River Paddling Adventures

With direct access to Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and some of the most renowned rivers in Northern Ontario, Algoma Country is full of options for your next paddling adventure. The sheer wilderness alone will make you remember you’re incredible paddling trip for years to come.

Whether it’s a Half-Day, Full-Day, Multi-Day, Guided, or Self-Guided Adventure or if you are a novice or intermediate paddler, there is an adventure here for you!

Here are a few River Paddling Adventures Trip options from some of Algoma’s most outstanding guide operators.

Half-Day Guided Michipicoten River Ecotour

The Michipicoten River is one of Superior’s largest tributaries, a key part of the earliest Indigenous life. It was once a key link in the northbound Hudson Bay Company Voyageur fur trade route. The eco-tour is offered by Naturally Superior Adventures and is a good trip for less experienced paddlers. Choose between a sea kayak single or tandem or canoe. Includes guide, boat, shuttle, and interpretive map.

About Naturally Superior Adventures:
Located at the mouth of the Michipicoten River Naturally Superior Adventures offers guided and outfitted trips for weekend, multi-day wilderness sea kayak and Voyageur canoe trips. Trips are available for Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, the Superior Highlands and along the Lake Superior coast for novice to intermediate paddlers. NSA offers certified sea kayak, canoe, and SUP instruction as well as equipment rentals, outfitting, trip advice and shuttles.

NSA’s Rock Island Lodge is located at the mouth of the Michipicoten River.

4 Days On The Spanish River

Your trip begins with a train ride into Spanish River Provincial Park. You will disembark the train at the Forks stop and begin your journey downriver. MHO Adventures’ guides will spend time on whitewater instruction to prepare everyone for the upcoming 4 days of fun whitewater paddling covering over 53 km.

This trip is perfect for anyone looking to challenge themselves with whitewater paddling and to get away from their busy everyday lives to experience nature with other like-minded folks. Enjoy paddling and swimming in dark blue waters, fishing, and classic Canadian Shield wilderness, and even trying to spot a moose as you paddle down the beautiful Spanish River. This trip ends at the Elbow on the Spanish River, right before a series of mandatory portages and lift-overs. A 6-day Family Adventure on the Spanish River is also available. You might also be interested in the Full Missinaibi River Adventure, or the Adventurous Women on the Spanish River. View all available Packages from MHO or book your adventure here.

About MHO Adventures:
MHO Adventures has provided guided and outfitted wilderness holidays and expeditions for over 20 years. From introductory paddling weekends to multi-week expeditions on beautiful and challenging ‘Bay’ rivers, there is a trip for you! Highly trained, experienced, and personable guides bring abundant knowledge and skill to every trip. Canoe rentals, shuttles, and logistical support are available for self-guided trips.

Meals are prepared by wilderness guides on multi-day paddling trips.

Kayaking and Canoe Tours – Garden River

Explore Mother Earth’s offerings with the utmost respect for the land, water, and all living beings in the great outdoors of Northern Ontario with the guided experience of Thrive Tours. Thrive Tours offers several paddling adventure itineraries based on what you are looking for and is dedicated to creating an experience for anyone looking to enjoy nature. You can request more information about a river paddling adventure for Garden River and the St. Marys River.

Thrive Tours allows you to customize your adventure with guided tours for canoeing, kayaking, nature hikes, camping and off-grid camping. Hike through the Lacloche Mountains, and Hiawatha Highlands, and witness the beauty of the boreal forests or paddle a canoe or kayak in the pristine waters along the North Shore of Lake Huron, St. Mary’s River or Lake Superior.

About Thrive Tours:
Thrive Tours is an Indigenous-owned and operated ecotourism guide company. This company has adopted a zero-footprint objective to maintain and promote local Indigenous practices and philosophies toward sustainability and respect for the environment. Other paddling packages you may like are Paint and Paddle, and excursions on Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Knowledge sharing with others about Indigenous history and culture is a key component of guide tours.

Full-Day Guided Interpretive Canoe Tour

Learn the basics of paddling with Forest the Canoe before taking off to explore Lake Superior’s crystal-clear waters and rugged rocky shoreline. Your interpretive guide will share their knowledge about the local history, culture, and ecology as you experience the coastal shoreline of the infamous Inland Sea. The base camp is in Goulais River area. Alternate locations include Goulais Bay or other inland lakes and rivers in the Goulais River/Sault Ste. Marie area, let your hosts know if you are interested in a specific location. Additional costs may be required for alternate locations. View all available Packages from Forest the Canoe or book your adventure here.

About Forest The Canoe:
Forest The Canoe embraces all the True North experiences that Northern Ontario’s natural world has to offer. Creating connections between people, place, and the natural world – through interpretation, education, and experience. Guided nature tours and camping trips for your everyday outdoor enthusiast in Northern Ontario.

If you’re interested in a specific paddling location, like the Goulais River, let Ryan and Shana know in advance!

More Paddling Trips in Algoma

The trips listed below are either self-guided or guided, which we’ve noted for you. You may need to bring your own equipment, or equipment may be provided depending on the offering. It’s important to know your skill level before venturing out. When planning your trip, be sure to investigate the important things you need to know from your host, or what your host should know about your skill level and needs.

Do you require a barrier-free kayak or canoe dock? Click here to find where these are located in Algoma.

Thessalon River
Launch your kayak or canoe at Peace Park located at the mouth of the Thessalon River to paddle up the river through the center of town. Find plenty of parking, a sandy beach, and changerooms/washrooms on site. Afterwards, explore the town to eat at local restaurants and do some shopping.
Rent a kayak at the Thessalon Marina and use their barrier-free kayak launch.
Contact the Town: 705-842-2217

Paddle Nights In Hearst
Paddle Nights in Hearst are offered on Thursday nights in the summer months and are generally 1 to 3 hours long. Locations and difficulty vary as you learn from your certified guide and develop your skills on different lakes, rivers, and creeks. Rentals are available for those who don’t have their own gear.

Organized Paddles In And Around The North Channel Of Lake Huron
The Algoma Paddlers Canoe & Kayak Club is a group of canoe and kayak enthusiasts who explore the waterways of the Algoma District with qualified trip leaders. Some past trips organized include waterways near Desbarats, Mississagi Delta, Mississagi River, Little White River, and sometimes evening paddles. Follow them on Facebook or sign up for their newsletters to learn more.

Paddle The Historic St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie

Paddling the St. Marys River, view of Top Sail Island, Bellevue Park.

Waterfront Adventure Centre
Operated by Sault College, the Waterfront Adventure Centre is an inclusive space for students and the community to enjoy outdoor activities on the city’s waterfront. Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. After a few hours on the water, refresh yourself at the Ziibi Cafe with a snack or lunch.

Guided Metis Tours
This is a 2-hour guided tour aboard the big canoe with a walking component taking you through the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Metis community. There is no experience necessary; PFDS (personal flotation devices) are provided and there is easy paddling instruction before boarding the canoe.

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