Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre
Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre
4.5
Lessons & WorkshopsEquipment HireStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & Canoeing
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Located in Toronto on the edge of Lake Ontario since 1985, the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre is one of the most popular urban paddling Centres in North America for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. Our Lakeside Office is open daily from June to September (weather permitting) and located directly south of the Rogers Centre/CN Tower and within walking distance of many great restaurants. Come learn to canoe, kayak, and stand up paddleboard with one of our certified friendly instructors. If you already have paddling skills, rent to explore the harbour and islands on your own. Embark on a guided Tandem Kayak Tour or Big Voyageur Canoe excursion to get the best views of Toronto from the water. We are your source for connecting you to Toronto's waterfront and Islands, for relaxation, to learn new skills and to increase your health and well-being.
Similar Experiences
Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
3
KarenPMcM
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Aug 2020
Some of my fellow dragon boaters & I have been hungering (thirsting?) for some on-water experience this gloomy yet glorious shut-down summer. Eight of us booked Harbourfront Centre's sunset tour. What a great evening! 2.5 hours of paddling, learning new skills, seeing the Islands and the waterfront from a new perspective, experiencing a harbour crossing, getting new information and history, and getting some exercise. A much more interesting and instructive outing than I was expecting, and better equipment, too. James was our delightful and enthusiastic guide.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FoodieLuxury
Quebec City, Canada2,197 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Had a great evening in the Toronto Islands during the 3 hours tandem kayak tour. Our guide Richard was very helpful. This was my first kayak experience and will not be the last. Thank you again guys!!!!
Written August 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MMM1587
6 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We had booked 2 nights in the Radissin Admiral Hotel in Toronto and wanted to do something out of the norm whilst in the city. We spotted the Canoe Centre whist doing research on the. Hotel and it's location in the city. We popped our head in he office and was greeted by a young male behind the desk who was very police and friendly. He discussed all our options available, enquiring as to our previous experience in either a kayak or open Canoe. We chose to take the evening 3 hr excursion on a guided Kayak tour of the small islands and bird sanctuary in Toronto Harbour. We arrived in plenty of time and where we met our Irish tour guide who was very friendly. He assisted with kitting us out with a double canoe and and sizing our paddles correctly. We where joined by two other couples. After a short but sweet safety brief and a few pointers on how to paddle a kayak we headed out into the bay. The weather had turned for the worse so the instructor offered us the opportunity to head back in and get a full refund which we all declined and continued on our voyage of discovery. Once across the bay we entered the Island Channels and began to explore. The instructor was very knowledgable about the area and gave us a full history lesson as we paddled pointing out points of interest and identifying the local wildlife. Again the weather looked like it was coming in so the instructor radioed to the main office for an up to date weather report taking in consideration for our general safety and also enjoyment. The weather wasn't as bad as first thought so we continued onward deeper into the inlets and waterways which all seemed very calm and peaceful apart from the odd boat wizzing past. We stayed out for over 2 hours which included a ' comfort break ' . We arrived back at the shore at dusk, unfortunately it was cloudy but on a sunny evening would have experienced a spectacular sunset over the city who's magnificent skyline was always in the distance whist we paddled but so much added to the experience.
In all we had a wonderful experience and would recommend it to anybody wanting to do something a little different whist visiting Toronto.
In all we had a wonderful experience and would recommend it to anybody wanting to do something a little different whist visiting Toronto.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany C
4 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
My friend and I came here on a lovely Sunday afternoon very excited to kayak around lake Ontario. I've kayaked a couple times before and it would have been my friends first kayaking experience, so needless to say, we were both looking forward to this day.
We had made reservations for the 2 person Tandem kayak which was noted on the website for individuals with no experience. Also on the website noted that we would have to pass a paddling assessment (this makes sense considering the harbour is a very busy channel). Upon arrival, reception and getting our life jackets and equipment went smoothly until we took our paddling assessment.
This was my friends first time kayaking so we had a rocky start in the assessment with the turning and maneuvering. After a couple tries, the man who was assessing us did not give us the green light to go out into the harbour.
We were totally understandable of this because we do not want our lives nor other peoples lives in danger and the man was simply doing his job. HOWEVER, the man who was assessing us was quite rude. He mocked us throughout the assessment, laughing and jeering at us as if he expected us to paddle like professionals. Not only was this embarrassing, he was very unprofessional.
It is one thing to do your job and it is another to harass your customers. We came here to have a good time and it was ruined for us. It's quite unfortunate and disappointing that we had this experience.
