8 Best Places To Stand Up Paddle Board in Canada

8 Best Places To Stand Up Paddle Board in Canada

What are the best places to go stand up paddle board in Canada? In this article we will discuss and share with you some of the premium destinations for beginners and those that are experienced paddlers.

Canada is an enormous country with stunning scenery from coast to coast. It has 46 National Parks, 561 lakes and borders with three oceans meaning that there is no shortage of locations for outdoor activities, including water sports. With a varied landscape of majestic mountains, rolling plains, forested valleys and beautiful blue lakes you will not struggle to find an abundance of amazing locations to paddle board, lets check out our top 8.

Top 8 Stand Up Paddle Board Destinations in Canada

  • Lake Manicouagan, Quebec

  • Haida Gwaii, BC

  • Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario

  • Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario

  • Moraine Lake, Alberta

  • Maligne Lake, Alberta

  • Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario

  • Kalamalka Lake, BC

 

10 Best PFD Personal Flotation Devices For SUP

1. Lake Manicouagan – Quebec Canada

SUP Paddle Boarding in Lake Manicouagan Quebec Canada

This is actually a natural reservoir created more than 200 million years ago by the impact of a 5km diameter meteor.

It is the second largest natural lake in Quebec and is located in the southeastern part of the province about 140 km from the Labrador border.

This is an amazingly calm body of water for a paddle, it is surrounded by gorgeous rock formations and you will undoubtedly enjoy the view.

Why Visit Lake Manicouagan in Quebec Canada?

  • It is a natural phenomenon.
  • Great for experienced paddlers.
  • Perfect for those that like destinations off the grid.

2. Haida Gwaii – British Columbia

SUP stand up paddle boarding in Haida Gwaii British Columbia

Also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands this is an archipelago off BC’s west coast. Haida Gwaii is filled with diverse plant and animal life, dramatic storm battered landscapes and endless stand up paddle boarding opportunities.

The island waters are a seasonal home for grey whales, Orcas, seals, sea lions and porpoises.

A popular expedition is a multi-day paddle trip to Gwaii Haanas National Park located in the southern islands of Haida Gwaii, which is accessible only by boat or sea plane. You can get to Haida Gwaii by both plane and ferry.

Why Visit Haida Gwaii in British Columbia Canada?

  • It is nicknamed ‘Canada’s Galapogos’.
  • Amazing combination of nature, food and culture.
  • Sight-see plenty of wildlife while paddling.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Haida Gwaii -British Columbia Canada


3. Bruce Peninsula National Park – Ontario Canada

SUP Stand up Paddle boarding in Bruce Peninsula National Park – Ontario Canada
Courtesy of Fathom Paddle Guiding

This national park is located on Southern Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment and is part of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Tobermory, a harbor village on the northern tip of the peninsula features over 20 historic shipwrecks which you can paddle over!

The crystal-clear turquoise water, towering limestone formations, and striking shorelines makes Bruce Peninsula one of Ontario’s most sought after destinations. Bluffs, islands and even a grotto are just some of the things that make this place so amazing.

You can paddle the entire shoreline of the Georgian Bay finding an endless array of beautiful views, sights and photo opportunities.

A sunset paddle is not something to be missed here! There are plenty of locations to rent gear, take lessons and book guided explorations in Bruce Peninsula.

Why Visit Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario Canada?

  • An abundance of beautiful locations to paddle.
  • Caribbean colored waters paired with dramatic landscapes.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Bruce Peninsula National Park Canada

4. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – Ontario Canada

SUP paddle boarding in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Ontario Canada

An amazing destination that offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior, many spectacular geological features, diverse wildlife, camping and cabins.

Sleeping Giant is a picturesque park located on the Sibley Peninsula in Northwestern Ontario, east of Thunder Bay.

The peninsula itself is 52 km long and 10 km wide. A popular route to paddle is the 12 km stretch from Silver Islet to the parks southern tip.

