When you think of beaches, beach rentals, and water activities such as kayaking and fishing, you might first think of Florida or a Caribbean island before Canada comes to mind. Canada might bring on more ice hockey and moose visions, but from Niagara Falls to the Canadian Rockies, there’s plenty of scenic outdoors to take in when you visit this country.
So, while the Royal Ontario Museum and the CN Tower are among the must-see things to do in Ontario, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Ontario you can enjoy as well. Kayaking in Ontario is one way you can take in the rivers and lakes and have a fun time doing so.
So, what’s the best kayaking in Ontario? Where are the top kayak rentals in Ontario? Is kayak fishing in Ontario an option? The following will answer any questions about kayaking in Ontario, the best kayaking spots, and which kayak rentals are in the area.
You might also wish to explore cottage rentals in Ontario if this is indeed your next vacation spot. From Tobermory cottage rentals to Sauble Beach cottage rentals, we’ll look at some popular accommodations that will feel like your home away from home during your stay in this Canadian province.
Where to Kayak
The village of Tobermory on the northern tip of Bruce Peninsula and the beach community of Sauble Beach in South Bruce Peninsula are two favorite kayaking areas. The conditions are ideal for both new and experienced kayakers, meaning you can bring the entire family to enjoy these areas.
In Tobermory, the Lake Huron side will be an agreeable spot for kayaking in Ontario, especially if you’re new to paddling. You can also explore rock pillars and caves and take in limestone cliffs by kayaking to Flowerpot Island or simply paddling in the Georgian Bay.
Launch facilities at Sauble Beach are found on the north side of Sauble Falls, and that’s where you can begin a leisurely kayak trip up the Sauble River. Enjoy a relatively calm paddle through forests and sand dunes, and stop along the way for a spectacular view of the Falls!
Kayak Rentals
Unless you’re traveling with your own kayak, you’ll need to find kayak rentals in Ontario. Luckily, you won’t have far to go to see the vessel you’re looking for.
The Tobermory Cruise Centre, or On the Water Kayaks, on Lee’s Wharf has single and double kayaks, and you can take off right from their docks. Rentals for single and tandem kayaks are offered for two or four hours. On the Water Kayaks also rents fishing kayaks. Stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent for two or four hours.
The Tobermory Cruise Centre boasts affordable rates, and you can secure rentals and get out on the water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. They are located at the entrance to Little Tub Harbour, next to Coconut Joe’s Restaurant, and near the Tugs shipwrecks that draw divers to the site.
OuterVision Adventure Tours on Bruce County Road in Lion’s Head has all-day kayak rentals, river kayaks, and whitewater kayaks for the more experienced and adventurous vacationers.
Both Tobermory Cruise Centre and OuterVision Adventure Tours kayak rentals include paddles, lifejackets, and safety kits. Tobermory Cruise kayak rentals are first-come, first-served, with no reservations, while OuterVision allows online rental reservations.
To rent a kayak from Tobermory Cruise Centre, stop at the departure dock before 6 p.m. at 53 Bay Street South. The friendly staff will do their best to get you on the water before the day is over!
Kayak Tours
In addition to kayak rentals, OuterVision Adventure Tours also offers three guided kayak tours.
The Saugeen River Tour is designed for beginner and intermediate paddlers. This tour has 16 different access points along the river so that tourists can adjust the length of their trip. Paddle times are between one and three hours based on access point entry. Half and full-day tours are available.
The Sauble River Tour, meant for beginners, has three access points for up to five hours of paddle time. The three- to four-hour paddle tour takes you throughout the Falls. Or, you can choose the tour to Sauble Beach and enjoy some swimming! You’ll travel through red pine forests and ancient dunes and see, among other wildlife, muskrats, and beavers.
Plan Your Trip
When you stay with RentCottage, you’re surrounded by countless outdoor activities to enjoy! Book your stay today and prepare for an unbeatable vacation!
Finally, the Oliphant Fishing Islands tour offers a chance for kayak fishing in Ontario. All paddler levels can explore the Lake Huron shoreline with its reefs, shoals, and islands. Winds and waves could make navigating some areas more difficult. Experienced paddlers could be taken further from the islands into more open waters.
Other full- and half-day kayak tours on the Bruce Peninsula are available through OuterVision.
Big Tub Harbour is also a great place to kayak; you can kayak by the lighthouse and the aforementioned shipwrecks!
What to Expect
For the most part, when kayaking in Ontario, you can expect fairly calm waters, great sights of the shoreline and reefs, and up to a full-day rental option. With a full-day rental, you can stop at the various nearby islands for a lunch break and go swimming and maybe fishing. You can also experience the incredible Sauble Falls when kayaking the Sauble River.
Of course, the temperament of the water depends on where you’re paddling. The Sauble River offers a calmer trip than the more active Rankin River. Winds will play a part and make open waters rougher to paddle; thus, kayaking into more open waters is not usually suggested unless you are an experienced kayaker or an experienced guide.
You can also expect to find multiple access points along whatever river you’re touring and, in most cases, a shuttle that will take you to your chosen access point.
Find Your Cottage Rental in Ontario
When it comes time to find accommodations for your Canadian adventure, look no further than cottage rentals in Ontario offered by Rent Cottage.
All types of cottage rentals are available from one- and up to five-plus bedrooms in Sauble Beach, Tobermory, Lion’s Head, and other areas such as Wiarton and Miller Lake. You can find waterfront or beachfront properties, cottages near the beach, cottages with hot tubs, and even pet-friendly cottage rentals.
With an Ontario cottage rental, you get kitchens fully equipped with all cook- and dinnerware, fire pits and fireplaces, your private washer and dryer, Smart TVs and Blu-Ray DVD players, and furnished patios (with loungers, chairs, and picnic tables), and propane BBQs. Some rentals even offer dock access and kayaks and canoes. The best part? You’re not far from kayak rentals and the lakes and rivers you’ll soon be paddling on.
Combine the best cottage rentals in Ontario with the best kayaking in Ontario. You’re set up for a monumental, memorable trip to the wide-open spaces of Canada’s second-largest province. Now, all that’s left to do is book your stay. The Rent Cottage team is always available to help you get started. Reach out today!