We had made reservations for the 2 person Tandem kayak which was noted on the website for individuals with no experience. Also on the website noted that we would have to pass a paddling assessment (this makes sense considering the harbour is a very busy channel). Upon arrival, reception and getting our life jackets and equipment went smoothly until we took our paddling assessment.
This was my friends first time kayaking so we had a rocky start in the assessment with the turning and maneuvering. After a couple tries, the man who was assessing us did not give us the green light to go out into the harbour.
We were totally understandable of this because we do not want our lives nor other peoples lives in danger and the man was simply doing his job. HOWEVER, the man who was assessing us was quite rude. He mocked us throughout the assessment, laughing and jeering at us as if he expected us to paddle like professionals. Not only was this embarrassing, he was very unprofessional.
It is one thing to do your job and it is another to harass your customers. We came here to have a good time and it was ruined for us. It's quite unfortunate and disappointing that we had this experience.
Written October 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaza r
hamilton1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Couples
My husband and I booked in for a Voyageur Canoe Ride on a Sunday afternoon.
First off, I was quite disappointed that we did not end up going in the actual classic voyageur canoe because there was not enough people...
But, probably most disappointing was the tour guide...or actually lack of a tour guide. This tour is marketed as a 'guided tour'...and honestly there was absolutely nothing guided about it. The guide hardly spoke, had a couple of things to say about the elementary school on the island as we approached, but he seemed very unsure about all the facts he was saying....he hardly spoke at all, all he did was steer.
He did not talk about or visit any "bird sanctuaries" or "lagoons", if we did visit them, I did not know we did. He also mentioned hardly anything about the history of the island and it's 13 Island Archipelago...
During the midway break, he just set us off on our way with no information about what was around or what there was to do.
Although it is an incredible way to see the Islands, I would never recommend this trip to anyone else....
First off, I was quite disappointed that we did not end up going in the actual classic voyageur canoe because there was not enough people...
But, probably most disappointing was the tour guide...or actually lack of a tour guide. This tour is marketed as a 'guided tour'...and honestly there was absolutely nothing guided about it. The guide hardly spoke, had a couple of things to say about the elementary school on the island as we approached, but he seemed very unsure about all the facts he was saying....he hardly spoke at all, all he did was steer.
He did not talk about or visit any "bird sanctuaries" or "lagoons", if we did visit them, I did not know we did. He also mentioned hardly anything about the history of the island and it's 13 Island Archipelago...
During the midway break, he just set us off on our way with no information about what was around or what there was to do.
Although it is an incredible way to see the Islands, I would never recommend this trip to anyone else....
Written July 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shifra w
toronto4,651 contributions
Sept 2012 • Solo
I cannot wait for wetsuit season to be over and the official kayaking season to begin.
I discovered Dave and this group several years ago when my husband died suddenly and I found myself without a paddling partner.
I originally got hooked on the social paddles and last year progressed to a few intermediate paddles, which were quite awesome.
The group is wonderful--one sees many of the same faces each season.
Forty or fifty kayaks and a stray canoe or two head out in a pack for the Toronto Islands around six or six thirty pm depending upon the time of year, past the sailboats and ferries.
They paddle around the islands for an hour or so.
Some stop for a while in the bird sanctuary and some head off for maneuvers through branch choked narrow passages.
The scenery is stunning. There are herons and night herons, cormorans and other birds and we once spotted a mink.
Returning to the Harbourfront as the sun is ducking behind the clouds, sun magically glinting on the water, and the purple lights blinking on to illuminate the Rogers Center is magical.
The equipment is top of the line.
There is generally a barbecue after the social paddles where everyone winds down.
The center also has group and individual rentals and offers lessons.
TIP--buy a book of tickets for the season and get coupons for reduced parking at the lot across the street. Bring suntan lotion and plenty to drink.
I generally drive down early, to avoid rush hour, and pack a picnic to enjoy at the waters edge before the group gets started.
There are bathrooms--the center could seriously use some changing rooms.
I discovered Dave and this group several years ago when my husband died suddenly and I found myself without a paddling partner.
I originally got hooked on the social paddles and last year progressed to a few intermediate paddles, which were quite awesome.
The group is wonderful--one sees many of the same faces each season.
Forty or fifty kayaks and a stray canoe or two head out in a pack for the Toronto Islands around six or six thirty pm depending upon the time of year, past the sailboats and ferries.
They paddle around the islands for an hour or so.
Some stop for a while in the bird sanctuary and some head off for maneuvers through branch choked narrow passages.