In Thunder Bay you will find an array of sporting stores that you can rent boards and gear. Spectacular beaches, stunning shorelines and amazing sunsets make this a paddling paradise!

Why Visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Ontario Canada?

  • Tons of campgrounds and hiking trails.
  • Panoramic views while you are stand up paddle boarding.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Canada


5. Moraine Lake – Alberta Canada

SUP Paddle Boarding in Moraine Lake Alberta Canada

This is a glacially fed lake in Banff National Park with water a vivid shade of turquoise and absolutely majestic scenery!

It is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and rock piles and has amazingly calm water perfect for paddle boarding.

The striking azure color of the water is created by the refraction of the light off the rock flour deposited in the lake by the surrounding glaciers.

Moraine Lake is 14 km from the town of Lake Louise and is open from May to October, depending on the weather.

With the chance to spot some of the iconic Canadian wildlife, ample photo opportunities and a jaw-dropping 360-degree view Moraine Lake is a must!

Why Visit Moraine Lake Alberta Canada?

  • It is one of the most photographed lakes in the world.
  • Plenty of nature to site-see while paddling.
  • Glacier fed lake with clear blue water.
  • Rated one of the best destinations for stand up paddle boarding in Canada.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Moraine Lake Alberta Canada


6. Maligne Lake – Alberta Canada

SUP stand up paddle boarding in Maligne Lake Alberta Canada

Located in Jasper National Park, it is famous for its beautiful water, surrounding mountain peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake and the famously photographed Spirit Island.

Maligne Lake is a stunning 45 minute drive from the town of Jasper. The valley in which the lake lies was carved by the surrounding glaciers and the lake itself is about 22 km long.

The geology, wildlife, flora and fauna make this a remarkable destination to stand up paddle board.

Some of wildlife native to the area include grizzly bears, black bears, deer, caribou, wolves, moose and mountain sheep.

Why Visit Maligne Lake in Alberta Canada?

  • Unparalleled natural beauty.
  • Great for paddlers that also like hiking, fishing and camping.
  • Clear and calm waters for beginners that want to try stand up paddle boarding.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Maligne Lake Alberta Canada

7. Lake Superior Provincial Park – Ontario Canada

SUP paddle boarding in Lake Superior Provincial Canada

One of the largest provincial parks in Ontario and easily accessible, this is a spectacular place to paddle board.

The park features diverse scenery including cliffs, beaches, river valleys, waterfalls and inland lakes.

A popular route is to paddle down from Sinclair Cove until you reach Agawa Rock which boasts the famous pictographs of the Ojibwe indigenous people.

The park is located about 1.5 hours north of Sault Ste. Marie and along with paddle boarding opportunities offers camping, hiking, biking, fishing and more!

Why Visit Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario Canada?

  • Cultural and nature significance.
  • Its size offers numerous spots to explore.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario Canada

 

8. Kalamalka Lake – British Columbia Canada

 SUP Paddle boarding in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

Kalamalka is a large lake in the interior plateau of BC, approximately 4 km from Vernon.

At different times of the year the color of the lake can range from cyan to indigo which is why the lake is often referred to as the ‘Lake of a Thousand Colors’.

This glacial lake has numerous beaches, two provincial parks and resorts so there is plenty of choices for accommodation and exploration.

Stand up paddle boards can be rented in nearby Vernon or Kelowna and this lake makes for an easy and beautiful day trip from either location.

Why Visit Kalamalka Lake in British Columbia Canada?

  • Amazing weather for paddling from spring to fall.
  • Made National Geographic’s list of 10 most beautiful lakes in the world.
  • Great for beginners and experienced stand up paddle board enthusiasts.

Best Place To Rent Stand Up Paddle Boards in Kalamalka Lake in British Columbia Canada

Summary

Those are our top 8 SUP destinations in Canada. We have picked the cream of the crop and the best locations that most stand up paddle boarders prefer to visit in the beautiful country of Canada.

Please let us know your favorite locations in Canada to go stand up paddle boarding.

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