Ontario Kayaking Adventures: Paddle from Your Cottage
Imagine launching your kayak directly from a private dock and gliding through turquoise waters. Ontario offers world-class paddling routes and renting a cottage that includes a kayak gives you easy water access.
Premier Paddling Destinations:
Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay and the Thirty Thousand Islands are a series of sheltered channels, limestone cliffs and multiple islands to stop at. Prime locations for spotting Ontario’s wildlife like eagles, loons and curious otters. Outfitters like Swift Canoe & Kayak in Waubaushene Wilderness Adventures, and Big Canoe Project in Meaford offer guided trips or additional rentals if you have a large group.
Vacation rentals on Georgian Bay:
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ideal for family paddlers, Algonquin Park offers easy river circuits or larger multi-day trips. Rent a cottage near the park in Barry’s Bay or the Algonquin Highlands for easy access to the park. If you would prefer to pitch a tent, Algonquin offers over 1,200 campsites along with multiple interpretive trails making it a wilderness favourite.
Vacation rentals near Algonquin Park:
Bruce Peninsula
Tobermory and Sauble Beach are the favoured spots to kayak on the Bruce Peninsula. Beginners can paddle quiet river routes near Sauble River or the Lake Huron side of Tobermory. While seasoned paddlers can explore rugged coastlines and caves around Flowerpot Island and Lion’s Head.
Vacation rentals in Lion’s Head:
Day Trip Ideas:
- Georgian Bay loop from Waubaushene: 8-12km, suitable for half day outings with scenis stops
- Algonquin Nipissing River (spring route): serene forest paddles with wildlife viewings
- Bruce Peninsula Intermediate Trek: Sauble River to Oliphant, access to Fishing Islands; expert trips to Flowerpot Island or Dyer’s Bay.
Kayaking Essentials
- Paddles
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFD)
- Dry bags
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water
- Snacks
- Emergency Kit
- Permits : Ensure you have boating permits for Georgian Bay and Algonquin’s Crown land
- Let someone know your route
Guided, DIY or Cottage-Launched Paddling
Guided adventure outfitters like Northern Ontario travel and Wilderness Adventures offer day/overnight guided tours on Georgian Bay
Skill Building with Paddle Canada certified instruction near Parry Sound and Meaford
Do-It-Yourself with one of our rentals that includes a kayak:
This summer, instead of heading to your usual cabin or beach getaway, why not ensure adventure on the water.
Explore More of Cottage Country:
Alex Laframboise
Alex is a champion of Ontario’s cottage lifestyle, leveraging her love for nature and years of management expertise to create unforgettable rental experiences. Cottaging near Lake Nipissing, Alex developed a deep connection to cottage country, which inspires her storytelling and marketing work at Cottage Vacations.
