There’s nothing like spending a hot summer day out on the water. Luckily, the Ottawa region is a paddler’s paradise. Whether you are looking to coast right past Parliament, explore a quiet marsh maze, or navigate a dramatic canyon, here is your ultimate guide on where to rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) in Ottawa and beyond this summer.
Have your own canoe, kayak, or SUP? These locations are also fantastic spots to launch your own gear!
Paddler Pro-Tip: Most rental locations require you to leave a valid government-issued ID and a credit card as a deposit. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof dry bag to keep your phone, keys, and wallet safe while you’re out on the river! Hours are always subject to weather and water conditions.
You might also like:
- Where to swim in Ottawa
- Guide to Ontario Parks near Ottawa perfect for hitting the water
Kayak at the NCC River House (Rockcliffe Park)
- Distance: 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Iconic river views and historic charm
Paddle along the Ottawa River starting from the beautifully restored, scenic NCC River House with Escape Tours & Rentals. You’ll get unmatched, gorgeous views of the river and downtown Ottawa landmarks right from the water. After your paddle, you can grab a snack at the patio or jump into the public swimming area!
NCC River House Rental Rates:
- SUPs: $26 for the first hour, $12 for each additional hour
- Single Kayaks: $28 for the first hour, $15 for each additional hour
- Tandem Kayaks: $50 for the first hour, $20 for each additional hour
- Bike rentals are also available ($15/hr) if you want to explore the multi-use pathways!
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during peak summer (June to September).
Rent a Boat at Dow’s Lake Pavilion
- Distance: 12 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Calm water paddling and exploring the historic Rideau Canal
Enjoy stunning city views while paddling around Dow’s Lake and the historic Rideau Canal system. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle your way toward downtown right through the heart of the city. All rentals include paddles and life jackets.
Dow’s Lake Rental Rates (Taxes Included):
- Single Kayaks: $29 first hour, $20 additional hour
- Tandem Kayaks: $39 first hour, $20 additional hour
- Canoes: $35 first hour, $20 additional hour
- Paddleboards (SUP): $20 first hour, $20 additional hour
- Pedal Boats: $30 first hour, $20 additional hour
- Deluxe Pedal Boats (with canopy): $35 first hour, $20 additional hour
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from late May through to October. The last rental boat usually goes out 1 hour before closing.
Explore the Rideau River with Ottawa SUP
- Distance: 12 minutes from downtown | Old Ottawa East
- Best for: A peaceful urban retreat
Located in Brantwood Park (140 Clegg Street), Ottawa SUP is tucked along a tranquil, tree-lined section of the Rideau River. It’s a hidden gem with incredibly calm waters, perfect for beginners. While they specialize in stand-up paddleboards, they also offer kayak rentals, SUP lessons, and challenging SUP Yoga classes. Bonus: they are highly dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along!
Rental Rates:
- Rigid Boards & Kayaks: $60 (1 Day / 24 hrs), $35 each additional day, $210 week
- Inflatable Boards: $40 (1 Day / 24 hrs), $25 each additional day, $160 week
Seasonal Hours: Open from June to September. Rental pick-ups/drop-offs run from 9:00 a.m. to dusk on weekdays and weekends, but reservations must be made online in advance.
Westboro Beach
- Distance: 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Sunset views and a lively beach vibe
With the exciting return of the Westboro Beach Club, rentals are officially back on the sand! You can grab a drink, relax on the brand-new beach seating area, and rent a single kayak or paddleboard to explore a wider, scenic stretch of the Ottawa River. They even feature guided lazy river tubing using inflatable kayaks down the river to Onigam Street. On-site, you’ll also find Grand Pizzeria and Westboro Beach Club where you can catch a bite after your adventure.
Westboro Beach Club Rental Rates:
- Standard hourly rates start at $26/hr for single kayaks and paddleboards.
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from late May/early June through September from 11:00 a.m. to dusk (weather permitting)
Petrie Island (Orléans)
- Distance: 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Exploring quiet, hidden marsh islands on the East End
Enjoy some time on the water on the east end of Ottawa at Petrie Island. You can rent directly on-site from Ottawa Marina East and quickly find yourself navigating away from the main beach into beautiful, quiet nature channels filled with turtles and local wildlife.
