By Ellen Sipp
Are you planning a canoe trip this summer? Here are 9 Canadian rivers that will make your canoe trip truly epic, no matter if you’re a novice paddler or a seasoned pro. So grab your paddles and get ready for amazing adventures! [Image credit: iStock.com/BrianLasenby]
Canoeing in Canada
Canada is home to an estimated 32,000 lakes and has the largest surface area of freshwater in the world. Whether you choose a guided tour or a solo trek, there is no shortage of canoe trips available. And while all Canadian waterways are beautiful, some stand out for their gorgeous scenery, rich history and other unique offerings. Check out the list below for a recommendation of some of the best Canadian rivers for canoeing. Each one promises a memorable experience and some jaw-dropping photo ops.
Expeditions range from five to 14 days, and you’ll be treated to plenty of wildlife sightings, including caribou, sheep, grizzlies and nearly 200 different bird species. There’s flat water for beginners and whitewater for the more advanced; the South Nahanni takes you deeper into the wilderness and gives you a great view of canyons, hot springs and Virginia Falls, which measures twice the height of the Niagara Falls.
The Basswood, Maligne and Quetico rivers flow through this picturesque park, which is one of the most popular canoe attractions in the world due to its remoteness and 600+ lakes. You can spend anywhere from one day to multiple weeks on the water and take in towering rock cliffs and gorgeous greenery.
Unless you want to navigate around icebergs, you should probably wait until mid to late June to paddle this one! You’ll also need a floatplane to access the river, which will take you through the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife refuge in Canada. The Thelon is a designated Canadian Heritage River, and you may see Inuit artifacts on its banks.
The Cariboo and Bowron rivers, along with six major lakes, make up the Bowron Lakes Circuit, which covers 116 kilometres and can take anywhere from 6 to 10 days to complete (shorter routes are also available). This circuit is ringed with beautiful old-growth forests and mountains and very often, your only companions on the water will be eagles, otters and moose. Good campgrounds are plentiful and the scenery more than makes up for some of the more strenuous portages.
A designated Canadian Heritage River, the Bloodvein earned its name from its red granite bedrock. The river can be paddled by people of all skill levels, although its western section between Artery Lake and Lake Winnipeg offers several sections of Class IV rapids which novices should portage. Historically ignored by commercial interests, the Bloodvein River’s rocky, forested shoreline lets you experience the beauty of the Canadian Shield in its primeval state. In many places along the route, you may glimpse petroglyphs left by First Nation peoples.
You'll need around a week to paddle this waterway, which includes nine portages and multiple lakes that are joined by rapids and falls. The end result is a stunning array of narrow chutes and stretches of smooth, picture-perfect water. It’s ideal for all skill levels and lets you explore a river that was once integral to the area’s fur trade.
Another designated Canadian Heritage River, the Hayes has a rich history involving the country’s fur trade and development. It is remote, untouched by man and the longest naturally flowing river in Manitoba. Whitewater rapids, waterfalls, gorges and tidal flats will keep you looking around in awe.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a beautiful backdrop for the Red Deer River. It has many manageable routes for beginners and showcases the badlands of central Alberta as well as the hoodoos of Drumheller. In the mood to hunt for some dinosaurs? You’ll have access to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a public park where fossils of 35 different species of dinosaurs have been found.
Comprised of the Petawawa, Madawaska and Opeongo Rivers and several lakes, Algonquin Park in Ontario offers more than 2,000 km of canoe routes and close to 30 access points. Pick the route suited to your skill level; guided tours are available. The Barron Canyon route is a favourite of weekend warriors and gives visitors a taste of Algonquin Park’s beautiful forests, gorges, picnic spots and campgrounds. You’ll be back!
Canoeing is a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors. You also don’t have to be battling raging rapids to get in a nice workout! Plan your next canoe trip in Canada today.
