Ready for a unique summer adventure? Canoeing and kayaking on one of the picturesque local lakes and rivers is a great option. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air and get some exercise, too. Check out our comprehensive list of places you can go canoeing and kayaking in Northeast Ohio. Most offer canoe and kayak rentals, too.
Canoeing & Kayaking on Lake Erie
The North Coast Outpost
Ashtabula County’s only beachfront kayak and paddleboard livery, The North Coast Outpost provides rentals by the hour for a truly unique experience on Lake Erie. They have single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Breakwater Beach in the Geneva State Park, Geneva-on-the-Lake West Site, 6308 Lake Rd. W, Geneva, OH 44041
Call: (440) 251-8048
41o North Coastal Adventures
Single and tandem kayaks can be rented by the hour. They offer access to the Rocky River and Lake Erie (1-mile paddle). Stand-up paddle boards are also available. Reservations are strongly suggested!
1500 Scenic Park Dr., Lakewood, OH 44107
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Great Lakes Watersports
Single and tandem kayaks, boat, and jet ski rentals are available. Kayaks are rented by the hour and can be used on the Cuyahoga River or Lake Erie.
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
Sit-on-top kayaks and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available per hour or you can purchase a 10-hour Paddle Card for the season.
301 Huntington Beach Dr., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
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West River Paddling Company
Canoes, single kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented for an hour, half a day (2.5-4 hr block), or a full day (8 hr block). Guided trips and lessons are available. Each paddler will receive prior instruction for their kayak, canoe, or paddleboard before setting off.
655 W. River Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
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Canoeing & Kayaking on the Cuyahoga River
Crooked River Adventures
Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. Trips are by 24-hour reservation!
13468 Main Market Rd., Burton, OH 44021
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A Short Adventure
Canoes and single/double kayaks are available for a 2 or 3-hour river adventure.
3025 OH-303, Mantua, OH 44255
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Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak
Canoes, single or tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards can be rented. Trips range from 1 to 6 hours and are suitable for beginner to experienced paddlers.
12274 Abbott Rd., Hiram, OH 44234
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Burning River Adventures
Burning River Adventures offers kayak trips on the heritage portion of the Cuyahoga River (Kent to Cuyahoga Falls). Daily Single/Tandem kayak rentals and season passes are available, as well as short, medium, and long trips. Reservations are required.
2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on the Tuscarawas River
Canal Fulton Canoe Livery
Canoes and single kayaks are available. Look for discounts on select days. There is also a pavilion for rent, camping, and mini golf, which makes this a great weekend getaway.
219 W. Cherry St., Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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Trailhead Canoe Livery
Canoes or kayaks can be rented. They also offer two Pedal & Paddle options (3-mile and 6-mile), which include bike rental. Open Tuesday through Sunday, from April-October – plus Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day! Reservations are required.
135 Lake Ave. NW, Massillon, OH 44647
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Canoeing & Kayaking on the Grand River
Grand River Canoe Livery
This family-owned company offers trips ranging from one hour to one week to meet everyone’s abilities and needs. Car-top canoe rentals are also available by the day or week.
3825 Fobes Rd., Rock Creek, OH 44084
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Canoeing & Kayaking on Hinkley Lake
CLOSED: Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store
Starting September 18, 2023, Hinckley Lake will close for dam rehabilitation. It will begin with the temporary draining of the lake. The project requires that the lake remain drained until the dam rehabilitation is completed, which is expected by Summer 2026 based on the current schedule and funding.
1 Metropolitan Park W, Hinckley, OH 44233
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Ladue Reservoir
No confirmed locations at this time.
Canoeing & Kayaking on Findley Lake
Findley State Park
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, kayaks and canoes can be rented Mondays and Friday-Sunday from the beach concession.
25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Lake Glacier
Mill Creek Metroparks
Kayaks and pedal boats can be rented at Lake Glacier Boathouse on West Glacier Drive. Open Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Lake Glacier Boathouse: 41.0976488, -80.6781474
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Sippo Lake
Sippo Lake Marina
Canoes, single-person kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats are all part of the marina’s livery. Reservations are not needed for boat rentals as they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Dale Walborn Reservoir
Walborn Reservoir Marina
Canoes, single-person kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and motorboats are all part of the marina’s livery. Reservations are not needed for boat rentals as they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Portage Lakes
Killinit Kayaks
Offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals on any of the Portage Lakes. Make your reservations online.
3803 State Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on the Mahoning River
CLOSED: Mahoning River Adventures
***Plan to reopen post-dam removal. Please visit our Cuyahoga Falls or Akron Locations in 2025!***
Mahoning River Adventures offers kayak trips on the Mahoning River. Hourly rentals and season passes are also available.
Canoe City Metro Park, 75 N. Leavitt Rd. NW, Leavittsburg, OH 44430
Website
Canoeing & Kayaking on Mosquito Lake
Mosquito Lake Marina & Boat Rental
Explore the expansive views and serene beauty of Mosquito Lake with a fun and relaxing kayak rental. Rent single and tandem kayaks. Pontoon and fishing boat rentals are also available.
1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd., Cortland, OH 44410
Website
Location Flexible Canoeing & Kayaking
River Cruiser Kayaking Mobile Service
River Cruiser Kayaking is a mobile kayak tour agency serving Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Learn how to kayak or tour some of the best water trails in the nation. By appointment only. Meet-up locations are provided when your trip is booked.
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Places to go Canoeing and Kayaking in Northeast Ohio
Find Canoeing Near Me or Kayaking Near Me
Tips for Going Canoeing and Kayaking
Plan now which park or location to visit – A successful trip often starts with good planning. Use our list to choose which parks or locations have the activities and amenities that will be the most enjoyable for your family. You may want to make your own bucket list of locations to visit this year and have fun checking them off as you go.
Set realistic expectations with your kids – Water activities are a lot of fun, but they can make kids a bit nervous, especially if it’s their first time. Consider discussing what to expect and water safety in advance, then reassure them that the experience can be a lot of fun even if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Check the forecast before you go – The weather can change quickly, and locations will close activities if the water is potentially unsafe. Be sure to call or check their website before heading out, especially if the weather forecast doesn’t look promising.
Protect your kids (and yourself!) from the sun – Lakes and rivers generally offer limited shade, so be sure to load up with sunscreen, reapply after getting very wet, and consider wearing a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Prepare for the weather (and recent weather) – Depending on the time you choose to go and the planned length of your visit, consider wearing layers so everyone is comfortable even in the cooler morning or evening hours. You may even want to bring a change of clothes for the drive home.
Pack your own snacks – Pack plenty of drinks and snacks. It can be part of the fun to pack a lunch or a cooler of your favorites. If you’d prefer to purchase food, check to see if the park or location offers a concession stand, and consider calling ahead to find out the type of concessions available.
Be sure to bring some cash money – Some locations offer additional activities like paddle boats and mini-golf for a small fee, so be sure to bring some cash money in case they don’t accept credit cards.
Remember your camera – Water adventures are often miles of amazing beauty. Make sure your phone is charged and protected with a waterproof case to capture the natural beauty of the lake or river and the beautiful photo opportunities they provide.
I go kayaking and canoeing in Stark Co. at the Bolivar Canoe Rental. Their sign-in area is just across the Tuscarawas Co. border at I-77 but the section of river is in Stark Co. it’s A wilderness part of the river. I’ve never seen a house from the river. Just trees and wildlife (4 legged & winged kind). Fishing is great too.