Each
province and territory across Canada offers unique
paddling experiences – for beginner, advanced,
families or small groups. Whether you choose to kayak,
canoe or raft, there is an adventure waiting for you.
The Aboriginal peoples, the frontiersmen and the early
pioneers built Canada using the power of the paddle.
That’s one of the reasons the canoe was recently
chosen as one of Canada’s seven wonders by Canada’s
national broadcasters CBC – the judges noting
that without the canoe, half of the other wonders
on the list would be inaccessible.
Come and take part in Canada’s cultural heritage,
and expect the unexpected!
1.
Kayak - Gulf Islands and Inside Passage, British Columbia
The inner coastal region between Vancouver Island
and mainland British Columbia is vast and
stunningly beautiful with a treasure chest of
coves, islands, inlets and fjords. The area's
diverse geography, cultures, climate and wildlife
provide a unique kayaking experience. Enjoy
the endless points of entry and combinations
of routes, plus the many small historic communities.
Recommended
· Whale-watching: Hundreds of orcas (killer
whales), humpback and minke whales inhabit this
coast and many return to Vancouver Island's
Inside Passage waters for the summer months.
· Book "Kayaking the Inside Passage"
The
Saguenay Fjord is about 200 km directly north
of Québec City, at the confluence of
the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers.The region
has a unique natural environment caused by the
waters of the world's largest estuary mingling
with those of the longest fjord in Eastern Canada.
The 120 kilometer fjord is a rare and natural
beauty that is best discovered by kayak. There
are many stopping points and cultural activities
in the area.
Recommended
· Hiking on one of many trails that follow,
or branch out from, the Saguenay Fjord.
· Upstream from Saguenay Fjord is Lac-Saint-Jean,
in the middle of "Blueberry country",
also a unique and distinct region well worth
exploring by way of kayak, hiking or biking.
Nova
Scotia's 7,600 km of coastline, with the world's
highest tides, is dotted with beautiful beaches
, quiet little coves, towering cliffs and untouched
bays; all providing for fantastic kayaking opportunities.
There is enough diversity for all levels of
kayaking interest. Nova Scotia literally burgeons
with cultural activity from May until September.
Combining your kayak trip with a visit to one
of their many summer festivals, or to local
wineries or fruit orchards, makes for a perfect
vacation or getaway.
Recommended
· For the maritimers at heart: Sail aboard
Canada's famous tall ship, the Bluenose II that
tours ports around the province.
· Visit one of the many festivals; f.ex.
The Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival, the Pictou
Lobster Carnival, the Yarmouth Seafest, Digby
Scallop Days or the Lunenberg Folk Harbour Festival.
· Take a leisurely cruise by car, or
bicycle, along the Cabot Trail, one of the world's
most scenic coastal drives.
· Read more about Cape Breton and the
Bay of Fundy on our "Top
10 Attractions" page.
The
canoe is an integral part of Canada's history
and no more so than in Manitoba. With 100,000
lakes and rivers Manitoba provides varied, and
seemingly unlimited, canoeing experiences.
Recommended:
· The many provincial and national parks
should be important components in any tour you're
planning. http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/recreation/canoeing.html
link title: Canoeing in Manitoba's National
Parks
· Combine your canoe trip with western
riding, hiking, biking or birdwatching.
Nunavut
in Canada's north has a vast untouched wilderness
with majestic fjords, scenic rivers, pristine
parks and rolling tundra. Sea-kayak the coastline
of Baffin Island or canoe the great rivers of
Thelon and Kazan and experience close encounters
with wildlife along the shorelines. This arctic
region offers the most extreme paddling activities
and is seasonal. Due to its more "extreme"
nature we advise using local guiding services.
Those wishing to adventure independently should
plan thoroughly, with safety as their watchword.
This
territory is a land of contrasts, from barren
tundra to jagged mountains; that provides a
great backdrop for canoeing adventures, both
for the experienced and beginner. Nahanni River
is one of many world class paddling adventures.
We advise you to give yourself plenty of time
and try not to over-extend your activity program.
Numerous
lakes and rivers and fantastic mountain scenery
make for a unique paddle adventure.
Every swing in the rivers opens a new wildlife
experience. A classic rafting tour through the
region
on the Tatshenshini River is available through
authorized guides.
Recommended
· Take extra time to visit the historical
Dawson City. Located in the heart of the Klondike,
it offers boardwalk-lined streets, historic
buildings and more than its share of romance,
fame and broken dreams from the days of the
gold rush.
· While in Dawson, try your skills at
panning for gold.
