If you’re out on the water you go to when you think of summer, it’s time to plan your next paddle. There are numerous lakes and rivers around Ottawa where you can rent boats if you don’t have one.
Here are 11 places to rent kayaks and canoes in Ottawa if you’re ready for an aquatic adventure. Get ready to escape into nature or enjoy a city drive in the city, we have it all.
Dow’s Lake
Price: $25+ per hour for a single kayak, $12 for each additional hour and several for other boats
When: Now open for the season from May to October
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr. Ottawa, ON
Why you’ve got to go: You can paddle right downtown with Dow’s Lake Pavilion rental properties. They have single and tandem kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and paddle boats that will take you down the Rideau Canal and soak up the city sun.
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Lac Leamy
Price: $17.50+ per hour
When: Season opening TBA
Address: 100 Rue Atawe, Gatineau, QC
Why You Should Go: Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the Lac-Leamy Outdoor Center, about 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa. You can enjoy an urban paddle tour with a mix of city and park views. They recommend booking in advance.
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Gatineau Park
Price: $23.25+ for 1.5 hours, $33.50+ for 3 hours
When: Open for the season from May 13th
Address: La Pêche Lake & Philippe Lake, Gatineau Park, QC
Why you should go: Gatineau Park has three boat launches where you can hit the lake, Meech Lake, Philippe Lake, and La Pêche Lake, but the latter two also offer rentals. You can find canoes, kayaks and rowboats on both lakes, and tandem kayak and paddleboard rentals at Philippe Lake.
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Center of Gatineau
Kayak on the Ottawa River at Parliament Hill and Chateau Laurier.
Megan Renaud | Narcity
Price: From $18 for the first hour, $11+ for additional hours
When: Open from May 27, 2022, for the season
Address: Jacques Cartier Park, 160 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
Why you should go: Escape Tours and Rentals opened a new spot last year for renting kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, and you can float right past Parliament Hill. You will surround yourself with views of downtown as you paddle down the Ottawa River.
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Gatineau River
Price: from $35+ per hour
When: Now open for the 2022 season
Address: 721 Chem. Riverside, Wakefield, QC
Why You Should Go: You can rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from Expéditions Wakefield in this quaint town. You will paddle along the Gatineau River and float under the iconic red-covered bridge. They also have Whale Mega SUPs that can accommodate six people!
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Petrie Island
Price: from $25+ per hour
When: Now open for the 2022 season
Address: 1009 Trim Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3P4
Why You Should Go: Spend a beach day on Ottawa’s Petrie Island and add boat rentals from Oziles’ Marina to your fun-filled day. You can paddle under trees and make your way to the opening of the Ottawa River.
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Ottawa Valley
Price: $55+ per day (prices subject to change this season)
When: Now open for the 2022 season, call ahead to book rentals
Address: 4245 ON-17, Kinburn, ON
Why You Should Go: For those planning an epic adventure, you can rent canoes and kayaks for a full day, or even a few weeks, from Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak. They have a list of suggested paddling spots, including Lake St. Peter Provincial Park, Foy Provincial Park, Mississippi River, and others.
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Tay River
Price: Rental prices on site
When: Now open for the 2022 season
Address: 21 Craig St., Perth, ON
Why you should go: You can escape to the small town of Perth that feels like a mini-trip to Europe, and paddle along the Tay River while you’re visiting. Perth Major Outfitters has over 100 canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent.
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Rideau River
Price: $30 for the first hour, $50 for two
When: Now open for the 2022 season
Address: 286 Riverview Lane rr#1, Kemptville, ON
Why You Should Go: You can adventure in the town of Kemptville and rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Drifters Outdoors Canoe & Kayak Rentals to cruise along the Rideau River.
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Eco Odyssey
Price: $40+ per person
When: Now open for the 2022 season
Address: 52 Chem. des Sources, Wakefield, QC
Why you should go: You can improve your paddling experience by choosing your adventure level and navigating a water maze. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you paddle through a swamp in sunshine or moonlight.
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Calabogie Lake
Price: $33 per day pass
When: Opening Date Summer Events TBA
Address: 30 Barrett Chute Rd., Calabogie, ON
Why you should go: You can add a paddling adventure to a stay at Calabogie Peaks Resort, or get a day pass and take advantage of the onsite activities. They have canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards that you can paddle with and then hang out on their beach.
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