11 Best Places to Paddle Board in Ontario, CAN

Discover the beauty of Canada’s vast landscapes.

Have you ever imagined paddling across serene lakes or along scenic rivers?

The best places to paddle board in Ontario are calling your name.

Embrace the adventure, and let’s explore Ontario’s stunning waters together. Ready to embark?

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Ontario

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Muskoka

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Port Carling (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters, occasional light winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Loons, fish, ospreys
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Bala Park Island, boathouses, Millionaire’s Row
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution near boat traffic; keep a safe distance from shorelines and private docks

Lake Muskoka is a pristine freshwater lake with picturesque views and calm waters ideal for paddle boarding. Cruise along the shoreline or venture out to Bala Park Island for a scenic trip.

Soak in the surrounding beauty of boathouses and luxurious cottages while maintaining a respectful distance from private properties.

#2 Toronto Harbour

• 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
• 📍 Access Point: Harbourfront Centre (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, mild ocean swell
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, cormorants, swans
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: CN Tower, Toronto Islands, skyline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to bay regulations

Toronto Harbour provides an urban paddleboarding experience with incredible city views. Paddle past the iconic skyline, with the CN Tower as your backdrop, and explore the nearby Toronto Islands.

The harbor’s calm waters are suitable for all skill levels while offering a unique perspective of the city.

#3 Algonquin Provincial Park

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Canoes Lake (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters, light winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Moose, beavers, loons
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Boreal forests, Canadian Shield landscape
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for wildlife, follow park rules

Algonquin Provincial Park, a true Ontario gem, offers numerous lakes and rivers for paddle boarding. Paddle through pristine wilderness, surrounded by dense forests, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Each lake in the park offers a unique paddling experience amidst the untouched Canadian landscape.

#4 Grand River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Brant Conservation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtle, herons, egret
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Carolinian forests, riverside parks
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local speed limits, avoid shallow areas

The Grand River winds its way through beautiful Carolinian forests, offering tranquil stretches of smooth paddling. Discover lush riverside parks, diverse wildlife and picturesque shoreline vistas as you meander through Southern Ontario.

Hone your skills on the Grand River’s calm waters while immersed in nature.

#5 Lake Huron (North Channel)

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Little Current (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, clear water, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Gulls, terns
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sheltered bays, rugged coastline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in strong wind conditions, respect local boating rules

Lake Huron’s North Channel offers a pristine paddleboarding experience, with sheltered bays, calm clear waters and stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Explore endless shoreline, coves and inlets, making each visit to this freshwater paradise a new adventure.

#6 Rideau Canal

• 🏖️ Location Type: Channel
• 📍 Access Point: Dow’s Lake (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and relatively flat water, light winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks and Geese
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Downtown Ottawa, Parliament Buildings
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect boat traffic, follow canal navigation rules

The iconic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, promises an unforgettable urban paddle boarding experience in the heart of Ottawa.

Glide past historic buildings, lush parks and enjoy downtown Ottawa’s views from a unique perspective on the water.

#7 Georgian Bay

• 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
• 📍 Access Point: Wasaga Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds and fish
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, beautiful shorelines
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect local regulations

Georgian Bay offers crystal clear waters and striking shorelines, making it ideal for paddleboarding. Explore the sandy shores of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park or adventure into more secluded bays and coves for a serene experience.

With picturesque views and calm waters, Georgian Bay is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

#8 Lake Simcoe

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Innisfil Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, with occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Beautiful waterfront, surrounding greenery
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, follow local regulations

Lake Simcoe is the fourth largest lake in the province, offering large open areas for paddleboarders to enjoy. Take a leisurely paddle along the shoreline, or take on a longer journey, exploring the many islands scattered throughout the lake.

The picturesque waterfront and surrounding greenery make Lake Simcoe a sought-after paddleboarding destination.

#9 Pigeon River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Emily Provincial Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Beaver, Muskrat
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Forests, meadows, marshes
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, avoid shallow areas

The Pigeon River meanders through the beautiful scenery of Emily Provincial Park. Glide through calm water, surrounded by diverse landscapes, such as forests, meadows, and marshes.

Paddleboarders can enjoy the tranquil waters and observe an array of wildlife, making for a peaceful and memorable experience.

#10 Credit River

• 🏖️ ️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Riverwood Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, sheltered waters
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ducks, fish
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded areas, parks
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid shallow areas, respect local regulations

Credit River offers a serene and scenic paddleboarding experience surrounded by lush wooded areas and parks. Its gentle currents and sheltered waters make it particularly suitable for beginners or those seeking a peaceful escape.

As you glide down the river, enjoy the sights of wildlife and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

#11 French River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: French River Provincial Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mostly calm, occasionally windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bald Eagles, loons, turtles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coves, stunning granite formations
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, follow park regulations

Famous for its picturesque scenery and historical significance, the French River is an extraordinary destination for paddleboarders. Trek through the pristine waters of French River Provincial Park, exploring coves and admiring the stunning granite formations that surround you.

This idyllic and historically rich river continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

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