Petrie Island Rental Options:
- Canoes, Single/Tandem Kayaks, Paddleboards, Row Boats, and Pedal Boats are all available. Rates vary by boat type and are available directly on location.
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from June through August, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Britannia Beach & Mooney’s Bay (Riverview Mobile Kayak Rental)
- Distance: 15–25 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Massive sandy beach launches and wide-open bay paddling
Whether you find yourself in the west end at Britannia Beach or central at Mooney’s Bay, your kayaking is powered by the exact same outfitter: Riverview Mobile Kayak Rental.
- At Britannia Beach: Meet them right on the shoreline at 100 Greenview Ave (west side of the swimming area).
- At Mooney’s Bay: Spot their mobile setup on the north end lower-level parking lot right next to the beach swimming area.
Both spots offer incredibly stable, single-seater sea kayaks that are perfect for beginners who want to spend a long afternoon exploring the bays.
Rental Rates:
- Single Sea Kayaks: $60 for a 3-hour paddle block. If you book with a friend (2 or more kayakers), the price drops to a discounted $45 each! All mandatory safety kits and PFDs are included.
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from June through September. Time slots typically open up starting around 1:30 p.m. Online reservations are highly recommended before you arrive at the beach launch sites.
Top Paddling Spots in Gatineau & Outaouais
Plein Air Du Lac Leamy
- Distance: 18 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: A quick getaway into nature across the bridge
Located right in Gatineau, Lac Leamy offers excellent flatwater paddling with rental facilities right on site. It’s highly recommended that you book your rental spot online in advance to secure your boat on busy weekends.
Seasonal Hours: Open June to early September. Midweek hours are typically 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., expanding on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Gatineau Park (Lac Philippe & La Pêche Lake)
- Distance: 15–30 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Immersive nature and canoe-camping adventures
The National Capital Commission (NCC) offers boat rentals directly at La Pêche Lake and Lac Philippe inside Gatineau Park. If you have your own kayak or SUP, I highly recommend driving over to Lac Meech instead for a stunning self-launch experience.
Gatineau Park Rental Rates:
- Canoes, Kayaks, and Rowboats: 1.5 hours: $23.25 | 2 hours: $28.25 | 3 hours: $33.50 | 4 hours: $42 | Full Day: $53 | 24 Hours (Canoe Camping at La Pêche): $46
- Tandem Kayaks & SUPs (Note: Not available at La Pêche Lake): 1.5 hours: $28.25 | 2 hours: $33.50 | 3 hours: $40 | 4 hours: $47.25 | Full Day: $56
- Rentals are first-come, first-served and include safety gear. Additional lifejackets/paddles are $1/hr.
Seasonal Hours: Open mid-May to mid-October. Peak summer hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (the last boat must be returned by 7:00 p.m.). Autumn hours shift slightly earlier depending on daylight.
Expeditions Wakefield
- Distance: 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: A fun day trip with a vibrant small-town vibe
Grab a rental at Expeditions Wakefield and spend a few hours on the beautiful Gatineau River. Make sure to see how close you can safely get to Wakefield’s iconic covered red bridge! Heading out with a big group? Check out their massive Whale Mega SUP which holds up to 6 people.
Pair your paddle with a local brunch to make a perfect day trip out of it!
Expedition Wakefield Rental Rates:
- Canoes, Single Kayaks, & SUPs: $30 (1 hr) | $45 (3 hrs) | $80 (Full Day)
- Tandem Kayaks: $40 (1 hr) | $55 (3 hrs) | $90 (Full Day)
- Whale Mega SUP (6 People): $100 (1 hr) | $200 (3 hrs) | $350 (Full Day)
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during peak summer months, allowing you to catch early morning mist or stunning late evening sunsets. Online booking is highly recommended.
Eco-Odyssey Water Maze (Wakefield)
Distance: 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa Best for: A completely unique, immersive marshland experience
Paddle through a breathtaking, custom-designed 6km water maze layout winding through beautiful marsh habitat. As you map your way through, keep an eye out for different frogs, birds, and local wildlife. They feature incredible specialty night adventures, including twilight and moonlight paddles!
Eco-Odyssey Adventure Rates:
- Canoe (for 2 people): $40.00 to $55.00
- Paddleboard (SUP): $35.00 to $45.00
- Water Maze Pedal Boat (Great for families): $55.00 to $65.00
Seasonal Hours: Sunday to Thursday: Departures between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m, Friday and Saturday: Extended night adventures with departures up to 10:00 p.m.
