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7 of Canada’s Best Canoe Trips for Beginners

May 23, 2026

Two people in a green canoe paddling on a calm river with a forest and mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.

Photo by Destination BC Adam Wells

Canada contains roughly 60 percent of the world’s lakes—that’s more than any other country. So it makes sense that one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Canada is by canoe or kayak. While some of us have been paddling since we were old enough to swim (or in some cases, before we could swim), there are many outdoor adventure lovers out there who are novice paddlers or wanting to begin but don’t know where to start. This list of trip ideas across the country offers some places just for you...

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"Based on explore magazine’s research, these trips are all very do-able by people on their first canoe trip."

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READ MORE: Adventure, Canoeing, Spring

John Geary is a Vancouver-based freelance writer-photographer who loves to get out and paddle just to get closer to nature. His list of canoeing and kayaking adventures include trips in North and South America, Belize, Zimbabwe and the Caribbean. When not paddling, he’s out looking for birds to photograph, either locally, around BC or in North America, South America or Asia. He has also worked with several conservation organizations, both as a volunteer and paid contractor. You can see some of his photos on Instagram and Twitter @BirdPaddler.

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