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Summary

6 Serene Rivers Near Toronto To Paddle Down That Are Filled With Stunning Views

Paddle your worries away!
Lead Writer, Travel

Float your worries away this summer by taking a trip down a scenic river. There are lots of serene places perfect for paddling, and it's a great way to get outdoors and enjoy Ontario's landscapes from a unique perspective. Call up your strongest paddling buddy and head out to these canoe rivers near Toronto this season.

Ontario has so many beautiful places to explore, and you can view some incredible scenery from the water by paddling along these routes.

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With many places just a day trip away from the city, you can have a canoeing adventure without going too far.

The Grand River stretch between Cambridge and Paris will take you past historic railway ruins that tower over you as you boat around them.

Stratford is another fantastic place to float around. You can drift down the serene Avon River, which is filled with swans and charming views of the town.

Afterwards, you can explore the quaint shops and cool off with some much-deserved ice cream.

You can have an even chiller day on the water by lying back in a tube at one of Ontario's lazy rivers.

Pick up your paddles and explore some of these stunning rivers near Toronto this summer.

Avon River

Price: $25 per hour for canoes

Address: 30 York St., Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: Take a quiet float down the picturesque Avon River. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or ice cream on the patio overlooking the water.

Grand River

Price: Starting at $65 + $10 per person

Address: 142 W River Rd., Brant, ON

Why You Need To Go: Choose from three different routes along the Grand River. The 17.5 kilometre trip between Cambridge and Paris will take you past historic railway ruins.

Nottawasaga River

Price: $45 per person

Address: 1888 Klondike Park Rd., Wasaga Beach, ON

Why You Need To Go: Explore the wilderness surrounding the Nottawasaga River with Free Spirit Tours, where you'll see beavers, swans, and more.

Humber River

Price: $50 + per boat

Address: 9 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke, ON

Why You Need To Go: Take a little nature adventure without leaving the city by drifting along the Humber River.

Otter River

Price: $55 per person

Address: 54004 Calton Ln., Aylmer, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Otter River is a stunning hidden gem surrounded by lush trees and wildlife. The shallow waters make it the perfect place for a relaxing paddle.

Saugeen River

Price: $45 + per day

Address: 193 High St., Southampton, ON

Why You Need To Go: Paddle your way to Lake Huron, where you can enjoy world-famous sunsets from the shores. 

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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