Nomades du Parc (Old Chelsea)
- Distance: 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Premium, transportable inflatable SUP rentals heading into Gatineau Park
Nomades du Parc is your ultimate base camp located in the heart of Chelsea (and at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre). They rent high-quality, highly stable inflatable stand-up paddleboards (iSUPs) that come completely packed inside a convenient carry bag with a pump, paddle, and even a 5L dry bag. This makes it incredibly easy to toss into your trunk and head 5 minutes down the road to Lac Meech!
Nomades du Parc Rental Rates:
- Inflatable SUP (iSUP): $34.95 for 3 to 4 hours | $49.95 for a Full Day (opening to closing) | $54.95 for 24 Hours | Multi-day rates available (e.g., $74.95 for 2 days)
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from May to mid-October. Standard summer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with weekend extensions. Online booking is seamlessly handled via their website.
Parc des Cèdres / Aylmer (Relais Plein Air)
- Distance: 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Beautiful marina views and sunset paddles
Located at the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion right along the beach at Parc des Cèdres in Aylmer, Relais Plein Air offers premium single-seater sea kayak rentals. This is a spectacular spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers to leisurely explore the wide Ottawa River and cruise past the Aylmer Marina.
Aylmer Rental Rates:
- Single Sea Kayaks: Starting at $25/hr (Includes adjustable paddle, life jacket, safety kit, and helpful navigation tips from the staff).
Seasonal Hours: Open daily from June through early September from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where to Rent Kayaks & Canoes in the Ottawa Valley
Self-Serve KAYAKOMAT Rentals (Carleton Place & McNab/Braeside)
Distance: 50 minutes from downtown Ottawa Best for: 24/7 flexibility and zero lines
Discover the ultimate convenience of smart, self-serve kayak and SUP rentals with KAYAKOMAT! Located right beside the water at the Mississippi River and White Lake, you simply book online, receive an access code via text, unlock your boat, and hit the water.
- Rates: Solo kayaks start at $40 for the first two hours; Tandem kayaks start at $60 for the first two hours. Rates decrease the longer you rent!
Seasonal Hours: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from May until October! As long as there is daylight and you have booked online, you can access your smart locker.
Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak
- Distance: 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa
- Best for: Multi-day rentals and backcountry exploration
If you want to pick up high-quality gear and transport it to your own dream destination, this is the place. Local access launch points include Fitzroy Provincial Park, the Mississippi River, White Lake Beach, and Robert Simpson Park.
Rental Rates:
- Recreational Kayak: $50 (1 Day) | $40/day (2-3 Days)
- Kevlar Canoe: $55 (1 Day) | $45/day (2-3 Days)
- Ultralite Canoe: $65 (1 Day) | $60/day (2-3 Days)
Seasonal Hours: Gear pickups and customer service are open mid-May through September from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Because these are off-site transport rentals, scheduling your exact pickup time in advance is mandatory.
Bucket List Kayak & Canoe Adventures near Ottawa
Interested in Local Paddling Lessons and Tours?
Even if you are an experienced paddler, booking a local guided tour or class is the best way to discover hidden routes, learn regional history, and build confidence on open water. Here are the top programs running this summer:
Ottawa Sports and Social Club (OSSC): Offers great, social “Intro + Explore” SUP clinics for those looking to learn the basics and meet new outdoor-loving friends.
Stand Up Paddle In Ottawa with Paddlefit: From beginner lessons to high-octane fitness and SUP Yoga. They host classes across beautiful spots like the Aylmer Marina, Gatineau River, and Bate Island. Don’t miss their spectacular Full Moon and Fireworks paddles!
Guided Historic Outings with Rideau Tours: Paddle through Chaffey’s Locks while learning about the engineering marvel of the historic Rideau Canal.
Stand Up Paddle Ottawa: Known for their specialty excursions, including the bucket-list Parliament Paddle, which gives you an unforgettable view of Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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I would like to reserve a pedals boat . We will be two people. I want the full total price and if it’s it’s possible to reserve it for the Saturday 18 June 2022. Thank you!
Author
Hi Pamela, this is a round-up of spots to go but I recommend reaching out to the spots directly to see if you can reserve. Have fun 🙂