Paddling Niagara Guidebook Our head instructor and staff member, Jamie Bingham, has released a guide book geared towards canoeing and kayaking in the Niagara Region of Ontario. At only $12.95 this is a must for any local paddler or those planning on visiting the area.

     Watersports are one of our main focuses in the spring, summer and fall. We run courses in kayaking and canoeing as well as offering rentals and demo days. If you are looking at getting a boat visit the store where we display a large selection of our even larger inventory. Whether you are looking for a recreational cottage kayak, a kevlar expedition style kayak, a whitewater playboat, a super-light tripping canoe or anything in between, we should be able to satisfy your needs. We are proud to have staff who know what their talking about, this means that we can set you up with a boat that will suit your needs best.

Canoeing - Places to go

Please Note: Lake Gibson is off limits for Canoeing and Kayaking: Ontario Power Generation has decided to start kicking paddlers off Lake Gibson. They have stated that it is partially because of liability and partially because they want to minimize the impact on the sediment of the lake. This comes as a total surprise since paddlers have been using this lake for many years with no problems. We think this is a very unfortunate decision and are not very happy about it, however please understand that you are now considered trespassing if you are accessing Lake Gibson. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

If you are the type that prefers going out for canoeing day trips then Niagara has a good amount to keep you paddling. Many people will take trips out on 15 and 16 Mile Creeks, Jordan Harbour, and Martindale Pond. These are also popular spots for dropping in a line to try and catch some of the local fish. Northern Ontario is definitely  one of the best areas in the world for canoe tripping, with a seemingly endless supply of inter-connected lakes you can go paddling for days without seeing anyone else. There is a large selection of Provincial Parks and crown land areas to get away from it all. For suggested routes we have a good assortment of guide books at the store and we are always willing to share some of our personal favorite routes with our customers.

Kayaking - Places to go

In the Niagara Region there are many places to go if you enjoy kayaking. Touring is expanding by leaps and bounds in our area. The Peninsula Paddlers  is a group of flatwater kayakers who enjoy paddling on day trips in the area as well as multi-day trips all around Ontario and the northern States. To join their group a small fee is collected, but is well worth it for those looking for paddling partners. Popular trips around the area are the Welland and Niagara rivers, 15 and 16 Mile Creek, Martindale Pond, and anywhere along Lake Ontario. 

    If whitewater is what you're looking for then there are a few options. In the spring or after a decent amount of rain, 20 Mile Creek in Jordan comes up with enough water for a solid class II or III run (be careful of strainers and undercut rocks) Also many people will paddle on 12 Mile Creek running through downtown St. Catharines, it is considered trespassing to access the river from Hydro property so paddle here at your own risk. The lower waves (Wellandvale Rapid) is the most popular place to paddle because you can paddle upstream from Martindale Pond for access. This rapid has good surfing and spinning  waves and decent eddy lines depending on water levels. You can also drive to a couple other rivers within 90 minutes, Cattaraugus Creek just south of the border and the Elora Gorge north of Guelph are both good rivers, difficulty ranges depending on water levels.

WHAT WE SELL:
    All styles of kayaks (touring, recreational, sit-on-top, whitewater), Canoes (recreational, tripping, whitewater), Kayak & Canoe paddles, pfd's, sprayskirts, paddling helmets, throw bags, bilge pumps, paddle floats and other safety gear, roof racks, drytops, neoprene wetsuits and tops & bottoms, paddling footwear, paddling gloves and pogies, drybags, pelican cases, guide books.