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By now, you guy probably know that I’m pretty frugal when it comes it getting my gear. It can be expensive to “get out there,” but it doesn’t ALWAYS have to be. One mistake that I see people making constantly is going out and buying brand new gear, and then never using it! Don’t be those people! Instead, if you think you MIGHT be into kayaking or canoeing, rent one and try it out.
Below, I’ve listed some spots in and around Ottawa that you can rent a boat from. And in some cases, a (SUP) board!
Dow’s Lake Pavilion
Location: Near Little Italy (45.395876, -75.707856)
For Rent: Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboats, and SUP Boards
Cost: Varies based on what you rent. From $16 for the first hour + $12 for every additional hour to $30 for the first hour + $12 for every additional hour.
SUP Boards are the cheapest to rent, and two-person kayaks are the most expensive.
Paddling: Paddling on Dow’s Lake is calm and easy, with beautiful parks on either side of the lake.
NCC at Lac Philippe
Location: Gatineau Park (45.607292, -76.009013)
For Rent: Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboats, and SUP Boards
Cost: Varies based on how long you rent. From $22 for the first hour and a half + $5 for each additional hour. Tandem kayaks and SUP boards start at $27.
Paddling: Lac Philippe is a big lake with lots to explore! The size of the lake means that water could get choppy on windy days. Nearby is the Lusk Cave, a unique spot to visit that shouldn’t be missed.
*Rentals currently on hold due to COVID-19.
NCC at Lac La Pêche
Location: Gatineau Park (45.622409, -76.178150)
For Rent: Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboats.
Cost: Varies based on how long you rent. From $22 for the first hour and a half + $5 for each additional hour. Tandem kayaks and SUP boards are only available at Lac Philippe.
Paddling: Lac La Pêche is a big lake, with campsites! If you want try out canoe/kayak camping and don’t own your own boat, this could easily be the easiest location for you to do so.
*Rentals currently on hold due to COVID-19.
Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak
Location: West End (45.384882, -76.252905)
For Rent: Canoes and Kayaks.
Cost: Rentals done by the day. $35 or $40 depending on the boat you want to rent. Multi-day rentals available.
Paddling: Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak isn’t located on a body of water, so you can take your rental anywhere you’d like!
Oziles’ Marina Rentals
Location: Petrie Island (45.500319, -75.484597)
For Rent: Canoes and Kayaks.
Cost: $15 per hour.
Paddling: Paddle from the Marina onto the Ottawa River and explore Petrie Island!
Sport Échange
Location: Outaouais (45.500319, -75.484597)
For Rent: Canoes, Kayaks, and SUP Boards.
Cost: Daily rentals from $35-$45 depending on the boat you rent.
Paddling: Sport Échange is not on a body of water, so it’s better for when you want to take your rental out of town anyways!
Ottawa Beaches
Location:
Petrie Island (45.505370, -75.491750)
Mooney’s Bay (45.367653, -75.692008)
Westboro Beach (45.396309, -75.761558)
For Rent: SUP Boards.
Cost: $22 per hour.
Paddling: Each beach is on the Ottawa River so you could paddle (practically) forever if you wanted to! Be mindful of current and changing weather patterns.
Paddle Fit
Location: Outaouais (45.504072, -75.811466)
For Rent: SUP Boards.
Cost: $10 per hour (minimum 3 hour rental, doesn’t include a PFD).
Paddling: Paddle Fit provides rentals but also runs classes so you can learn how to paddle safely- there are different classes designed for beginners through to those who want to learn how to surf on the Ottawa River! They also offer SUP yoga classes. Paddle Fit can set up your car with carriers, or arrange for transportation to where you are, making it super convenient to rent from them.
Ottawa SUP
Location: On the Rideau River at Billings Bridge (45.390187, -75.679004)
For Rent: SUP Boards.
Cost: Hourly and daily rentals available. Hourly rates from $20 with each additional hour only $10. Daily rentals starting from $40.
Paddling: Ottawa SUP is right on the Rideau River, so you can walk your board to the shoreline immediately. They also provide car kits for you to rent and drive your board further away. Private lessons, group classes, and yoga classes available as well. Dogs and kids welcome!
MEC also does rentals, and many Centres du Plein Air in Outaouias (like Lac Leamy) have rentals available as well. This information will be updated as 2020 rental rates become available.
Happy paddling!
Ruckify is also a great option!
How about updating this page to reflect Covid closures?