Ultimate Canoeing Tips and Questions

/ Wild Current Outfitters/

Canoeing is an amazing adventure and a great way to get out and enjoy nature, no matter if you’re a beginner or an expert. This activity can be enjoyed by anyone; the more you practice, the better you become! We’ve put together some commonly asked questions about canoeing to help better prepare beginners for their first time out on the water, and to hopefully help them feel more comfortable trying out this incredible water activity. 

Canoeing Basics

1. What gear do I need for canoeing?

If you’re heading out on the water for a few hours of canoeing, the gear you will need includes:

  • Life jackets

  • Extra paddle

  • Signaling device (whistle or mirror)

  • Throw bag

  • Bailer

  • Dry bag for your other gear (like your phone, extra jacket)

  • Snacks

For a more in-depth look at a canoeing gear list, check out REI’s checklist!

Of course, if you’re doing a multi-day paddle, the gear required for canoeing may look a little different (such as more food, shelter, etc.).

2. What are the best places to go canoeing?

Canoeing on lakes is very popular, especially in the early morning as the water will be the most calm and your surroundings will be the most peaceful. Rivers can be another popular place to canoe, but make sure to do your research in advance to ensure it is safe.

3. Is it more difficult in the front or the back of the canoe?

Because canoes are steered from the back, it can be a more difficult position to be in the back of the canoe if you’re unfamiliar with how to steer. This means the stronger paddler should typically be at the back of the canoe (the stern). 

4. Is it easy to tip over a canoe?

Tipping a canoe can actually be pretty hard if you’re on calm waters (no motorized boats, nice weather/no strong winds), and if the people in the canoe remain calm as well (limiting standing and moving around the canoe). If you’re nervous about your canoe tipping, plan to head out on your first adventure early in the morning, when the water is the calmest, and bring someone who is familiar with canoeing if possible!

Canoeing in Jasper National Park

5. What are the best places to go canoeing in Jasper?

The two most popular lakes to go canoeing in Jasper are Pyramid Lake and Maligne Lake. There are boat rentals available at both lakes. Wild Current Outfitters offers guided canoe experiences on Pyramid Lake, and canoe rentals at the Maligne Lake shore (just remember to book in advance!). If you’re interested in birding from the canoe, make sure to sign up for the guided canoeing experience!

6. What is the best time of year to go canoeing in Jasper?

The best time of year to go canoeing is Jasper is late Spring (late May/early June) - fall (mid September depending on snowfall), with peak season being in summertime (July and August). Lakes are frozen in the Canadian Rockies during winter, meaning canoeing is not possible!

7. Can you canoe on Maligne Lake?

Yes! Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is one of the prettiest lakes to canoe on. Spend the day paddling around the lake, make a day out of it and paddle all the way to Spirit Island (a long day!) or plan to venture out on a multi-day canoe backcountry camping trip (just make sure you book a campsite in advance!).

8. What time of day is best for Maligne Lake?

The absolute best time to go canoeing on Maligne Lake is early in the morning. The earlier you get to Maligne Lake, the calmer the water will be, there will be way less people out on the water or exploring the lakeshore, and you have a better chance at spotting animals. The tour boats that cause waves in the lake also start around 9am, so if you can get on the water before then, you’ll have a much more relaxing experience.

Keep in mind that the Maligne Lake Boathouse does not open for canoe rentals until around 9am. If you want to get on the water before that, you can rent a canoe from us (Wild Current Outfitters) or bring your own canoe. If you’re renting from us, please make sure to get your requests in early so we can make sure we have a canoe set aside for you on the day you’re planning to head out.

Do you see the eagle on the shore? This was taken during the early morning at Maligne Lake.

9. What wildlife could I see canoeing in Jasper?

Jasper National Park is home to a ton of wildlife, and by getting out on a canoe you have the chance to view wildlife from a safe distance and away from the majority of Jasper’s crowds. From the canoe you have the chance to see eagles, moose, deer, elk, and even bears along the shore. Remember, wildlife is wild and an animal sighting is never guaranteed! The best time of day to see animals in Jasper is during the early morning.

10. How to camp at Maligne Lake?

There are 3 campgrounds located at Maligne Lake in Jasper. To camp at Maligne Lake, you’ll need to book one of the campgrounds far in advance when reservations open (usually sometime in January/February/March), or watch for camping cancellations leading up to your planned trip. The campgrounds at Maligne Lake are only accessible by boat, which means you’ll have to rent a canoe or kayak to paddle yourself to the campsites. Make sure to book your canoe once you’ve secured your campsite, to make sure you have a way to get there!

Hopefully these canoeing tips and questions help you prepare for your first time out on the water. Don’t forget to stop paddling sometimes and just relax and enjoy your surroundings while out on the water - it’s the best part!


Would you rather have a guide take you around one of Jasper’s most popular lakes (meaning you don’t have to paddle!)? Check out our Guided Canoe Tour at Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park.

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