Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in North America
There's nothing like admiring the great outdoors by soaking up the serenity of a kayak tour. Paddle past the scenic landscapes of North America with 25 kayak and canoe tours ranging from 3 days to 20 days. Watch the world float by on a gratifying kayak adventure.
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- Choose from 25 North America tours
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Miho • traveled in September
Overall it was a very good and enjoyable tour. Our guides were very cheerful and kind ladies, and they cooked excellent camp meals everyday. Had a great time and wonderful adventure, thank you!
Spirit of the Yukon: Teslin River - J
Jessica • traveled in March
This was an absolutely amazing experience. The entire team was so helpful, Mauricio was en excellent guide, made it accessible for all levels (some of us had no cross country ski experience while others had a lot). The activities were really fun but there’s no forced participation. On the Tuesday we didn’t want to ski again so Mauricio suggested a great walk for us. Sage cooked the most amazing food, I was eating veggie and it was all delicious. We weren’t hungry at any point, with snacks provided etc. They all went above and beyond and we had the best time.
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
10 best Kayak & Canoe North America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaNorth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Spirit of the Yukon: Teslin River
- Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak
- Hiking and Canoe - Hotel and Camping Mix
- Athabasca River Canoe Trip in Alberta, Canada
- The Klondiker - Canoe Tour on the Big Salmon River 15 Days
- Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast
- Canada Like in a Picture Book
- Yukon River: the best whitewater rivers canoe trip - 7 days
- Alaska's Natural Paradises
- The Magic of Vancouver Island
Spirit of the Yukon: Teslin River
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Our guides were very cheerful and kind ladies, and they cooked excellent camp meals everyday.”
Miho, traveled in August
A 350km water adventure stretches from Johnson's Crossing through Teslin Tlingit territory. Gentle Class II rapids and historical trading posts dot your path to Carmacks, with expert guides ensuring safe passage.
Duration 11 days Destinations Whitehorse, Teslin, Carmacks Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German, French Operator Ruby Range Adventure From
- US$1,967
Duration 7 days Destinations Anchorage, Denali National Park, Seward Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$4,395
Learn paddling techniques on a serene lake before taking on a 160km adventure down Athabasca River. Your 2-person canoe glides past forest-lined waters while you camp on sandy islands and spot diverse wildlife like eagles and moose.
Duration 14 days Destinations Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper, Edmonton Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German, French Operator Timberwolf Tours Ltd. From
- US$3,615
The glacier-fed Athabasca River stretches 160km through North America's wilderness. Rapids, wildlife encounters, and pristine island camping await as you perfect advanced paddling techniques. Suitable for ages 12+, with 5-6 hours daily on the water.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edmonton, Jasper Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German, French Operator Timberwolf Tours Ltd. From
- US$1,182
Duration 15 days Destinations Whitehorse, Carmacks Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,878
The coastline from Sechelt Inlet to Desolation Sound Marine Park beckons water enthusiasts. Three guided kayaking tours include magical bioluminescent evening paddles in Egmont waters, while protected coves and marine life await in Halfmoon Bay.
Duration 9 days Destinations Vancouver, Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Horseshoe Bay, Halfmoon Bay, Egmont, Powell River, Lund, Desolation Sound Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$4,820
The pristine Athabasca River offers 5 days of gentle rapids and wildlife viewing from your canoe. Sandy islands become your campsite as you perfect essential paddling techniques and drift through quiet corners where bears and moose roam.
Duration 15 days Destinations Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Edmonton Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- US$4,108
Duration 7 days Destinations Whitehorse, Kluane National Park, Yukon, Miles Canyon Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,978
Alaska's waterways invite optional sea kayaking in Valdez ($120+), bringing close encounters with seals and sea otters. A canoe trip on Maclaren River near its glacier pairs with optional rafting in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park ($290 for full-day excursions).
Duration 14 days Destinations Anchorage, Talkeetna, Valdez Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- US$5,873
Clayoquot Sound's stunning Pacific coastline reveals hidden coves and ancient forests. This two-day kayak adventure takes you camping on Vargas Island's wild beaches and past Stubbs Island's marine-rich waters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Vancouver, Sooke, Parksville, Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park, Ucluelet Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- US$1,789
What our customers ask about Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in North America
When is the best time to go on a Kayak & Canoe tour in North America?
North American kayaking and canoeing tours are at their peak from June through August. Water conditions on routes like the Yukon River and British Columbia's Sunshine Coast are ideal during these months with clear skies and gentle currents. The Teslin River welcomes paddlers from June to September with pleasant temperatures and stable water levels. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guides were very cheerful ladies and they cooked excellent camp meals everyday during our July trip." Places like Desolation Sound and Port McNeill see their best paddling conditions during summer months with reliable weather and excellent visibility.
What wildlife might I see during a Kayak & Canoe tour in North America?
The waterways of North America offer close encounters with diverse wildlife from your paddle craft. British Columbia's waters near Port McNeill and Desolation Sound are home to orcas humpback whales seals and porpoises. The Yukon River system supports moose black bears bald eagles and arctic grayling. A TourRadar traveler on the Spirit of the Yukon tour shared: "Had a great time and wonderful adventure seeing wildlife from a unique perspective on the water." The Teslin River stands out for its high concentration of moose and eagles making it a reliable spot for wildlife viewing.
What's included in typical North America Kayak & Canoe tour packages?
Standard kayak and canoe tour packages cover essential needs for water adventures. The Yukon River Classic provides canoes camping gear 2-person tents and full meals during paddling days. Accommodations range from wilderness sites to established lodgings like Coal Mine Campground in Carmacks and The Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "Our guides cooked excellent camp meals everyday and provided all necessary equipment." Tours typically include ground transportation between locations and airport transfers.
How physically demanding are North America Kayak & Canoe tours?
Physical requirements vary by tour route and location. The Yukon River Classic sits at a moderate level needing basic fitness and stamina for daily paddling sessions. Big Salmon River tours include portaging and technical paddling while Teslin River offers an easier pace. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The pace can be adjusted to suit the group's abilities though some stretches required more focused paddling." Most tours involve 4-6 hours of daily paddling with regular breaks for rest and exploration.
What are the sleeping arrangements on multi-day Kayak & Canoe tours?
Multi-day tours mix wilderness camping with hotel stays. The Yukon River Classic sets up 2-person tents at riverside campsites and books stays at places like the Coast High Country Inn in Whitehorse. Near Port McNeill the Kingfisher's Base Camp provides safari-style tents with wooden floors and proper beds. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The camping facilities were basic but comfortable and the occasional hotel stays were a welcome luxury."
What kind of meals are provided on North America Kayak & Canoe tours?
Tour meals combine campfire cooking with local dining experiences. During paddling days guides prepare filling meals in camp settings on Yukon River tours. Kingfisher's Base Camp offers full catering in a dedicated dining area. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "They cooked excellent camp meals everyday which was much needed after long days of paddling." Urban stops in places like Whitehorse or Dawson City let travelers explore local restaurants on their own.
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Kayak & Canoe