll even come across marshy areas that are home to birds and other wildlife, giving you plenty to stop and look at along the way.
Rent a kayak or canoe from Toronto Adventures: Humber River Paddling Center.
My Experience Canoeing on the Humber River
The last paddling adventure I took in Toronto was on the Humber River! My friend Kattie came along for an afternoon of canoeing (she’s the producer of my travel podcast!).
We reserved a canoe with Toronto Adventures a couple days in advance. It’s important to reserve ahead of time, especially if you’d like to go paddling on the weekend.
They book up fast! When you book online, you’ll have the ability to choose what type of boat you’d like, for how long, and what time you’ll pick it up.
Paddling at Humber River is convenient because it’s accessible by car and by public transport. The subway station Old Mill is a three minute walk from Toronto Adventures, and there’s plenty of parking if you decide to drive instead.
Once you arrive at Toronto Adventures, you sign in and fill out a waiver. You’re then given a quick safety rundown before staff help you launch your canoe, kayak, or SUP.
We rented our canoe for two hours. We figured this would be enough time to paddle from the launch point to where the Humber River opens up into Lake Ontario, and we were right! We even had time to explore the Humber River Marshes, too.
It’s about a 10 kilometer trip from the launching point to Lake Ontario (each direction). We wanted to paddle out into the lake so that we could have views of the Toronto cityscape. As you paddle closer to the lake, you can feel the water change. The winds pick up and waves develop.
We paddled a bit out into the lake, but had to be careful to keep angled into the waves so that we wouldn’t accidentally tip. Going into the lake provides great views, but only tackle this if you’re a confident paddler.
And now’s a good time to mention: if you have a dry bag, bring it along and pack your electronics and wallet in it, just to be safe!
Aside from paddling down to the lake and back, we enjoyed exploring the marshes, where we saw tons of beautiful lily pads and birds. We also spotted …a racoon!
The racoon was taking a refreshing dip which surprised us because, well, we didn’t realize racoons were swimmers! Kattie and I had tons of fun paddling the Humber River – It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy Paddling In and Around Toronto!
As a local Torontonian, I’m always looking for ways to get out and enjoy Toronto’s many green spaces. We’re lucky to live in a city that has so many parks, rivers, and water front areas. Renting a canoe, kayak, or SUP board is a great way to take advantage of that!
Whether you live here in Toronto, or are planning a visit, be sure to consider a paddling adventure. If you do plan to go paddling, book your rental in advance.
Looking for more to do in Toronto?