The scenery is stunning. There are herons and night herons, cormorans and other birds and we once spotted a mink.
Returning to the Harbourfront as the sun is ducking behind the clouds, sun magically glinting on the water, and the purple lights blinking on to illuminate the Rogers Center is magical.
The equipment is top of the line.
There is generally a barbecue after the social paddles where everyone winds down.
The center also has group and individual rentals and offers lessons.
TIP--buy a book of tickets for the season and get coupons for reduced parking at the lot across the street. Bring suntan lotion and plenty to drink.
I generally drive down early, to avoid rush hour, and pack a picnic to enjoy at the waters edge before the group gets started.
There are bathrooms--the center could seriously use some changing rooms.
Written April 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roaminjuliet
Dubai, United Arab Emirates415 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I cannot ask for a better instructor than Cheryl. It was my very first kayaking session and I knew nothing about kayaking. Cheryl explains everything in such a logical way that it was easy for me to understand. Her best character is her ability to break down someone’s worry and fear and make them go away. Most people, including me, has fear of flipping over. In the beginning we got over that by her telling me what to do when that happens and explanation about how stable the kayak is. After that I could relax and really focus on learning the skills. We learned quite a few things in our 3.5 hour session. I probably am not ready for a big trip yet, but I definitely got hooked.
Written June 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam C
1 contribution
Aug 2017 • Couples
Harborfront Canoe and Kayak is ideally located for a great paddle around the harbour and the islands. Make sure you bring sunscreen, baseball cap and a sense of adventure and you are sure to have fun. Looking forward to a great 2018 season.
Written May 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nic P
29 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
My friend was visiting from New York city and he is an outdoors enthusiast. We pre-booked the tandem kayaks 3 days in advance because they tend to book up fast in the summer. The price for 2 hrs on the water with views of the city and islands is hard to beat! The Kayak centre is very well organized and they help you into your kayak and provide life jackets and a basic explanation of the areas of the harbour to avoid. We paddled over to the islands in about 20 minutes and then explored the channels and smaller islands, including a place called "Doughnut" island because its hollow in the center and water filled. Saw lots of geese and even a rare Blue Heron. We took a short break on the islands and my friend had a swim! The water this time of year is warm. If you are careful you can take some photos from the kayak, just be careful not to drop your cell phone! A money belt is advisable, and swim suit because your clothes eventually get wet. This was a most memorable time on the water, and something you don't get to try everyday!
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
Toronto, Canada188 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
This was a fun, safe and informative canoe trip from Harbourfront to The Toronto Islands. Basic canoeing and safety lessons were given. We paddled across the channel to middle island in a voyager canoe accompanied by an informed guide that provided the steering, the passengers the paddling power. There were stops in bird sanctuaries and on middle island. We spent approx 2.5 hrs on the canoe tour and it was well worth it. An interesting perspective and mode of travel that harkened back to the time when the native and Metis voyagers travelled by canoe. Well worth the money spent!
Written August 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ian
Just to clarify, we offer rentals for those with solid basic kayak & canoe experience Monday to Friday evenings with boats returning 30minutes before sunset. Weekends, all rentals back by 5:30pm. All renters will be assessed on the water to determine if their skills meet the weather/sea state on the harbour on the day of rental.
Re true 'night time paddling', there are a few dates through the season that we offer a guided paddle to the Toronto Islands and back. Check out our Night Cruise paddle under the 'intermediate' section on our website 'paddletoronto'
Thanks
Written June 7, 2016
Is the water generally calm? I am not very experienced and in fact am afraid of water, but I would like to try this if the risk of capsizing is extremely small!
Written March 24, 2016
Hi,
Sorry for the delayed response. Our office is still pre-season and opens to the public May 21st. The tours do not start until the weekend of June 17th.
These beginner friendly trips require no previous paddling experience. The tour is done in what we generically call a voyageur canoe. The fleet consists of 12, 15 and even 17 seat canoes (our larger canoes are 34 feet & 39 feet long). They are very stable and we've never had a capsize. We also cancel trips if we feel that the conditions would make the experience unpleasant for the participants...even though the canoe would be very capable of even more challenging water conditions etc. A full refund will be offered or just reschedule to another date.
Even if weather on the day is calm and pristine - if, when you arrive, you feel uncomfortable and wish to leave, we will offer a full refund.
Hope this helps and feel free to email our office if you have other questions.
Happy Paddling.
Richard
Written May 15, 2016
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.