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Local's guide: Canada's best waterfront activities and chill spots

Best water sports in Canada

Local's guide: Canada's best waterfront activities and chill spots

Canada offers up unique experiences that you won't find in any guidebook -- you just have to know where to find them. To help you explore like a local, we've asked friends from across the country to share their top spots and experiences from the cities they call home. Bundled by interest or passion, consider this your local's guide to travelling through the country's vibrant cities and boundless wilderness.

 

Thanks to Tamara ElliottExternal Link Title, Julia WeberExternal Link Title, and Callum SnapeExternal Link Title for their local tips.

Most of Canada’s large cities and towns are nestled into beautiful rivers, harbours, bays, and seaside. Canadians are always finding new ways to use — and chill out on — our waterways.

Oasis Surf - Montreal

Ride the urban wave

You don't have to be on the coast to surf -- head to Oasis SurfExternal Link Title in Montreal to ride some waves indoors. Once you've worked up an appetite, they also have a full-service restaurant so you can fuel up for another ride. Seasoned surfer? Drop-in (literally). New to the waves? Sign up an introductory session.

Twillingate Adventure Tours - Newfoundland and Labrador

Ice ice, baby

The only way to see Newfoundland is from the water. This Maritime province is home to some of the most beautiful and rugged coastline and Twillingate Adventure ToursExternal Link Title provides the perfect way to explore. In the heart of Iceberg Alley (yes, it can be as chilly as it sounds!), you'll be treated to breathtaking views, whales, and of course, icebergs. 

River Surfing - Calgary

Ride the Bow

Yes, Calgary is located about 950 kilometres from the ocean, but you can still make a splash when you book a surf lesson at Rocky Mountain River SurfingExternal Link Title. Surfing the river has become a sort of local pastime and these guys make it super fun. The unique confluence of Calgary's Bow and Elbow Rivers means there are waves to catch if you can find the balance.

Paddle board the Rideau - Ottawa

Cruise the canal

There's no better cure for a hot summer day than paddle boarding or canoeing the iconic Rideau CanalExternal Link Title. It's easy to pick up and there are plenty of stops on the canal where you can rent a paddle board, canoe, kayak, or even paddle boat. Afterwards head to Little ItalyExternal Link Title and refuel at one of the many restaurants. One of our local tipster's neighbourhood favourites isn't Italian at all, but EVOO Greek KitchenExternal Link Title.

Poolside yoga at Hotel Arts - Calgary

Give dolphin pose a new meaning

There's yoga and then there's poolside yoga. Grab a mat and head to hip Hotel ArtsExternal Link Title, a beautiful boutique hotel in downtown Calgary. They boast the city's most happening outdoor poolExternal Link Title. Classes are held every weekend during summer and the hotel also offers free bike rentals for guests who want to explore Calgary on two wheels. Cool off after your yoga session with a dip in the pool and one of their trademark pineapple mojitos. Or two.

Lynn Canyon - Vancouver

Vancouver’s favourite swimming hole

A quick 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver will already have you deep in the temperate rainforests of British ColumbiaExternal Link Title. Stop by Lynn CanyonExternal Link Title, walk the 45-metre high suspension bridge, and take your first left to discover one of the best local natural swimming spots. Pack snacks and beverages (forget the cooler -- you can keep them cold in the water) and enjoy this only-in-Vancouver experience.

Standup paddle boarding - Yukon

Say what’s up to this water sport

Take advantage of the summer by exploring the waterways of this breathtaking territory by way of paddle board. The glassy waters and serene surroundings make for a great adventure. SUP YukonExternal Link Title offers lessons, rentals, and even paddle board yoga. If you're up for a challenge, head out on the water and strike a pose while you maintain your balance. It'll be worth the photo, we promise.

Yoga on Parliament Hill - Ottawa

Where locals wanna asana

Ottawa's extraordinary Parliament HillExternal Link Title serves as the riverside backdrop for a weekly summer yoga sessionExternal Link Title. Hosted at noon every Wednesday, the free session is hosted by local teachers and is attended by hundreds of yogis of all levels. It's good for your chakras.

Deep Cove - Vancouver

Kayak the Cove

Deep CoveExternal Link Title - known locally as just "The Cove" - is located just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver at the base of Mount SeymourExternal Link Title. The cozy waterfront community lies in a beautiful bay overlooking Burrard InletExternal Link Title and Indian ArmExternal Link Title. Visitors can rent a kayak from the marina and cruise across the water. Sometimes whales even stop by to hang. Our local tipster recommends adventuring up Indian Arm to float the day away with friends before making the short hike up Quarry RockExternal Link Title to watch the sunset.

 

 

Canada was founded on its majestic waterways. Today, Canadians are still finding new ways to enjoy and explore our backyard through its rivers, bays, and seas.