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Best kayak and SUP destinations in North America

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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Pristine lakes, untouched wilderness paradise
8.4
Quiet and wild, this wilderness in northern Minnesota has more than 1,000 lakes linked by portages. Paddlers camp at remote sites and carry canoes or kayaks between lakes on short trails. Motorboats are banned on most lakes, so the area stays quiet. Overnight trips need a permit that should be booked months ahead.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Discover waterfalls like Devil’s Cascade and Johnson Falls
  • 🥾 Hike to Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest point
  • 🛶 Go on an overnight canoe camping trip through lakes
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
8.9
Located at the northwest end of the main Hawaiian islands, this island has sea cliffs, rivers and bays. The Wailua River is calm for kayaking and SUP and leads to Secret Falls. Hanalei Bay is a popular SUP spot on the north shore in summer. Na Pali sea kayaking is for experts in summer only.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
  • 🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
  • 🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon
Glacier Bay National Park
Majestic glaciers and pristine wilderness
9.3
Covering about 3.3 million acres in southeast Alaska, this national park is part of a huge World Heritage area. Kayakers can camp in the backcountry after a drop off by boat from Bartlett Cove. Tidewater glaciers such as Margerie Glacier calve ice into the bay. Backcountry camping needs a free permit and a short orientation.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♂️ Kayak among tidewater glaciers in coves
  • 🏔️ Hike to Columbia Glacier viewpoint
  • 🐋 Cruise Inside Passage, spot humpback whales
Voyageurs National Park
Watery wilderness of northern Minnesota
8.0
This park is named for the voyageurs, French Canadian fur traders who paddled birch bark canoes through the region. Paddlers today use the same lakes, with island campsites and quiet bays on Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake. About 40 percent of the park is water. It is also an International Dark Sky Park.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Paddle a canoe through the peaceful waterways and explore wildlife
  • 🌌 Witness the breathtaking northern lights over pristine lakes
  • 🚣‍♂️ Explore hidden islands by boat and camp overnight
Gulf Islands
Sunlit islands with lush rainforest trails
9.4
Unlike the open Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, these islands have sheltered channels that suit beginners. Salt Spring, Galiano and Pender Islands have rental shops and guided trips. Harbour seals, sea lions and sometimes orcas can be seen from the water. Many paddlers camp at small marine park sites such as Montague Harbour.
Highlights:
  • 🍤 Savor fresh sea‑food at a waterfront dockside restaurant on Salt Spring Island
  • 🏞️ Hike to the summit of Mount Elgin for panoramic island views
  • 🛶 Kayak through the emerald fjords surrounding Galiano
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
8.9
Set in the far northwest of North America, this state has more than 50,000 kilometres of tidal shoreline. Kayakers paddle past tidewater glaciers, sea otters and humpback whales in Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound. Guided day trips leave from Seward, Whittier and Valdez. Cold water is a risk, so beginners should book guided trips.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
  • 🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
  • 🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
8.5
Summers are dry and mild in this city, with highs near 22 degrees Celsius from July to August. Winters are wet and mild, so most paddlers go between May and September. Deep Cove has calm water, forested hills and kayak hire in Indian Arm. False Creek and English Bay are popular for SUP near downtown.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore Granville Island’s public market and artisan shops
  • 🚡 Take a gondola up Grouse Mountain for city views
  • 🚴‍♀️ Walk or cycle around scenic Stanley Park’s seawall
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Compared with most paddling spots in North America, this state has warm sea water all year. Kayakers and SUP paddlers can see turtles, dolphins and, in winter, humpback whales. North facing shores are rough in winter, so beginners prefer sheltered bays on the south and west sides.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
8.8
Lahaina on this island was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom until 1845. Makena and Maluaka Beach have calm morning water for kayaks and SUP, with turtles near shore. Humpback whales visit from December to April so paddlers must keep 100 yards away. Winds are lighter in the morning, so many tours start early.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit
Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
8.9
Lively and varied, this island mixes city beaches in Honolulu with calm bays on the windward coast. Kailua Bay is popular for kayak trips to the Mokulua Islands off Lanikai. Waikiki has gentle waves for learning stand up paddle boarding and surfing. Rental shops near each beach offer lessons and equipment.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and soak up sun
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant fish at Hanauma Bay Marine Park
  • 🌄 Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sunrise views
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
8.2
Jesuit missionaries founded a mission at Loreto in 1697, on the Sea of Cortez coast of this state. Today Loreto Bay National Park has calm water for kayaking. From La Paz, kayakers can paddle around Espíritu Santo Island, a protected island with sea lions. Grey whales visit Pacific lagoons from January to March.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Balandra
  • 🐋 Watch grey whales breach near the lagoons of Magdalena Bay
  • 🦈 Swim alongside whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz
Greenland
Arctic wilderness with ice landscapes
8.8
Arctic hunters, including Inuit in this country, developed the kayak, called qajaq, for hunting seals. Traditional kayak rolling is still taught and practised in Greenland's towns. Guided kayak trips near Ilulissat and in southern fjords pass icebergs and mountains. Summer from June to August is the paddling season, with long daylight.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Experience the magic of the midnight sun on a boat cruise
  • 🥾 Hike the rugged terrain of Kangerlussuaq and visit the Arctic Tundra
  • ❄️ Marvel at the floating icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, UNESCO World Heritage site
Ottawa
Canada's green and cultural capital
7.6
As the capital of Canada, this city sits where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. The canal is a World Heritage site and a calm place to paddle in summer. Rentals for kayaks and SUP boards are available at Dow's Lake. Skating on the canal is a winter tradition.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant ByWard Market with food and crafts
  • ⛸️ Skate or boat along the scenic Rideau Canal
  • 🏛️ Tour Parliament Hill and experience the Changing of the Guard
Grand Canyon
Majestic chasm carved by time
Temperatures in the inner canyon often pass 40 degrees Celsius in summer, so spring and autumn suit river trips. The Colorado River is cold all year because dam water is released from deep in the reservoir. Calm paddling is available upstream in Glen Canyon near Page. Rapids in the canyon are for experts.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Take a scenic helicopter flight over the rim
  • 🥾 Hike the Bright Angel Trail into the canyon
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise from Mather Point overlook
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